Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Acacia catechu
Acacia catechu also commonly called mimosa catechu, is a deciduous, thorny tree which grows up to 15 m (50 ft) in height.[2] Common names for it include Catechu, Cachou and Black Cutch. The plant is called khair[3] in Hindi, and kachu in Malay, hence Latin "Catechu" for this type species from which the extracts cutch and catechu are derived.[4] It is found in Asia, China, India and the Indian Ocean area.[1]


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:
Food
The tree's seeds are a good source of protein.[5] It is also used as an ingredient in paan [Paan, from the word pān in Hindi: पान, is an Indian and South East Asian tradition of chewing betel leaf (Piper betle) with areca nut and slaked lime paste].
Medicinal uses
More specifically, the extract, called catechu is used to treat sore throats and diarrhoea.[2]

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