Photo: J.M.Garg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Kutaja कुटज
Holarrhena antidysenterica · Apocynaceae
Also known as: Kurchi, Indrajav, Indra Jau, Kutaj Chhal, Kuda Ki Chhal, Kuda Ki Jadh
Part used: Bark, seed
Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is a small tree whose bark and seeds are Ayurveda's specific drug for dysentery. The botanical name says the indication. It is used for amoebic and bacillary dysentery, chronic diarrhoea and bleeding piles, and remains a first-line traditional remedy across India.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Holarrhena antidysenterica
- Part used: Bark, seed
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; Kutajarishta and Kutajghan Vati are common preparations.
Kutaja in other languages
Introduction
Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is Ayurveda's foremost herb for diarrhoea and dysentery. Its bark and seed check loose motions and clear infective, inflammatory conditions of the gut — the basis of Kutajarishta and Kutajghan Vati.
Classification
Of the Apocynaceae family, Kutaja heads the antidysenteric (Atisara-Pravahikahara) and Grahi dravyas. Its bitter-astringent taste and cooling potency pacify Pitta-Kapha and firm the stool.
Uses & benefits
Kutaja is Ayurveda's specific for dysentery. The bark is used in Atisara and Pravahika — diarrhoea with mucus, blood and straining — and in amoebic infection of the bowel. It is Stambhana and Grahi, arresting the flow without stopping digestion.
Kutaja for dysentery
Its defining use, recorded in its botanical name. Effective in amoebic dysentery in particular, where the classical texts are emphatic.
Kutaja for chronic diarrhoea
Used in Atisara, especially where the complaint has persisted and other measures have failed.
Kutaja for irritable bowel
Its combination of astringency and digestive action suits unpredictable bowel habit with mucus.
Kutaja for bleeding piles
A Raktastambhaka drug used where haemorrhoids bleed.
Kutaja for intestinal parasites
A Krimighna drug, its action extending beyond amoebae to intestinal worms.
Kutaja for fever with diarrhoea
Used where the two occur together, which is the classic infective picture.
Kutaja seed as Indrayava
The seed is a distinct drug in the texts, used similarly and sometimes preferred for dysentery.
Kutaja for skin disease
A secondary classical indication, taken internally in chronic Kushta.
Kutaja for excessive thirst
Named in Trishna, particularly the thirst accompanying prolonged diarrhoea.
Kutaja in Kutajarishta and Kutajghan Vati
The lead drug of both classical preparations for dysentery and chronic loose stool.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; Kutajarishta and Kutajghan Vati are common preparations. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kutaja?
The citations held for Kutaja in this catalogue are: Sushruta Samhita (Atisara & Grahani); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Sushruta Samhita record about Kutaja?
Cited as best for diarrhoea and dysentery. Reference: Sushruta Samhita — Atisara & Grahani.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kutaja?
Described as the chief antidysenteric. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Kutaja traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Kutaja is Ayurveda's specific for dysentery. The bark is used in Atisara and Pravahika — diarrhoea with mucus, blood and straining — and in amoebic infection of the bowel. It is Stambhana and Grahi, arresting the flow without stopping digestion.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kutaja?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kutaja classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kutaja carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kutaja is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark, seed.
How much Kutaja is taken, and how?
Bark powder 1–3 g or decoction; Kutajarishta and Kutajghan Vati are common preparations. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kutaja be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where does Kutaja grow?
Kutaja is a small deciduous tree of dry deciduous forests and hill slopes across India, its bark and seeds harvested for medicine.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as the chief antidysenteric. - Charaka & Sushruta Samhita — Atisara & Grahani
Cited as best for diarrhoea and dysentery.
Modern research
-
Expanded Therapeutic Applications of Holarrhena Antidysenterica: A Review
(see source). Cureus (2023)
A review summarising expanded therapeutic applications of Holarrhena antidysenterica, including its antidysenteric and antimicrobial actions.
View study doi:10.2174/1386207326666230821102502 -
Review of Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC.: Pharmacognostic, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Perspective
(see source). Pharmacognosy Reviews (2017)
A comprehensive review documenting Holarrhena antidysenterica (Kutaja)'s antidiarrhoeal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities.
View study doi:10.4103/phrev.phrev_31_16
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance in pregnancy.
Where it grows
Kutaja is a small deciduous tree of dry deciduous forests and hill slopes across India, its bark and seeds harvested for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kutaja used for?
Kutaja is Ayurveda's specific drug for dysentery — amoebic in particular — and for chronic diarrhoea, irritable bowel, bleeding piles and intestinal parasites. Its botanical name, antidysenterica, records the principal use.
What is the dose of Kutaja?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. As Kutajghan Vati, typically two tablets twice or three times daily. As Kutajarishta, 15–30 ml with water after meals.
Is Kutaja effective for amoebic dysentery?
It is the classical drug for it with a long record and supporting modern work. Amoebic dysentery still needs proper diagnosis and often specific treatment — severe or bloody diarrhoea with fever needs a doctor, not self-treatment.
What is Indrayava?
The seed of the same tree, treated as a separate drug in the classical texts. It is used similarly to the bark for dysentery and diarrhoea, and some physicians prefer it. Both are Holarrhena antidysenterica.
What is Kutaja called in Hindi?
Kurchi or Kuda. In English it is the conessi tree or bitter oleander. The bark is sometimes called conessi bark in older pharmacopoeias.
Are there side effects of Kutaja?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Astringent and bitter, so prolonged use may cause constipation and dryness. Avoid in pregnancy. Adulteration with Wrightia tinctoria bark is common — check the source.
How quickly does Kutaja work?
In acute dysentery classical practice expects improvement within a few days. If diarrhoea persists beyond that, contains blood, or comes with fever or dehydration, stop self-treating and see a doctor.
