Catechu - Tasimelteon Interaction
Herbal: Catechu
Also Known As: Black catechu, Acacia catechu: Acacia à Cachou, Acacia Catechu Heartwood Extract, Black Catechu, Black Cutch, Cachou, Cachou de Pegu, Cachou Noir, Acacia Cashoo, Cashou, Catechu Nigrum, Catecu, Cutch, Cutchtree, Dark Catechu, Er Cha, Khadira, Khair, Kher, Khoyer
Drug: Tasimelteon
Brand names:
Hetlioz, Hetlioz Lq
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 25, 2025
Interaction Details
Tasimelteon is classified as belonging to the following category: Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Theoretically, black catechu may increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
Animal research shows that black catechu can increase theophylline concentrations in the blood, possibly by inhibiting CYP1A2. Theophylline is a CYP1A2 substrate.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Al-Mohizea AM, Raish M, Ahad A, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of Acacia catechu with CYP1A substrate theophylline in rabbits. J Tradit Chin Med 2015;35(5):588-93.
Catechu Overview
Catechu, also known as catechu gum or catechu extract, is a natural substance that is extracted from the Acacia catechu tree, which is native to parts of Asia. It is a brown, sticky substance that is used in traditional medicine and as a natural dye.
Catechu has a number of potential health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and it is often used to treat a range of health conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders, mouth sores, and skin wounds.
Tasimelteon Overview
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Tasimelteon is used to treat non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24; a condition that occurs mainly in people who are blind in which the body's natural clock is out of sync with the normal day-night cycle and causes a disrupted sleep schedule) in adults. It is also used to treat nighttime sleep problems in adults and children 3 years of age and older with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS; a developmental disorder). Tasimelteon is in a class of medications called melatonin receptor agonists. It works similarly to melatonin, a natural substance in the brain that is needed for sleep.
Catechu - More Interactions
Catechu interacts with 462 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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