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Dietary supplement

Catechu Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Catechu label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Catechu against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Catechu is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for mouth and throat soreness, diarrhea and digestive upset, skin wounds and bleeding gums.Based on those ingredients, 475 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Catechu Herb Extract, Dry. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Catechu by Hawaii Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Catechu by Hawaii Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Catechu by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This liquid contains one active ingredient: Catechu Herb Extract, a concentrated form of the catechu plant. The extract is made soluble with alcohol, water, and glycerin.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Catechu product and its label doesn't state a use — see Catechu's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for catechu isn't established in the data we hold. Studies haven't yet provided reliable evidence for either exercise-induced muscle soreness or osteoarthritis, so we can't say whether it works for those purposes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Catechu

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Catechu is likely fine for short-term use in food-like amounts, but concentrated supplement safety data in humans is limited. Avoid it during pregnancy — there isn't enough reliable safety information.

While breastfeeding, safety is unknown, so it's the safer choice to skip it. A combination product containing catechu (Limbrel) was linked to serious liver and lung injury in a small number of patients, leading to an FDA recall in 2017.

Symptoms included jaundice, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While that product also contained another herb, liver and lung reactions are worth noting.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Catechu

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Catechu.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 475 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, check whether you take theophylline (breathing medication), blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, or any other CYP1A2 substrates — catechu may raise their levels or effects. Use the medication checker below with your exact prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Catechu may help some people, but we don't have solid evidence yet. If you take blood pressure meds, theophylline, or immunosuppressants, check with your pharmacist first — this supplement could affect how they work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip it and talk to your doctor.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 21, 2025.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Catechu, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253611598
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 21, 2025
DSLD ID 331773
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Catechu by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253611598
IngredientAmount% DV
Catechu Herb Extract, Dry983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 ml, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications. Keep out of the reach of children!

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR code to get more info or reorder

Formula

Acacia catechu

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Identity and purity is laboratory verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

C2H5OH Alcohol free

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Catechu by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Catechu label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Catechu by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Catechu Herb Extract, Dry

Interacts with
475 drugs
983 mg per serving

Catechu is an astringent extract made from the heartwood of the Acacia (Senegalia) catechu tree, used traditionally for mouth sores, sore throat, diar...

Catechu Herb Extract, Dry monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Catechu by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Catechu?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
475Drugs
475 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Catechu Herb Extract, Dry 475

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Catechu interact with 475 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Catechu interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Catechu Herb Extract, Dry

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Catechu with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Catechu Herb Extract, Dry4 drug types · 475 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
Catechu might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, catechu might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Animal and in vitro studies suggest that catechu has immunomodulating effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, black catechu may increase the levels and clinical effects of theophylline.
Animal research shows that black catechu can increase theophylline concentrations in the blood, possibly by inhibiting cytochrome P450 1A2.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Catechu Herb Extract, Dry full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Catechu, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St STE 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-542-9244
Web Address
Hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Catechu by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Catechu by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Catechu has a known interaction with 475 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Catechu contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm breastfeeding?
Safety data while breastfeeding is unknown, so the safer choice is to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What does catechu actually do?
We don't have reliable evidence yet that it works for exercise-related muscle soreness or osteoarthritis. More study is needed.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable safety information during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it. Check with your doctor.
What are the side effects?
Short-term safety in food-like amounts appears reasonable, but concentrated supplement safety in humans isn't well studied. A combination product containing catechu was linked to serious liver and lung reactions — watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or jaundice, and contact your doctor immediately if they occur.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Catechu is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Catechu label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Catechu’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Catechu

Interacts with 475 drugs

Catechu is an astringent extract made from the heartwood of the Acacia (Senegalia) catechu tree, used traditionally for mouth sores, sore throat, diarrhea, and minor skin problems. Strong hu...

Read the full Catechu monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Catechu's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 9 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Catechu 9 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Sham JS, Chiu KW, Pang PK. Hypotensive action of Acacia catechu. Planta Med 1984;50:177-80.
  3. Chalasani N, Vuppalanchi R, Navarro V, et al. Acute liver injury due to flavocoxid (Limbrel), a medical food for osteoarthritis: a case series. Ann Intern Med 2012;156:857-60. PubMed
  4. Reichenbach S, Juni P. Medical food and food supplements: not always as safe as generally assumed. Ann Intern Med 2012;156:894-5. PubMed
  5. PL-Detail Document, Liver Toxicity and Limbrel. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. September 2012.
  6. 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. PubMed
  7. Papafragkakis C, Ona MA, Reddy M, et al. Acute hepatitis after ingestion of a preparation of chinese skullcap and black catechu for joint pain. Case Reports Hepatol 2016;2016:4356749. PubMed
  8. Sunil MA, Sunitha VS, Ashitha A, et al. Catechin rich butanol fraction extracted from Acacia catechu L. (a thirst quencher) exhibits immunostimulatory potential. J Food Drug Anal. 2019;27(1):195-207. PubMed
  9. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Alerts Consumers About Potentially Life-Threatening Health Problems Linked to Limbrel. December 19, 2017. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alerts-consumers-about-pot

See these in context on the Catechu monograph →

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

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