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VOL. 11, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Kutaja (Holarrhena Antidysenterica): From ayurveda to modern pharmacology: A review
Authors
Dhale DA
Abstract
Holarrhena
antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC. (Family Apocynaceae), commonly known as Kutaja or
Kurchi, is an important medicinal tree extensively employed in the traditional
systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, for the
management of gastrointestinal disorders. The stem bark and seeds have been
traditionally prescribed for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, amoebiasis,
intestinal helminthiasis, inflammatory bowel disorders, fever, skin diseases,
and several metabolic ailments. Owing to its long-standing therapeutic
significance, H. antidysenterica has attracted considerable scientific
attention, resulting in extensive investigations on its pharmacognosy,
phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. The present review
critically compiles and updates the available information on the taxonomy,
botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal applications, pharmacognostic
features, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties, clinical
evidence, toxicity, and standardization of H. antidysenterica. The plant
is particularly rich in steroidal alkaloids, including conessine, conessidine,
holarrhine, kurchicine, kurchine, and holarrhimine, which are primarily
responsible for its potent antiamoebic, antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities.
Recent advances employing chromatographic fingerprinting, metabolomic
profiling, molecular docking, DNA barcoding, and nanotechnology-based
formulations have further strengthened the scientific basis for its therapeutic
applications and quality assurance. Experimental investigations have also
demonstrated promising hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective,
gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties, indicating the plant's
potential beyond its classical use in gastrointestinal diseases. Despite
encouraging pharmacological evidence, well-designed multicentric clinical
trials, standardized herbal formulations, comprehensive toxicological
assessments, and conservation strategies remain limited. Moreover, sustainable
harvesting practices and molecular authentication are essential to prevent
adulteration and ensure the quality of herbal raw materials. This review
integrates classical knowledge with recent scientific developments, identifies
existing research gaps, and highlights future opportunities for developing
evidence-based phytopharmaceuticals from Holarrhena antidysenterica. The
compiled information may serve as a valuable reference for researchers,
pharmacologists, ethnobotanists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical industries
engaged in medicinal plant research and herbal drug development. The review is
based on classical pharmacognostic literature and incorporates updated
scientific evidence to provide a comprehensive perspective on this
pharmaceutically important medicinal species.
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Pages:193-200
How to cite this article:
Dhale DA "Kutaja (<i>Holarrhena Antidysenterica</i>): From ayurveda to modern pharmacology: A review". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 193-200
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