# Khadira > Khadira (Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Acacia catechu is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and recognized by Indian traditional medicine regulatory authorities (AYUSH). ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Acacia catechu is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and recognized by Indian traditional medicine regulatory authorities (AYUSH). Referenced in WHO traditional medicine guidelines for South-East Asia region. No dedicated WHO monograph currently published. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Khadira | | Latin/Botanical | *Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - [Catechin](/reference/catechin/) (flavan-3-ol - primary polyphenol) - [Epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin) - [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) (flavonol) - [Fisetin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#fisetinfisetin) (flavonoid with senolytic properties) - [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) - Catechu-tannic acid (condensed [tannins](/reference/tannins/)) - Acacatechin - [Procyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#procyanidins) ## How does it work? - Catechin-mediated [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) defense: Catechin and epicatechin scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation in skin cell membranes, and upregulate endogenous antioxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) - Cytotoxic T-cell immunomodulation: Acacia catechu regulates cytotoxic T-cell activity, suppressing overactive immune responses implicated in psoriasis and autoimmune dermatitis - Tannin astringent wound healing: Condensed tannins precipitate [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) on wound surfaces forming a protective layer, reduce wound exudation, and promote faster healing through vasoconstriction of superficial blood vessels - Blood purification (Rakta Shodhaka) mechanism: [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) promote hepatic detoxification pathways and reduce circulating inflammatory mediators that manifest as skin eruptions ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Psoriasis management (Ekakushtha): Validated by clinical study showing significant PASI score improvement in 40 patients treated with Khadira powder - Blood purification for skin diseases (Raktashodhaka): Khadirarishta formulation validated for eczema, acne, and chronic skin disorders through systemic polyphenol activity - Skin allergies and urticaria (Sheetapitta): Traditional use supported by demonstrated T-cell [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) properties ## What do recent clinical trials show? *3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.* ## Recent safety updates - Generally well-tolerated in traditional dose ranges (3-6 g powder daily); no significant adverse effects reported in Ayurvedic clinical studies. High tannin content may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in excessive doses - Khadirarishta (fermented formulation) contains self-generated alcohol (5-10%); not recommended for patients with alcohol sensitivity or liver conditions. Standardization of catechin content varies across commercial preparations ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Catechin - Epicatechin - Quercetin - Fisetin - Kaempferol - Tannins - Procyanidins - Catechu-tannic acid **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Kashayam (decoction), Kwatha (concentrated decoction), Sara (heartwood extract — Khadira Sara/Catechu), Tablet, Capsule, Ointment/Cream, [Khadiradi Vati](/formulation/khadiradi-vati/) (classical lozenge) **Standard Dosage:** 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg-1 g Khadira Sara with honey; 3-5 g heartwood powder; [Khadiradi Vati](/formulation/khadiradi-vati/): 1-2 lozenges dissolved slowly in mouth **Bioavailability:** Catechin and epicatechin have moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%) with significant Phase II conjugation. Catechin glucuronides and sulfates are the primary circulating forms. Catechu (concentrated extract) provides high-dose [catechins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#catechins) with improved absorption due to condensed matrix. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration inhibits glucuronidation and improves catechin bioavailability by ~50%. Phytosome technology (catechin-phospholipid complex) shows 4-fold improvement in plasma AUC. **Optimal Timing:** After meals for skin conditions; Khadiradi Vati: dissolve in mouth after meals for oral/throat health; decoction: twice daily between meals for blood purification **Standardized Extract:** Khadira Sara standardized to minimum 50% total catechins (catechin + epicatechin) by HPLC; bark extract to minimum 20% tannins **Shelf Life:** 36 months for Khadira Sara (solid extract); 24 months for powder; 24 months for Khadiradi Vati; 18 months for capsules **Storage:** Khadira Sara is hygroscopic — store in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C. Powder protected from humidity. Khadiradi Vati in blister packaging to prevent moisture absorption. **Marker Compounds:** Catechin, Epicatechin, Epicatechin gallate, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Fisetin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#fisetinfisetin), Kaempferol, [Taxifolin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taxifolin), Procyanidins ### Extraction Methods - Water decoction and evaporation for Khadira Sara (Catechu/Cutch) — traditional boiling and concentration - Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol) - Supercritical CO2 for catechin-enriched fraction - Hot water extraction under pressure for rapid processing - Spray drying of concentrated decoction for instant powder ### Synergistic Combinations - [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/) for skin disorders and blood purification - [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for comprehensive blood purifier (Raktashodhaka) - [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) for chronic skin diseases - [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) in Khadiradi formulations for oral health - [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for allergic dermatitis and eczema - [Bakuchi](/herb/bakuchi/) for vitiligo management --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/khadira/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.