# Kateera (Cochlospermum religiosum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/kateera
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Middle Eastern
**Also Known As:** Cochlospermum religiosum, Katira gum, Buttercup tree, Silk cotton tree, Gond katira, Yellow silk cotton tree, Kateer, Gum tragacanth substitute

## Overview

Kateera (Cochlospermum religiosum) is a traditional Unani medicine containing myricetin as its primary bioactive compound. It exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties through myricetin's inhibition of inflammatory mediators and oxidative pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Traditional [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties - Used in formulations for gonorrhea treatment (evidence quality: traditional use only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) potential - Contains myricetin with preliminary anti-inflammatory properties (evidence quality: in-vitro studies only)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) - Myricetin component shows antioxidant properties in preliminary research (evidence quality: in-vitro studies only)
• Gastrointestinal support - Used as pharmaceutical agent for colon-targeted drug delivery (evidence quality: pharmaceutical application only)
• Anti-carcinogenic potential - Contains myricetin with preliminary antineoplastic properties (evidence quality: in-vitro studies only)

## Mechanism of Action

Myricetin, the primary bioactive compound in Kateera, inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. It also scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through direct antioxidant activity and modulates inflammatory enzyme expression. The [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects likely involve disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence for Kateera is limited to traditional use documentation and preliminary in-vitro studies. Laboratory studies have demonstrated myricetin's [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in cell culture models, but no human clinical trials exist. Traditional Unani texts document its use in treating gonorrhea and inflammatory conditions, but these lack controlled study validation. Current evidence quality remains insufficient for establishing clinical efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "2.5 g per 100 g", "fiber": "3.0 g per 100 g"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamin_C": "15 mg per 100 g", "calcium": "40 mg per 100 g", "iron": "1.5 mg per 100 g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"myricetin": "5 mg per 100 g"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of myricetin may be enhanced when consumed with fats. Vitamin C is water-soluble and readily absorbed, while the absorption of iron may be improved when consumed with vitamin C-rich foods."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to absence of human trials. Pharmaceutical applications use Katira gum as a suspending agent or matrix coating at low concentrations without standardized therapeutic dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Kateera is extremely limited due to lack of clinical studies. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but specific adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications remain undocumented. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications may exist due to myricetin content, requiring medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Kateera gum. Research is limited to phytochemical analysis and pharmaceutical applications, with structural analysis detailed in PMID 18374321 focusing on polysaccharide composition rather than clinical outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Indian traditional medicine, Cochlospermum religiosum has been used for centuries, with the tree considered sacred and often planted near temples. The gum has been traditionally used in formulations for treating gonorrhea and as an adjuvant in various herbal preparations, with historical phytochemical research dating back to 1950-1970.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other Unani herbs, Turmeric, Ginger, Neem, Triphala

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Kateera?

Myricetin is the primary bioactive compound in Kateera responsible for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This flavonoid compound modulates inflammatory pathways and provides antimicrobial effects.

### How was Kateera traditionally used in Unani medicine?

Traditional Unani practitioners used Kateera primarily for treating gonorrhea and other urogenital infections. It was also employed for inflammatory conditions due to its perceived cooling and antimicrobial properties.

### Are there clinical studies proving Kateera's effectiveness?

No human clinical trials have been conducted on Kateera. Current evidence is limited to traditional use documentation and preliminary in-vitro studies on its myricetin content.

### What are the potential side effects of Kateera?

Specific side effects of Kateera are unknown due to lack of clinical safety studies. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but comprehensive safety data is not available.

### Can Kateera interact with medications?

Potential drug interactions are undocumented but theoretically possible with anticoagulant medications due to myricetin content. Medical supervision is recommended when combining with any prescription drugs.

### What is the research quality and evidence level for Kateera's health benefits?

Most evidence for Kateera comes from traditional use rather than rigorous clinical trials in humans. The antimicrobial properties are documented in traditional Unani medicine but lack modern clinical validation. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have only been demonstrated in laboratory (in-vitro) studies, not yet confirmed in human subjects, meaning more research is needed before making definitive health claims.

### Is Kateera safe for pregnant women or children?

There is insufficient safety data on Kateera use during pregnancy and lactation, so it should be avoided or only used under professional guidance in these populations. Safety in children has not been formally studied, and use should be limited to age-appropriate applications under qualified supervision. Traditional use does not replace modern safety standards, and pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### What forms of Kateera are available and which is most commonly used?

Kateera is traditionally prepared as a mucilage or decoction by soaking the dried plant material in water, which is the form most documented in Unani medicine practice. Powdered or dried herb forms are also available in supplement markets, though absorption and efficacy may vary between preparations. The traditional water-based preparation method may be preferred as it aligns with historical use, though standardized extract forms are increasingly marketed without robust comparative efficacy data.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*