Kutaja (Vatsaka, Girimallika)
Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).
About
Kutaja is a potent herb in Ayurveda, renowned for its effectiveness in managing digestive disorders, particularly diarrhea and dysentery. It possesses astringent and antimicrobial properties.
Botanical name: Holarrhena antidysenterica. Also known as: Conessi Tree, Tellicherry Bark, Kurchi, Indrajau.
Properties
Anti-diarrheal, Anti-dysenteric, Antimicrobial, Anti-amoebic, Anti-inflammatory
Dosage
3-6 grams of bark powder daily
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Virya: ["শীতল (Cooling)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- দীপন (Deepana - Appetizer)
- पाचन (Pachana - Digestive)
- ग्राही (Grahi - Absorbent)
- स्तम्भन (Stambhana - Anti-diarrheal)
- कृमिघ्न (Krimighna - Anti-helminthic)
- रक्तस्तम्भन (Raktastambhana - Hemostatic)
Traditional uses
- अतिसार (Atisara - Diarrhea)
- ग्रहणी (Grahani - Malabsorption Syndrome)
- प्रवाहिका (Pravahika - Dysentery)
- कृमि रोग (Krimi Roga - Worm infestation)
- रक्तपित्त (Raktapitta - Bleeding disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: increasing
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Chronic constipation
Side effects
- Excessive dryness
- Constipation
Interactions
- Anti-diabetic medications
- Blood pressure drugs
Active compounds
- Conessine
- Holarrhenine
- Kurchine
- Holadysamine
- Kurchicine
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials indicate Kutaja's efficacy in treating diarrhea and dysentery, with studies showing a significant reduction in stool frequency and normalization of intestinal function. Amoebiasis treatment shows 70% positive response. Pilot studies suggest benefits for IBS symptom management.
Ayurvedic karmas
- দীপন (Deepana - Appetizer)
- पाचन (Pachana - Digestive)
- ग्राही (Grahi - Absorbent)
- स्तम्भन (Stambhana - Anti-diarrheal)
- कृमिघ्न (Krimighna - Anti-helminthic)
- रक्तस्तम्भन (Raktastambhana - Hemostatic)
Classical clinical indications
- अतिसार (Atisara - Diarrhea)
- ग्रहणी (Grahani - Malabsorption Syndrome)
- प्रवाहिका (Pravahika - Dysentery)
- कृमि रोग (Krimi Roga - Worm infestation)
- रक्तपित्त (Raktapitta - Bleeding disorders)
Frequently asked questions
What is Kutaja?
Kutaja is a potent herb in Ayurveda, renowned for its effectiveness in managing digestive disorders, particularly diarrhea and dysentery. It possesses astringent and antimicrobial properties.
What are the benefits of Kutaja?
দীপন (Deepana - Appetizer). पाचन (Pachana - Digestive). ग्राही (Grahi - Absorbent)
How is Kutaja used in Ayurveda?
अतिसार (Atisara - Diarrhea)
Classical & Scientific References
- Classical monographs on Kutaja in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu and Dravyaguna Vijnana.
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
- Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana Ch. 4 — Dravyadi Sangrahaniya) & Sushruta Samhita.
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