Kutaja, also known as Indrayava, Kalinga, or Coneru Bark, is a classical Ayurvedic herb primarily used for managing gastrointestinal disorders, especially chronic diarrhea, dysentery, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and malabsorption syndromes.
The bark, seeds, and root bark are widely used for their deepana (digestive stimulant), grahi (absorbent), krimighna (antimicrobial), and shothahara (anti-inflammatory) properties. It is particularly effective in Kapha-Pitta related gut pathologies.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS & MECHANISMS
- Antidiarrheal: Inhibits intestinal hypersecretion and restores tone
↑ Sodium-potassium ATPase activity; ↓ Chloride secretion
- Antimicrobial/Antiparasitic: Inhibits intestinal pathogens
Active against E. histolytica, Giardia, Shigella, and helminths
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces gut and skin inflammation
Suppresses IL-6, TNF-α; inhibits COX and LOX enzymes
- Hepatoprotective: Promotes bile flow and liver detox
Enhances hepatic antioxidant enzyme levels
- Immunomodulatory: Regulates hypersensitive immune responses
Increases T-reg cell population; decreases mast cell degranulation
- Wound healing: Astringent and antimicrobial nature helps faster epithelial repair
RELEVANT RESEARCH REFERENCES
- Sathiyanarayanan et al. (2013) – Kutaja bark extract shows significant antidiarrheal and antimicrobial activity in albino rats.
- Kumar A. et al. (2017) – Holarrhena antidysenterica modulates gut inflammation and mucosal immunity in ulcerative colitis model.
- Chandrashekar KS et al. – Anthelmintic and anti-amoebic activity of Kutaja seed extract confirmed in vitro.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
- Avoid in pregnancy and lactation unless advised by physician
- Caution in patients with chronic constipation or Vata aggravation
- Avoid during acute dehydration without supervision
- May cause dryness if taken long-term in Vata-prone individuals
AYURVEDIC DESCRIPTION
· Sanskrit Names: Kutaja, Indrayava, Kalinga, Vatsaka
· Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
· Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
· Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
· Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Katu (Pungent)
· Effect on Doshas:
▸ Pacifies Pitta & Kapha
▸ May mildly aggravate Vata if taken long-term without balancing agents
STORAGE & PACKAGING
· Pack Size: 4 oz (100% pure Kutaja Bark powder)
· Packaging: Airtight, resealable pouch to retain potency
· Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and sunlight
CLIMATE & REGION
Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows naturally in:
· Dry deciduous forests
· Rocky slopes in Central and South India
· Himalayan foothills (Uttarakhand, Himachal)
· Widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
