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catechu

Catechu is a tannin-rich extract obtained from the heartwood of Acacia catechu, a tree native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It is also known by names such as cutch and kattha, and is traded in forms that range from a dark brown paste to a dried powder.

The extract is produced by extracting soluble compounds from the heartwood—traditionally by boiling in water and

Primary uses of catechu are in leather tanning and dyeing, where it serves as a natural tannin

Safety and regulation around catechu vary by country and application. Commercial products may differ in purity

then
evaporating
the
liquid
to
concentrate
the
material.
The
resulting
product
contains
catechu
tannins
and
related
phenolic
compounds,
with
composition
that
can
vary
depending
on
the
source
and
processing
method.
source
that
helps
to
convert
hides
into
leather
and
to
mordant
certain
dyes.
In
addition,
catechu
is
used
in
traditional
medicines
and
personal
care
practices
in
parts
of
Asia;
in
Ayurvedic
and
Unani
traditions,
kattha
is
employed
as
an
astringent
in
various
preparations.
It
is
also
used
as
a
flavoring
and
astringent
component
in
paan
(betel
leaf
preparations)
in
some
regions,
contributing
to
taste
and
mouth
feel.
and
may
contain
impurities
or
adulterants.
Because
of
its
tannin
content,
excessive
consumption
or
improper
use
can
cause
gastrointestinal
irritation,
and
quality
control
is
important
for
any
consumer
or
industrial
use.