Indian almond leaves come from the Terminalia catappa tree. The leaf of this tree is especially known for its ability to act as a natural medicine and aquarium water conditioner for betta fish and shrimp tanks when the leaf has emerged in water for extended periods of time. Indian almond leaves are said to help combat fungus and bacterial problems like fin rot and can further help prevent fish from getting stressed by mimicking the water they are naturally found in.

When placed in water, Indian almond leaves slowly start to decompose. While this happens, the leaves turn the water a yellow or brown color by releasing tannins. These tannins gradually lower the pH of the water and are said to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, which comes in handy when you have a fish suffering from fin rot or when you’re raising vulnerable fry.

A common myth about the Indian Almond Leaf is that their benefits only come from their tannins. This view has been proven to be false. Humic acids this is including tannins do offer great benefits, Tannins offer many bacterial properties and are a component in many herbs. Almost any source of tannins will benefit an aquatic environment.

Analysis of Indian Almond Leaves thus far has revealed flavanoids, isovitexin, vitexin, isoorientin, rutin and triterpenoiods. Further identified are volatile oils, quercetin, corilagin, kamferolphenols, saponin, saponin glycosides, cardiac glycoside, balsam, and squalene. T. catappa leaf tannins include punicalagin, punicalin, geranin, granatin B, tergallagin, tercatain, terflavin A and B, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. 

The medicinal properties of T. catappa have been proven repeatedly in scientific studies:

• Anti-inflammatory
  
• Antiparasite properties, including the eradication of Trichodina, Gyrodactylus sp. and Dactylogyrus sp.
  
• Antibacterial properties have been proven against many strains, both negative and positive, and T. catappa leaf extracts continue to be explored as an alternative to antibiotics for the fish industry
  
• Scientists have reported antifungal activity against Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Aspergillus fumigatus
• Indian Almond Leaf extract has also been used successfully as an antifungal for Tilapia eggs
• Reduction in pH
• Assist in lowering stress for tank inhabitants
• Creation of bio-flim and beneficial bacteria that aid in shrimp keeping / breeding

Catappa, catapah, catapang, ketapang, ketepang, katapang, humus, humin, humic acid, black water,  Indian almond, tannin, tannins