CATECHU: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Catechu is a plant in the Mimosaceae or Rubiaceae family. There are two types: black catechu and pale catechu. It's been traditionally used in Ayurveda.

Catechu contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and pain. They might also have antiviral and antibacterial effects.

People use catechu for muscle soreness after exercise, osteoarthritis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for CATECHU overview.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. One specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing a mixture of catechu and Baikal skullcap has been linked to serious side effects. In 2017, the US FDA recalled this product. It's unclear if these effects were due to catechu, Baikal skullcap, or the combination.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgery: Catechu might lower blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using catechu at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CATECHU
Catechu might lower blood pressure. Taking catechu along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with CATECHU
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Catechu might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Theophylline interacts with CATECHU
Catechu might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down theophylline. Taking catechu with theophylline might increase the side effects from theophylline.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CATECHU
Catechu can increase or decrease the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, also decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking catechu along with these medications might interfere with their effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of catechu might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Al-Mohizea AM, Raish M, Ahad A, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of Acacia catechu with CYP1A substrate theophylline in rabbits. J Tradit Chin Med 2015;35(5):588-93. View abstract.

Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Bitto A, et al. Flavocoxid, a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, blunts pro-inflammatory phenotype activation in endotoxin-stimulated macrophages. Br J Pharmacol 2009;157:1410-18. View abstract.

Arjmandi BH, Ormsbee LT, Elam ML, et al. A combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu for short-term symptomatic relief of joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. J Med Food 2014;17(6):707-13. View abstract.

Burnett BP, Jia Q, Zhao Y, Levy RM. A medicinal extract of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu acts as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase to reduce inflammation. J Med Food 2007;10:442-51. View abstract.

Chalasani N, Vuppalanchi R, Navarro V, et al. Acute liver injury due to flavocoxid (Limbrel), a medical food for osteoarthritis: a case series. Ann Intern Med 2012;156:857-60. View abstract.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Koga T, Meydani M. Effect of plasma metabolites of (+)-catechin and quercetin on monocyte adhesion to human aortic endothelial cells. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:941-8.. View abstract.

Levy RM, Khokhlov A, Kopenkin S, et al. Efficacy and safety of flavocoxid, a novel therapeutic, compared with naproxen: a randomized multicenter controlled trial in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. Adv Ther 2010;27:731-42. View abstract.

Levy RM, Saikovsky R, Shmidt E, et al. Flavocoxid is as effective as naproxen for managing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee in humans: a short-term randomized, double-blind pilot study. Nutr Res 2009;29:298-304. View abstract.

Li RW, Myers SP, Leach DN, et al. A cross-cultural study: anti-inflammatory activity of Australian and Chinese plants. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;85:25-32. View abstract.

Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Moreland L, et al. The safety of flavocoxid, a medical food, in the dietary management of knee osteoarthritis. J Med Food 2009;12:1143-8. View abstract.

Nutan, Modi M, Dezzutti CS, et al. Extracts from Acacia catechu suppress HIV-1 replication by inhibiting the activities of the viral protease and Tat. Virol J 2013;10:309. View abstract.

Papafragkakis C, Ona MA, Reddy M, et al. Acute hepatitis after ingestion of a preparation of chinese skullcap and black catechu for joint pain. Case Reports Hepatol 2016;2016:4356749. View abstract.

PL-Detail Document, Liver Toxicity and Limbrel. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. September 2012.

Reichenbach S, Juni P. Medical food and food supplements: not always as safe as generally assumed. Ann Intern Med 2012;156:894-5. View abstract.

Saha MR, Dey P, Begum S, et al. Effect of Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. on oxidative stress with possible implications in alleviating selected cognitive disorders. PLoS One 2016;11(3):e0150574. View abstract.

Sham JS, Chiu KW, Pang PK. Hypotensive action of Acacia catechu. Planta Med 1984;50:177-80. View abstract.

Sunil MA, Sunitha VS, Ashitha A, et al. Catechin rich butanol fraction extracted from Acacia catechu L. (a thirst quencher) exhibits immunostimulatory potential. J Food Drug Anal. 2019;27(1):195-207. View abstract.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Alerts Consumers About Potentially Life-Threatening Health Problems Linked to Limbrel. December 19, 2017. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alerts-consumers-about-potentially-life-threatening-health-problems-linked-limbrel. Accessed on September 1, 2021.

Yimam M, Brownell L, Hodges M, et al. Analgesic effects of a standardized bioflavonoid composition from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu. J Diet Suppl 2012;9(3):155-65. View abstract.

Yimam M, Burnett BP, Brownell L, et al. Clinical and preclinical cognitive function improvement after oral treatment of a botanical composition composed of extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu. Behav Neurol 2016;2016:7240802. View abstract.

Yimam M, Talbott SM, Talbott JA, Brownell L, Jia Q. AmLexin, a standardized blend of Acacia catechu and Morus alba, shows benefits to delayed onset muscle soreness in healthy runners. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2018;22(4):20-31. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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CATECHU - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CATECHU

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with CATECHU

Theophylline interacts with CATECHU

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CATECHU

Dosing

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CATECHU - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with CATECHU

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with CATECHU

Theophylline interacts with CATECHU

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CATECHU

Dosing

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