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

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.

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

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.