Kutaja

(Conessi Bark)
Sanskrit: कुटज • Botanical: Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall.

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), known as Kurchi or Conessi Bark, is the foremost anti-diarrheal herb in Ayurveda. The tree grows up to 7000 feet elevation. The bark and seeds are the primary parts used. The bark contains multiple alkaloids - Conessine, Kurchine, Kurchicine, and Holarrhenine - which together make up about 2-4% of the bark content. Conessine alone constitutes 2.4-2.5% in bark. The total alkaloids including Conessine are effective against amoebic dysentery - Conessine has been demonstrated effective even against Entamoeba histolytica. Kurchi bismuth iodide preparation yields 20% bismuth and 32.45% iodine, useful for chronic amoebic dysentery. The text provides extensive pharmacological detail: the seeds are non-toxic while the bark requires careful dosing. Kutajarista and Kutaja Ghana Vati are classical preparations. The bark decoction is the main remedy for Pravahika (dysentery) and Atisara (diarrhea). It also has antipyretic and blood-purifying actions.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Conessine (C24H40N2), Kurchine (C23H38N2), Kurchicine (C20H35ON2), Holarrhenine (C24H38ON2), Conamine, Conarrhimine, Isoconessimine
Also Known As
English: Conessi Bark, Kurchi, Tellicherry Bark
Sanskrit: कुटज, कालिंग, गिरिमल्लिका, शक्राह्व, वत्सक
Hindi: कुड़ा, कोरैया, कुटज

What is Kutaja / Conessi Bark (कुटज / कुड़ा)?

Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), known as Kurchi or Conessi Bark, is the foremost anti-diarrheal herb in Ayurveda. The tree grows up to 7000 feet elevation. The bark and seeds are the primary parts used. The bark contains multiple alkaloids - Conessine, Kurchine, Kurchicine, and Holarrhenine - which together make up about 2-4% of the bark content. Conessine alone constitutes 2.4-2.5% in bark. The total alkaloids including Conessine are effective against amoebic dysentery - Conessine has been demonstrated effective even against Entamoeba histolytica. Kurchi bismuth iodide preparation yields 20% bismuth and 32.45% iodine, useful for chronic amoebic dysentery. The text provides extensive pharmacological detail: the seeds are non-toxic while the bark requires careful dosing. Kutajarista and Kutaja Ghana Vati are classical preparations. The bark decoction is the main remedy for Pravahika (dysentery) and Atisara (diarrhea). It also has antipyretic and blood-purifying actions.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Atisarahara (anti-diarrheal)
  • Amahara (removes Ama/toxins)
  • Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
  • Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Stambhana (astringent/binding)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.