Acacia catechu vs Tragacanth

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Acacia catechu

Senegalia catechu

Digestive

Astragalus tragacantha

Digestive

Acacia catechu

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Tragacanth

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South Asian tree; heartwood extract (katha) used in betel nut preparations and Ayurveda for diarrhea and mouth conditions.

A Middle Eastern gum used for thousands of years as a demulcent, emulsifier, and cooling summer drink in South Asia.

Active Compounds

catechin, epicatechin, catechinic acid, quercetin, tannins

Bassorin, Tragacanthin, Polysaccharides, Starch

Traditional Uses

diarrhea, mouth ulcers, sore throat, skin conditions, excessive sweating

Sore throat, Cough, Diarrhea, Cooling drink (summer)

Modern Uses

astringent, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, wound healing

Demulcent, Emulsifier, Prebiotic, Wound dressing

Adult Dosage

1-3g catechu extract in mouth rinse; 500mg-1g internal

1-3g gum soaked in water overnight

Contraindications

pregnancy, constipation

Bowel obstruction

Side Effects

constipation, excessive astringency

Bloating, Gas

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E