Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the "devil tree," has a longstanding place in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and folk practices across India and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its bark and other parts have been used for a variety of gastrointestinal ailments, including dysentery and diarrhea. The rationale for its use lies in its reputed astringent and anti-dysenteric properties, which are believed to help reduce intestinal inflammation and control excessive bowel movements. Ethnobotanical surveys and historical Ayurvedic texts often mention the use of Alstonia scholaris bark decoctions for treating symptoms associated with dysentery.

However, scientific validation for its effectiveness in dysentery is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have reported antimicrobial activity of Alstonia scholaris extracts against certain enteric pathogens, and mild anti-diarrheal effects have been observed in experimental models. Still, these findings are preliminary and not directly focused on human dysentery or clinically significant outcomes. No large-scale, controlled clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy and safety for this indication. Therefore, while there is a strong tradition of use, robust scientific evidence is lacking, justifying a moderate evidence rating.