Catechu (Square blocks or irregular shapes, astringent and bitter. Old Catechu is dark brown with a resinous luster; new Catechu is brownish-red without luster.)nn【Naming】n

Catechu

n 【Source】n

Compendium of Materia Medica

n 【Common Use Level】n

C

n 【Botanical Origin】n

It is the dried extract obtained by concentrating the decoction of branches and trunks of Acacia catechu (L.) Willd. (family Fabaceae) or the branches and leaves of Uncaria gambier Roxb. (family Rubiaceae).

n 【Characteristics】n

(1) Catechu Paste: Also known as Black Catechu. It is in the shape of square blocks or irregular shapes, with a black or reddish-brown surface, smooth and slightly shiny. Sometimes, cracks can be seen on the surface. It is brittle and easily broken, with an irregular fracture surface, fine pores, and a glossy, brownish-red interior. It has no odor, and a涩(she astringent) taste, bitter at first then sweet.n(2) Square Catechu: Also known as Brown Catechu. The product is divided into new and old Catechu, both in the shape of square blocks, each side about 3 cm long. Both sides are contracted inward, the center is slightly sunken inward, the edges and corners are mostly skewed or broken, the surface is flat, or uneven with cracks. Old Catechu is dark brown with a resinous luster on the surface; new Catechu is brownish-red without a resinous luster on the surface. It is brittle and easily broken, with a light brownish-red fracture surface and patterns. It has no odor and a bitter, astringent taste. It is conventionally believed that the quality of old Catechu is better than that of new Catechu.

n 【Identification】n

The best quality is indicated by a black surface with a slightly reddish luster, which foams when burned and has a fragrant smell.

 【Category】

Others