Khadira (Senegalia Catechu): An Ayurvedic Tree with Great Potential

Plant based medicine, a cornerstone of traditional healthcare systems, has been utilized for millennia across various cultures to treat a wide spectrum of ailments. Traditional medicine heavily relies on the therapeutic properties of herbs and natural products derived from plants. According to an estimate made by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) 80% population of the world relies on traditional medicine and thus it forms the basis of primary healthcare. Primary reason for that being the inexpensive nature of herbal medicines as compared to modern pharmaceutics as these can be grown from seed or gathered from nature for little or no cost. Plants such as Khadira (Senegalia catechu), turmeric and Ashwagandha are some of the prime examples of natural remedies mentioned in Ayurveda classics that have been used for centuries. Khadira (Senegalia catechu) has been revered in Ayurveda for its wide range of therapeutic properties. Khadira commonly known as Kattha or Khair tree, has been extensively used in the management of skin disorders, gastrointestinal ailments and respiratory conditions. The most important bioactive compounds of this plant are flavanoids (catechin, (-) epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, rocatechin, phloroglucinol, procatechuic acid, catecutannic acid, quercetin, quercitrin), alkaloids (kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol, taxifolin, afzelchin gum), glycosides (poriferasterol, poriferasterol acylglucosides), tannins (gallic acid, phlobatannins), sugars (d-galactose, d-rhamnose and larabinose). It has been shown to possess medicinal properties such as anti-bacterial, anticancer, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-ulcer, antisecretory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic and useful in sore throat, wound healing and obesity. The present review study aims to comprehensively explore and provide reported detail information of this herb from various Samhitas and its study in modern area like its phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities and therapeutic applications. Focussing on the relevance of Khadira in integrative healthcare approaches, with insights into recent studies will highlight the plant’s promising role in drug development and public health.