KHADIR (Acacia catechu)

The moderate-sized, deciduous Khadir (Acacia catechu Willd.) tree is indigenous to regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Its astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and blood-purifying qualities make it valuable in both traditional medicine and Ayurveda. Its heartwood extract, known as Khadirasara or Katha, is especially noted for therapeutic use in skin disorders, dental care, and digestive health.

KHADIR Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Acacia
Species: Acacia catechu (Willd.)

Acacia catechu Common Name

English: Catechu, Black Cutch Tree
Sanskrit: Khadira
Hindi: Khair
Gujarati: Khakhra
Tamil: Karungali
Telugu: Konda Tumma
Malayalam: Karingali
Kannada: Kaggali

Acacia catechu Uses

Skin Disorders - Khadir is a prime herb in treating eczema, psoriasis, acne, leprosy, and other skin ailments due to its blood-purifying and antimicrobial effects.

Dental & Oral Health - The decoction of bark or use of Katha (extract) is used as a mouthwash to treat gingivitis, sore gums, mouth ulcers, and toothache.

Digestive System - Acts as an astringent and digestive tonic, beneficial in diarrhea, dysentery, and ulcerative colitis.

Blood Purification - Considered a Rakta Shodhak (blood purifier) in Ayurveda, especially useful in chronic skin conditions and general detoxification.

Anti-inflammatory & Wound Healing - Applied externally for wound healing and reducing inflammation, especially in hemorrhoids and ulcers.

Anti-diabetic Support - Helps in managing elevated blood sugar levels and mitigating complications related to diabetes.

Phytochemical Constituents

Khadir is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and catechins, which contribute to its therapeutic properties:

Tannins: Catechin, Epicatechin (up to 30–60%)
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
Phenolic Acids: Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid
Other Constituents: Mucilage, Resin, Gum, and Coloring Matter (Cutch)

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Vol. III. Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Sharangdhar Samhita, Chapter on Skin Disorders.

Kaur, G., Hamid, H., Ali, A., Alam, M.S., & Athar, M. (2004). "Antiinflammatory evaluation of alcoholic extract of Acacia catechu Willd. and its fractions in animal models." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2–3), 231–239.

Kumar, A., & Sati, B. (2012). "Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Acacia catechu – An overview." International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Archives, 3(5), 1062–1068.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I. Bombay: Popular Prakashan.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition. Council of Europe.