Kutaj - ayurvedic supplement with multiple health application

The plant Holarrhena antidysenterica (HA), which is commonly known as Kutaj, and its seeds, which are known as Indrayava, are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. Kutaja is a medicinal plant abundantly found in India especially in Himalayan ranges.

Its uses are mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic literature and by many folklore claims. The plant is also of extreme economic importance. It is exported in the form of seed powder, bark powder, kutaja kwatha, Kutaja Prapati Vati and as herbal dietary supplement.

Ayurvedic Action

Rasa (Taste)	Kashya, Tikta
Virya (Energy)	Seeta, (Cold)
Vipak (Post-digestive effect)	Katu
Guna (Quality)	Light, Dry
Doshic Effect	Balances - K-P

Health Benefits

Anti - Diarrhoeal properties

Kutaja has antidysenteric, anti diarrheal and anti amoebic properties. In Ayurveda it is used for the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhea. For therapeutic purposes seeds and bark of holarrhena antidysentrica are used. Both have antibacterial and antidiarrheal effects.

The seeds of Kutaja contain five main steroidal alkaloids : 1. Conessine, 2. Isoconessimine, 3. Conessimin, 4. Conarrhimin, 5. Conimin . All these steroidal alkaloids have ACHE inhibitory activity. The alkaloid conessine has antidysenteric properties, so Kutaja is mainly useful for dysentery, diarrhea and helminthic disorders.

It completely kills entamoeba histolytica and clears it from intestines and liver completely. Holarrhena antidysentrica also appears against shigella bacteria.

Kidney Stone

Holarrhena Antidysenterica has antiurolithic action. It possibly inhibits aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. It also has renal epithelial cell protective effects and antioxidant action, which might play a role in prevention of kidney stones and renal diseases.

Kutaj (Kurchi) seeds are used for relieving renal colic and kidney stones. Seed powder (1.5 grams) and Nishoth powder (1.5 grams) is given with buttermilk for removing stones.

Difficulty in Urination

The root bark of Kutaj Tree helps in urinary difficulty that accompanies with burning micturition, or painful urination. It relieves pain, reduces burning sensation and stimulates the proper urination.

Excessive Uterine Bleeding

Haemostatic action of Holarrhena Antidysenterica (Kutaj) helps reduce uterine bleeding. However, it is not used alone in this condition. Its ayurvedic formulations like Kutajaveleha are more beneficial.

Abdominal Cramps or Pain

Holarrhena Antidysenterica (Kutaj) seeds (Indrayava) are beneficial for relieving abdominal cramps or pain.

Bleeding Piles

Haemostatic action of Kutaj Bark reduces bleeding in hemorrhoids. Intestinal Worms

However, Holarrhena Antidysenterica (Kurchi) is not used alone for treating worm infestation, but along with other anthelmintic remedies, it provides excellent treatment for intestinal worms.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor).

Kutaj Powder - 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon

Part used: Bark, leaves, seeds, flowers

It is strictly advised to consult a doctor before taking it during pregnancy, lactation or if you have any chronic disease.