Botanical Name: Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don.
Family: Apocynaceae
Synonyms: Significant scientific synonyms include Echites pubescens Buch.-Ham. and Chonemorpha antidysenterica (L.) G.Don. In Sanskrit, it is frequently called Kalingaka, Vatsaka, and Girimallika, referring to its mountain-dwelling nature and its resemblance to jasmine.
Vernacular Names: Across various regions, the plant is known as Kura or Karchi (Hindi), Tellapala (Telugu), Kutaj (Bengali), Veppalai (Tamil), and the Conessi Tree or Tellicherry Bark (English).
Classification: In terms of habit, Kutaja is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree. Within the Apocynaceae family, it is recognized for its medicinal bark and its lack of the extreme toxicity found in some of its relatives, such as Oleander.
Habitat: This species is native to the Indian subcontinent, thriving across the tropical Himalayas and the dry deciduous forests of India. It prefers sunny locations and is often found growing in waste lands, hillsides, and rocky terrains, showing a high tolerance for poor soil conditions.
Morphology: The tree typically reaches a height of 9–12 meters. It features a pale, grayish-brown bark that flakes off in small rectangular scales. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate-oblong, measuring up to 20 cm in length. The flowers are fragrant, creamy-white, and arranged in terminal corymbose cymes, bearing a resemblance to jasmine flowers. The fruit consists of two long, slender, pendulous follicles containing numerous light-brown seeds with a tuft of silky hair.
Useful Parts: The bark of the stem and root is the most significant medicinal part, though the seeds (known as Indrayava) are also highly valued in specific Ayurvedic treatments.
Chemical Composition: The therapeutic efficacy of Kutaja is primarily due to its steroidal alkaloids. The most prominent active constituent is conessine, followed by kurchine, holarrhenine, and conessimine. The bark also contains tannins, resins, and triterpenes which contribute to its astringent properties.
Pharmacological Action: Kutaja is globally recognized for its amoebicidal and antidiarrheal activities. It exhibits potent astringent, anthelmintic, and antimicrobial actions. It is the primary treatment for amoebic dysentery, chronic diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it is used to treat skin diseases and as a febrifuge to manage malarial fevers.
Formulation/Usage: Traditional applications include Kutaja Parpati and Kutajghan Vati (tablet forms) for intestinal issues. The fermented preparation Kutajarishta is one of the most popular Ayurvedic liquids for long-term digestive health. The seeds (Indrayava) are often prepared as a decoction for managing fevers and bleeding disorders.
Rasa: Tikta and Kashaya
Guna: Laghu and Ruksha
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Katu