Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Khadira

Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.

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 nameAcacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.
Pharmacopoeia statusAcacia 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

LanguageName
EnglishKhadira
Latin/BotanicalAcacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

How does it work?

  • Catechin-mediated antioxidant defense: Catechin and epicatechin scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation in skin cell membranes, and upregulate endogenous antioxidant 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 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 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 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 (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: 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 with improved absorption due to condensed matrix. 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, Fisetin, Kaempferol, 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 for skin disorders and blood purification
  • Sariva for comprehensive blood purifier (Raktashodhaka)
  • Manjistha for chronic skin diseases
  • Haridra in Khadiradi formulations for oral health
  • Nimba for allergic dermatitis and eczema
  • Bakuchi for vitiligo management

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1

  1. Rana N, Bala M, Kumar V and others. 2025. A Systematic Review Exploring the Phytochemical Composition and Anticancer Activities of Acacia catechuMedical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40981159 · doi:10.3390/medsci13030161

Randomised controlled trials3

  1. Krieger JM, Hagele AM, Mumford PW and others. 2025. Effects of Acacia catechu and Scutellaria baicalensis extract on cognitive function in a healthy adult population: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialNutritional neuroscience. PMID 39701593 · doi:10.1080/1028415X.2024.2442425
  2. Arjmandi BH, Ormsbee LT, Elam ML and others. 2014. A combination of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu extracts for short-term symptomatic relief of joint discomfort associated with osteoarthritis of the kneeJournal of medicinal food. PMID 24611484 · doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0010
  3. Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Moreland L and others. 2009. The safety of flavocoxid, a medical food, in the dietary management of knee osteoarthritisJournal of medicinal food. PMID 19857081 · doi:10.1089/jmf.2008.0244

Other clinical studies and reviews6

  1. Chen Y, Ren Y, Zhou K and others. 2025. Prospects and Challenges of Catechins in Cardiovascular DiseaseThe AAPS journal. PMID 40660070 · doi:10.1208/s12248-025-01105-x
  2. Imran S, Khalid M, Husain N and others. 2022. The efficacy of topical Marham-e-Akbar in chronic atopic dermatitis - an open-label interventional studyDrug metabolism and personalized therapy. PMID 35218174 · doi:10.1515/dmpt-2021-0195
  3. Banjari I, Misir A, Pavlić M and others. 2019. Traditional Herbal Medicines for Diabetes Used in Europe and Asia: Remedies From Croatia and Sri LankaAlternative therapies in health and medicine. PMID 31160545
  4. Stohs SJ, Bagchi D. 2015. Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Chemoprotective Properties of Acacia catechu Heartwood ExtractsPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 25802170 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5335
  5. Bitto A, Squadrito F, Irrera N and others. 2014. Flavocoxid, a nutraceutical approach to blunt inflammatory conditionsMediators of inflammation. PMID 25242871 · doi:10.1155/2014/790851
  6. Morton JF. 1992. Widespread tannin intake via stimulants and masticatories, especially guarana, kola nut, betel vine, and accessoriesBasic life sciences. PMID 1417698 · doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-3476-1_45

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