Medicinal Value and Oral health Aspects of Acacia Catechu - An Update

Acacia catechu Willd (Fabaceae), commonly known as catechu and black cutch is an important medicinal plant, especially in Asia. Several phytochemical compounds have been isolated and characterized from A. catechu which include 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, 3, 4, 7-trihydroxyl-3,5-dimethoxyflavone, catechin, rutin, isorhamnetin, epicatechin, afzelechin, epiafzelechin, mesquitol, ophioglonin, aromadendrin, and phenol and the presence of these active compounds have been implicated for its myriad biological effects.This review focus on the actions of A. catechu for its medicinal value.