# Kutaj

> Kutaj (Holarrhena pubescens) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (hence anti-amoebic CNS activity). Holarrhimine and kurchine are well-absorbed. Kutajarishta (self-generated alcohol content 5-10%) enhances alkaloid dissolution and absorption.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Holarrhena pubescens

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kutaj |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kvatha Ghana (solid extract), Capsule, Tablet, [Kutajarishta](/formulation/kutajarishta/) (fermented preparation), Kutaja Parpati

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 500 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; 15-30 mL Kutajarishta; Kutaja Parpati: 250-500 mg twice daily with buttermilk

**Bioavailability:** Conessine (steroidal alkaloid) has good oral bioavailability (~45-55%) with moderate first-pass metabolism. Readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (hence anti-amoebic CNS activity). Holarrhimine and kurchine are well-absorbed. Kutajarishta (self-generated alcohol content 5-10%) enhances alkaloid dissolution and absorption. Co-administration with buttermilk (traditional Anupana) provides lipid carrier and probiotic synergy for GI-targeted delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for anti-diarrheal and digestive effects; Kutajarishta: after meals with equal quantity of water; Kutaja Parpati: with buttermilk after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 2% total steroidal [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (as conessine) by HPLC; Kutajarishta: pH 3.5-4.5, total alkaloids >0.1%, self-generated alcohol 5-10%

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for bark powder; 36 months for Kutajarishta (improves with aging); 24 months for capsules and tablets; 36 months for Ghana Vati

**Storage:** Bark powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Kutajarishta in glass bottles (traditional) or food-grade PET — improves with age like wine (some Vaidyas store for 5-10 years). Protect capsules from moisture. Store in cool, dry place.

**Marker Compounds:** Conessine, Kurchine, Conessimine, Holarrhimine, Kurchicine, Conamine, Isoconessimine, Holarrhenine

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional — bark boiled and reduced to 1/4th)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) for alkaloid enrichment
- Acid-water extraction (0.1N HCl) for maximum alkaloid yield
- Fermentation process for Kutajarishta (Sandhana Kalpana)
- Spray drying for Ghana Vati preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) for acute diarrhea (Kutaja + Ativisha is a classical combination)
- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (Aegle marmelos) for chronic dysentery
- [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) (Pomegranate) for IBS management
- Musta for digestive and anti-diarrheal synergy
- Kutajarishta with Dadima for comprehensive Atisara (diarrhea) management

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kutaj/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.