Scientific Name: Acacia catechu
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Khadira is a deciduous tree which reaches the height up to 9 to 12 meters. This plant has short hooked spines and green leaves are bipinnately compounds with 50 pairs of leaflets which look like beautiful feathers. Color of the bark is greyish brown that exfoliate into long and narrow strips
Flowers: The tree produces small, pale yellow flowers in dense spherical heads.
Fruits: The fruits are brown, flat pods, often twisted or coiled.
Chemical Constituents:
Khadir, or Acacia catechu, is known for containing various chemical constituents, with the most notable being catechins and tannins. Catechins are flavonoid compounds, while tannins are polyphenolic compounds.:
Catechins: These are a type of flavonoid, with (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate being among the prominent catechins found in Acacia catechu.
Tannins: Khadir is rich in tannins, particularly condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins). These tannins give Khadir its astringent properties and are used for their medicinal and dyeing properties.
Alkaloids: Khadir also contains small amounts of alkaloids, such as catechinamine, which contribute to its pharmacological properties.
Properties
In Ayurveda, Khadir saar (Acacia catechu) is a well-known plant with several traditional uses and medicinal properties
Rasa (Taste): Khadir is primarily known for its astringent taste. Astringency is one of the six tastes in Ayurveda, and it is associated with qualities like dryness and contraction.
Virya (Potency): Khadir is considered to have a cooling or cold potency. It is believed to help balance excess heat or pitta in the body.
Vipaka (Post-digestive Taste): Khadir is said to have a pungent vipaka, meaning that it can have a heating effect on the body after digestion.
Karma (Actions): Kashaya (Astringent), Shita (Cooling), Kaphapittahara (Balancing for Kapha and Pitta doshas)
Guna (Quality): Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)
Benifites
1-Oral Health: Khadir Saar is often used for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, which can help support oral health. It may help in managing issues like gum inflammation, bad breath, and dental infections.
2- Digestive Health: The astringent and cooling properties of Khadir Saar may aid in balancing digestive functions. It is traditionally used to address conditions like diarrhea, loose stools, andm excessive acidity.
3- Skin Health: When applied topically, Khadir Saar may have a soothing effect on the skin. It is used in various skincare preparations to address skin issues like rashes, itching, and inflammation.
4- Blood Purification: Khadir Saar is believed to have blood-purifying properties. It may help in detoxifying the body and supporting overall circulatory health.
5- Anti-inflammatory: Some traditional uses suggest that Khadir Saar may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions.
6- Astringent Properties: The astringency of Khadir Saar can be beneficial in toning and tightening tissues, which may be relevant in wound healing and reducing excessive bleeding.
4-Balancing Doshas: In Ayurveda, Khadir Saar is often used to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas, making it potentially useful for individuals with imbalances in these doshas.
Contraindication
1-Pregnancy and Lactation: It is generally advisable for pregnant and breastfeeding women to exercise caution when using Khadir Saar, as there is limited safety data available for its use during these periods. It’s best to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before using it.
