Pharmacognosy - 5.4 Astringents
Astringents
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
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Astringents are a class of substances that cause the contraction of skin cells and other body tissues. They are used in various forms of traditional medicine for their ability to reduce inflammation and stop bleeding.
Myrobalan
Synonyms
Chebulic Myrobalan, Beleric Myrobalan, Baheda, Harde, Bibhitak, Indian Gallnut
Regional Names
Hindi: Haritaki (हरितकी)
Marathi: Hirada (हिरडा)
Biological Source
It consists of dried ripe fruits of Terminalia belerica (टेर्मिनालिया बॅलेरिका) and Terminalia chebula (टेर्मिनालिया चेबुला), native to India.
Family
Combretaceae (कॉम्ब्रेटेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Tannins: Chebulinic acid (चेब्यूलिनिक अॅसिड), Chebulagic acid (चेब्यूलॅजिक अॅसिड)
Anthraquinones: Emodin (इमोडिन)
Flavonoids: Quercetin (क्वेरसेटिन), Luteolin (ल्युटिओलिन)
Minor Chemical Constituents
Saponins, Amino acids, Fructose
Uses
- Ayurvedic medicine for rejuvenating and laxative properties
- Astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects
- Used for treating ulcers, inflammation, and infections
- Extract used in mouthwashes and gargles for antimicrobial benefits
Black Catechu
Synonyms
Acacia Catechu, Gambier, Catechu, Cutch, Katha, Khair, Khadir, Black Cutch
Regional Names
Hindi & Marathi: Khair (खैर)
Biological Source
Derived from the heartwood and bark of Acacia catechu (अकेशिया कैटेचु), native to India.
Family
Fabaceae (फॅबेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Tannins: Catechin (कॅटेचिन), Catechutannic acid (कॅटेचुटॅनिक अॅसिड)
Flavonoids: Quercetin (क्वेरसेटिन), Kaempferol (कॅएम्फेरॉल)
Minor Chemical Constituents
Gum, Resins, Pigments
Uses
- Astringent
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial
- Used in mouthwashes and gargles
- Used in the leather industry for tanning
Pale Catechu
Synonyms
Gambir, Gambier, White Catechu
Regional Names
Hindi & Marathi: Katha (कथा)
Biological Source
Derived from the dried aqueous extract of the leaves and young twigs of Uncaria gambir, native to India.
Family
Rubiaceae (रुबिएसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Tannins: Catechin (कॅटेचिन), Epicatechin (एपिकॅटेचिन)
Flavonoids: Quercetin (क्वेरसेटिन), Kaempferol (कॅएम्फेरॉल)
Minor Chemical Constituents
Alkaloids: Gambirine (गॅम्बिरीन), Gambiridine (गॅम्बिरीडिन)
Saponins
Uses
- Astringent
- Anti-diarrheal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antimicrobial (used in conditions like wounds, ulcers, and infections)
- Used in mouthwashes and gargles for antimicrobial effects
- Used in the leather industry for tanning