Holarrhena antidysenterica
Synopsis of holarrhena antidysenterica
Holarrhena antidysenterica, also known as kutaj in Ayurveda, is a small tree native to India and Southeast Asia, especially found in dry deciduous forests. The plant is most valued for its bark and seeds, which have long been used to treat severe and chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Its medicinal activity is attributed to potent alkaloids such as conessine, holarrhenine, and kurchine, which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antidiarrheal properties.
In modern herbal medicine and pharmacognosy, Holarrhena antidysenterica is primarily used to combat amoebic and bacterial dysentery, making it particularly effective against Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan responsible for amoebiasis. It is also beneficial in chronic colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and worm infestations. The herb tones and protects the mucosal lining of the gut, helps restore proper intestinal function, and reduces intestinal bleeding and mucus discharge.
Kutaj is typically administered as a decoction, powder (churna), or tablet, and is often included in Ayurvedic gut health formulations, particularly Kutajghan Vati and Bilwadi Churna.
Historical Use
Holarrhena antidysenterica has been a core herb in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, where it is classified as Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), and Sheeta (cooling) in nature. It is traditionally used to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas and is especially effective in conditions involving inflammation, heat, and excess fluid in the digestive tract.
The plant has been documented in classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, where it was prescribed for grahani (chronic digestive disorders), pravahika (dysentery), and krimi (intestinal worms). It was considered one of the most reliable remedies for bloody and mucous-laden diarrhea, especially in tropical infections.
In Unani and Siddha medicine, kutaj was also valued for its astringent, cooling, and purgative effects, often used for both infectious and non-infectious gut conditions.
Today, Holarrhena antidysenterica continues to be a mainstay of Ayurvedic gastroenterology, prized for its ability to arrest diarrhea, restore gut flora, and reduce inflammation, without disturbing the natural balance of the digestive system. It bridges traditional wisdom and modern gut health support, especially in regions where chronic digestive disturbances are common.
Holarrhena antidysenterica is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Dysentery (Scientific)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Parasites (general) (Traditional)
Parasites (nematodes, worms) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
holarrhena antidysenterica is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Products containing holarrhena antidysenterica
Nature's Sunshine Joint Health (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Skin Detox (Ayurvedic)
