A brief study on importance of acacia catechu: A review

Abstract

Acacia catechu willd has a great importance due to its medicinal properties. It is a historical plant; widely used in traditional medicine especially in Asia. Modern technology has made easy to study pharmacological properties of traditional medicine so great interests have been developed in historical traditional plants. There is a great use of Acacia catechu in dermatology and sore throat. Now a day’s antimycotic, hypoglycaemic activity has also been reported. Phenols or polyphenols are the natural chemicals which are found in Acacia catechu. Phenolic compounds have similar basic structural chemistry as that of aromatic compounds and they contain a basic phenolic ring. They are also found in citrus fruits, chocolate and in many other plants. They have an astringent effect and are widely used in tanning of lathers. They are also used in cancer treatment, dermatological disorders and possess anti-microbial activity. One of the most important feature of these compounds is their anti-oxidant effect. Due to the presence of these compounds in Acacia catechu willd; this plant has gained a vital role in medicinal use. In this paper, effort is made to sum up the researches which have been done on Acacia catechu willd which will be helpful to know that how many aspects of this plant are yet to be explored.