Descriptions of the medicinal uses of khadira (Acacia catechu) in the history of Indian pharmacy

The khadira plant has been used in Ayurveda from ancient India, and in modern times it is listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India as Acacia catechu (Linn. f.) Willd. This article examines the medicinal uses of khadira, as described in three major medical texts and the Bower Manuscript in ancient India, as well as the drug lexicons and the Rasopaniṣad of the medieval period. Few uses have persisted over time, although skin diseases have been the most common therapeutic indications for khadira. It is still used to treat many skin diseases due to its anti-infl ammatory and anti-oxidant properties.