Background

Catechu is a plant in the Mimosaceae or Rubiaceae family. There are two types: black catechu and pale catechu. It's been traditionally used in Ayurveda.

Catechu contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and pain. They might also have antiviral and antibacterial effects.

People use catechu for muscle soreness after exercise, osteoarthritis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. One specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing a mixture of catechu and Baikal skullcap has been linked to serious side effects. In 2017, the US FDA recalled this product. It's unclear if these effects were due to catechu, Baikal skullcap, or the combination.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Surgery: Catechu might lower blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using catechu at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of catechu might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Catechu might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Catechu might lower blood pressure. Taking catechu along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Catechu can increase or decrease the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, also decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking catechu along with these medications might interfere with their effects.

Theophylline

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Catechu might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down theophylline. Taking catechu with theophylline might increase the side effects from theophylline.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Catechu might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.