Single Herb Glossary
Ér Chá 兒茶
| Pharmaceutical name | Catechu black cutch, catechu, cutch "child's tea" |
| Category | Substances for Topical Applications |
| Key Properties | External: drains Damp, Closes Non-Healing Sores, Moderates Pain, Stop Bleeding, generates flesh Internal (Rarely used): Clear upper jiao heat, Transforms Phlegm, Generates fluids |
| Properties | Bitter Astringent Slightly Cold |
| Tropism | LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Dampness & Absorbs Seepage (sores) 2) Stops Bleeding (external) 3) Clear LU, Transform Phlegm, Generates Fluids & Stop Diarrhea |
| Dosages | 1-3g pills and powders In decoctions, it should be placed in a separate cheesecloth bag |
| Contraindications (TCM) | None |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Catechim, catechu-tannic acid, dl-catechin, dl-epicatechin, phlobatannin, fesetin, quercetin, quercetagenin, kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol, taxifolin, isorhamnetin, protocatechu tannins, pyrogallic tannins |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: water extract has inhibitory effect in vitro on S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus proteus, Bacillus dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi • Hepatoprotective: according to one report, catechim has marked hepatoprotective effects; catechim effectively reduced elevated level of SGPT artificially induced by carbon tetrachloride in 27 rats |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.