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Senegalia catechu - Khadira
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Senegalia catechuor Khadira is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height. The plant is called khair in Hindi, and kachu in Malay, hence the name was Latinized to "catechu" in Linnaean taxonomy, as the type-species from which the extracts cutch and catechu are derived. Common names for it include kher, khair, catechu, cachou, cutchtree, black cutch, and black catechu.
Through derivatives of the flavanols in its extracts, the species has lent its name to the important catechins, catechols and catecholamines of chemistry and biology.
Uses
- The heart wood and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine.[8] A wood extract called catechu is used in traditional medicine for sore throats and diarrhea.
- The concentrated aqueous extract, known as khayer gum or cutch, is astringent. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine.[1] In ayurveda, it is used for rasayana (rejuvenation treatments).
- It is also used for its actions like anti-dyslipidemic, anthelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diuretic, anti-pruritic, coolant, taste promoting, enhancing digestion and curing skin disorders.
- It is also used as a teeth cleaning twig.
- The tree's seeds are a good source of protein. Kattha (catechu), an extract of its heartwood, is used as an ingredient to give red color and typical flavor to paan.
- The tree is often planted for use as firewood and charcoal and its wood is highly valued for furniture and tools.[1]
