kutaja :
Kutaj is a deciduous laticiferous shrub or can be considered as a small tree. The tree grows up to three meters high. The tree has short stem that has pale bark and several branches It consists certain biochemical constituents namely alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and tannins. Alkaloids have been reported in the bark, leaf and seeds of the plant. Kutaja or Conessine has been used to treat various health ailments such as piles, colic, dyspepsia, chest affections and as a remedy in diseases of the skin and spleen.Taxonomical Classification
Family: ApocynaceaeVERNACULAR NAMES
English: conessi bark, tellicherry bark, kurchiSynonyms
Synonyms in Ayurveda: kutaja, shakra, vatsaka, girimallika, pravishya, shakrapadaka, varatika, yavaphala, mahagandha, koti, shambhuruha, aindrayava, aindra phala, kalinga, kautaja, shakrahva, puruhuta, bhadrayava, indrayava, indravrikshaAccording to one study, Kutaj seed and bark is capable to kill free living amoebae and it also kills entamoeba histolytica in the dysenteric stools of experimentally infected kittens and the herb is markedly lethal to the flagellate protozoon. The strong antibacterial activity of the Holarrhena antidysenterica extract inhibits growth of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC) bacteria strains. The EPEC strains are notorious for resisting the activities of multiple antibiotic drugs. The effectiveness of Holarrhena antidysenterica in treating diarrhea induced by EPEC strains makes it an effective alternative to conventional antibiotic drugs used for treating dysentery. The medicinal plant could also inhibit formation of bloody stools, a symptom of entero haemorrhagic Escherichia coli(EHEC) infection. Studies suggest that Holarrhena antidysenterica prevents and treats EPEC infections by prevented bacterial adhesion. The anti-adherence effect of the alkaloids of the herb provides a rational basis for treating diarrhea induced by EPEC infection.
KEY WORDS: Kutaja, Kutaj, Kutajam
- » Classification and names of kutaja
- » Synonyms and definitions of kutaja
- » Drug Properties of kutaja
- » Chemical Constituents of kutaja
- » Standardization of kutaja
- » Parts used and Dosage of kutaja
- » Morphology and Histology of kutaja
- » Distribution and Conservation of kutaja
- » Cultivation of kutaja
- » kutaja in the market
- » Medicinal Uses of kutaja
- » Researches and clinical trails of kutaja
- » kutaja in other sytems of medicine
- » Ayurvedic formulations with kutaja
- » Images of kutaja
Dr Mohamed Rifas
A dual country licensed Ayurveda Physician, currently working in Dubai as Head of Ayurveda and Yoga department. He also works as visiting doctor for Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital. He is specialized in joint issues, brain and spine related issues and gastrointestinal issues with respect to anxiety.
Doctor profile: Click here
