Evidence supporting the use of: Catechu
For the body system: Gums
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Catechu (commonly derived from the heartwood of Acacia catechu) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, for supporting oral health and gum care. Historically, catechu extracts have been used as an ingredient in herbal tooth powders and mouthwashes intended to strengthen gums, reduce bleeding, and promote general oral hygiene. The traditional rationale is largely based on catechu’s astringent properties, which are thought to help tighten gum tissue and reduce inflammation.
While there is some laboratory evidence indicating catechu has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, clinical studies specifically evaluating its effectiveness for gum health or periodontal disease in humans are limited and generally of low quality. Most support for its use comes from ethnomedicinal practices and long-standing oral care traditions in South Asia. Modern herbal toothpastes and powders sometimes include catechu for its astringent and antimicrobial qualities, but robust scientific validation in the context of gum health is lacking.
In summary, the use of catechu to support the gums is primarily justified by tradition, with moderate historical and anecdotal evidence but only preliminary scientific support. The overall evidence rating is 3, reflecting substantial traditional use and limited but suggestive scientific findings.
Other ingredients that support Gums
cutchallspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
bayberry
beeswax
myrobalan
betel
bilberry
bisabolol
blackberry
Indian frankincense
bovine gelatin
catechins
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
flavonols
gelatin
goldenseal
goldenseal
gooseberry
gum ghatti
hesperidin
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus salivarius
lactoperoxidase
lemon
licorice root
mango
marshmallow
mastic gum
mixed carotenoids
omega-3 fatty acids
orange
oregon grape
phenolic acids
pine bark
plantain
raspberry
rose hips
sage
slippery elm bark
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin K
white willow
xanthan gum
xylitol
zinc
yellow root
cardamom
capsicum
neem tree
pterocarpus marsupium
commiphora
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
zanthoxylum
polyphenols
menthol oil
shepherd's purse
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
cayenne pepper
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agrimony
Allicin
Alchemilla
Aucubin
Ascophyllum nodosum
Areca
Agonandra
Agrimonia pilosa
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Betony
Bai Ji
Balsam
Bistort
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Benzoin
berry
Boswellia
Bletilla
Bioflavonoids
Bee products
Comfrey
Calendula
Carvacrol
Cinquefoil
Curcuminoid
Citrus
Cajuput
Canaigre
Catechu
Coca
Cistus
Curcuma
Cranesbill
Cyanthillium cinereum
Collinsonia
Casearia sylvestris
Calycophyllum
Drynaria
Dragon's Blood
Echinacea
Emblicanin
European-Five Finger Grass
Eugenol
Fiber
Flavonoids
Fluoride
Flavanones
Fluorine
Fleabane
Flavans
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Mallow
Oak
Other body systems supported by Catechu
BloodDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Gums
Liver
Mucus Membranes
Respiratory System
Skin
Teeth