Catechu, obtained from the heartwood (see Other Uses below) is an indispensible ingredient of 'paan', a slightly narcotic chewing mixture containing betel leaf (Piper betle) and betel palm seed (Areca spp.) [301 ]. The seeds contain water-soluble mucilage (6.8%); they are a good protein source but are nutritionally incomplete with respect to essential amino acids[303 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Black catechu is a bitter-sweet antiseptic and astringent herb, the leaves, young shoots and bark of which are often used to check bleeding and discharges[238 ]. The plant is strongly astringent, encouraging clotting of the blood and reducing excess mucous in the nose, large bowel or vagina[254 ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of conditions such as dysentery, chronic diarrhoea and chronic catarrh[238 ]. Externally, it is used as a wash etc to treat nose bleeds, haemorrhoids, skin eruptions, bed sores, mouth ulcers, sore throats, dental infections etc[238 ]. When boiled, the wood and foliage of the tree produce a dark brown sticky substance known as 'catechu', 'cutch' or 'cachou'. This substance crystallizes upon cooling and has been an important article of trade in medicinal herbs since at least the 16th century, reaching Europe in the 17th century. It contains 25 - 60% tannins, 20 - 30% tannins, flavonoids and resins, and is valued mainly for its astringent qualities and is used both internally and externally to check bleeding and excessive secretions from the mucous membranes[238 , 254 ]. In this form, the herb is subject to legal restrictions in some countries[238 ]. The seeds have been reported to have an antibacterial action[310 ].

Agroforestry Uses: The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[1174 ]. Other Uses: The bark is a rich source of tannins[238 ]. A khaki dye can be obtained from the bark[238 ]. The bark exudes a light gum of very good quality and is one of the best substitutes for gum arabic[303 ]. Obtained from Senegalia Senegal, gum arabic has a wide range of uses including as a food additive, medicine and mucilage in inks etc[K ]. A tannin-rich, solid extract, known as catechu, or cutch, is obtained from the heartwood. Catechu usually contains 55 - 60% tannins[310 ]. Depending on the way of processing, several products for different purposes can be obtained from this material:- In India and Myanmar, the dark 'catechu' or 'Pegu cutch' is used for tanning, often in a mixture of tan stuff. It is also used for preserving fishing nets and ropes; for dyeing cotton, silk, canvas, paper and leather a dark-brownish colour; and also as a viscosity modifier in on-shore oil wells[310 ]. When dyeing cotton, the material is steeped for about one hour in a boiling solution of cutch, to which copper sulphate has been added. Afterwards, it is transferred to a bath containing sodium bichromate. The dye is very fast to light, acids and alkalies[310 ]. The crystalline portion of a concentrated decoction of the wood, called 'katha' or 'kath', is much used in betel chewing together with the leaf of Piper betle, and as an astringent for medicinal purposes[310 ]. A third form of cutch is the crystalline deposit sometimes found in cavities of the wood, known in India as 'khersal'. It is used for medicinal purposes[310 ]. After felling the trees, the bark and sapwood are removed, and the heartwood is converted into chips. In India, the chips are extracted with water in extractors made of copper or wood, but vessels of aluminium and stainless steel are also suitable. After heating for about 2 hours, the chips are removed and extracted in a new bath of water. Then the extract is evaporated and cooled for crystallization to produce katha, which is separated by filtering[310 ]. To obtain cutch the aqueous liquor is further concentrated in evaporators to a consistency at which it solidifies on cooling. In this way, an advantage is taken of the fact that cutch is soluble both in cold and hot water, whereas katha is only sparingly soluble in cold water[310 ]. The heartwood is light red to reddish-brown, darkening on exposure; it is sharply demarcated from the yellow to yellowish-white sapwood. The wood is very strong, hard, durable and is not attacked by white ants or toredos[272 , 310 ]. It needs long seasoning, and is fairly difficult to saw. An important timber locally, it is used for poles, agricultural implements, wheels, household items etc[238 , 272 , 310 ]. The wood makes an excellent fuel, and is ideal for making charcoal[272 , 310 , 320 ].

Special Uses