Catechu

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Catechu (Acacia catechu, also called black catechu or cutch tree) is a tree whose heartwood and bark yield a tannin-rich extract used traditionally for diarrhea, oral inflammation, and as a dye and astringent.

Evidence for 3 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Osteoarthritis knee pain (Univestin)

Good Evidence

Small randomized trials of Univestin (Acacia catechu + Scutellaria baicalensis) show modest improvements in joint pain and function.

Diarrhea (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Long traditional use as an astringent; rigorous modern evidence limited.

Oral inflammation and sore throat

Mixed Evidence

Traditional use in lozenges and mouthwashes; limited controlled evidence.

How it works

Catechu is rich in catechins, epicatechins, and procyanidins — the same flavanol families found in green tea and cocoa. These polyphenols have astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The high tannin content gives catechu its characteristic astringent action on mucous membranes. Traditional uses include diarrhea control, sore throat lozenges, oral ulcer treatment, and dental care. Limited modern clinical research has examined Acacia catechu extracts (often combined with Morus alba) for joint pain (Univestin formulation) and inflammatory conditions. Univestin (Acacia catechu + Scutellaria baicalensis) has small RCTs showing modest benefit in osteoarthritis knee pain.

Dosage

Traditional astringent doses: 0.5 to 2 grams of extract. Univestin clinical doses: 250 mg twice daily. Topical mouthwash preparations vary in concentration.

When and how to take it

For astringent/diarrhea use: between meals. For Univestin or joint applications: with meals to reduce GI effects. Topical mouthwash: as needed.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Catechu heartwood extract

Used in traditional preparations and combination supplements.

Standard tannin-rich extract.

Univestin (Acacia catechu + Scutellaria baicalensis)

Branded joint health supplement.

Clinically studied combination.

Safety

Generally well tolerated. High tannin content can cause constipation or stomach upset at higher doses. May reduce iron absorption when taken with meals. Long-term high-dose safety not well established.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid medicinal doses due to insufficient data. Iron deficiency anemia: avoid taking with meals or iron supplements. Constipation: high doses may worsen.

Interactions

Tannins reduce non-heme iron absorption; separate iron supplements by 2 hours. May modestly bind some oral medications; separate dosing if needed. Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants via mild antiplatelet activity.

Food sources

Paan (betel leaf preparation, traditional)

Amount
Trace
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is catechu the same as the catechins in green tea?⌄

Catechu is a rich source of similar catechin and procyanidin compounds, though the matrix and specific composition differ from green tea.

Does catechu help joint pain?⌄

The Univestin formulation (catechu + Scutellaria baicalensis) has modest evidence for knee osteoarthritis. Catechu alone has less direct evidence for joint use.

References

Catechu on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Catechu on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Catechu (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.