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Dietary supplement

Catechu Sugar Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Catechu Sugar Free is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Catechu Sugar Free by Herbal Terra

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

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.

Catechu Sugar Free is a one-ingredient liquid supplement: catechu herb extract, a concentrated form of an astringent plant used in traditional medicine. The liquid also contains alcohol, water, and glycerin as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract.

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 on catechu for exercise-induced muscle soreness and osteoarthritis is insufficient—we don't have reliable data showing it works for these uses. The facts we hold don't establish that this supplement is effective for any particular condition.

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 safety data on concentrated supplements like this one are limited in humans. The facts note that a different combination product containing catechu (Limbrel) was linked to rare reports of serious liver and lung injury, though your single-ingredient supplement is not that product.

Pregnancy is not recommended due to insufficient safety data. Breastfeeding safety is unknown, so it's safer to avoid it.

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 take Catechu Sugar Free, double-check your exact medications against our interaction tool. The main types to flag are blood pressure medications (antihypertensives), theophylline and other CYP1A2-processed drugs, and immunosuppressants—all have moderate interactions documented with catechu.

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.

This supplement may appeal to people looking for joint or muscle support, but the evidence for those uses isn't established. If you take blood pressure medication, theophylline, or any drug that affects your immune system, check with your pharmacist before starting—the interaction potential is real.

Given the limited safety data on concentrated catechu, talk it over with us first.

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 Sep 25, 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 Sugar Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 6175033258774
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2025
DSLD ID 324894
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 Sugar Free by Herbal Terra, 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
6175033258774
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz. of juice or water up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking. May have contraindications and cause adverse reaction.

Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Consult a physician before giving to children under 18, before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications. Keep out of the reach of children!

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formulation

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

Sugar free

Expertly extracted 100% natural Premium product

Organic alcohol

No artificial ingredients, color additives, fillers or binders.

Natural Gluten free

Formula

Acacia catechu

Organic alcohol

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General Statements

Organic raw material.

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

See for yourself

Catechu Sugar Free by Herbal Terra label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Catechu Sugar Free by Herbal Terra

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 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 Sugar Free by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Catechu Sugar Free?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Catechu Sugar Free 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
The maker

Brand information

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

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra LLC
Phone Number
+18083857868
Web Address
herbalterra.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Catechu Sugar Free by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Catechu Sugar Free by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Catechu Sugar Free 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 Sugar Free 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 pregnant?
No. There isn't enough reliable safety information to know it's okay during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking this?
Safety while breastfeeding is unknown. The facts note it's the safer choice to avoid it during that time. Check with your pharmacist or doctor about your individual situation.
Does catechu actually work for sore muscles or joint pain?
We don't have reliable evidence that it works for either exercise-induced muscle soreness or osteoarthritis. The data on those uses isn't established yet.
What's the alcohol content in this liquid?
The product facts show alcohol is an ingredient, but the exact percentage isn't listed. If that matters to you—for example, if you avoid alcohol for any reason—ask us or check the label for the amount.
Are there any fillers or artificial ingredients?
Besides the active catechu extract, it contains alcohol, water, and glycerin to make it a liquid. No other inactive ingredients are listed.
I heard catechu can damage your liver. Is this product safe?
You're thinking of Limbrel, a combination product that was pulled from the market after rare reports of liver and lung injury. This is a single-ingredient catechu supplement, not the same product—but human safety data on concentrated catechu supplements are still limited, so talk with us before you start.

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

Not sure if Catechu Sugar Free 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 Sugar Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Catechu Sugar Free’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Catechu Sugar Free'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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