Kudasappalai (Holarrhena pubescens)

Kudasappalai, kurchi in Hindi and kutaja in Sanskrit, is a small, milky-sapped tree whose bark is Ayurveda’s classic remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery, as in kutajarishta. Its seeds are sold as indrajau. The bark contains conessine, an alkaloid once used in Western medicine against amoebic dysentery. Older books call it Holarrhena antidysenterica.

Botanical name: Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Kudasappalai
Hindi: Kurchi
Sanskrit: Kuṭaja
Parts used: Bark in lists, Seeds in lists
Habit: Small deciduous tree of dry country; kutaja bark is a classic Ayurvedic remedy
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Kudasappalai

It is a small deciduous tree or shrub, usually three to ten metres, with pale bark and milky latex.

The leaves are opposite, oval and softly hairy, with many parallel side veins.

Fragrant white flowers grow in clusters at the branch tips, looking a little like jasmine.

The fruits are pairs of long, slender, pencil-like pods hanging from the branches.

The seeds carry tufts of silky brown hairs.

Traditional use of Kudasappalai

Ayurveda

Kutaja bark is used in kutajarishta and kutaja ghana vati for diarrhoea and dysentery.

Ayurvedic practice

Ayurveda

The seeds, indrayava, are used in formulas for digestion and fevers.

Ayurvedic practice

Modern notes on Kudasappalai

Conessine was used against amoebic dysentery in the early twentieth century but was dropped for safer drugs.

Laboratory studies confirm activity of bark extracts against some gut pathogens.

The alkaloids can affect the nervous system in high doses.

Its soft, white wood is used for carving, combs and toys.

Kudasappalai safety

Severe or bloody diarrhoea, especially in children, needs oral rehydration and a doctor. Use kutaja only under a trained practitioner and avoid it in pregnancy.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in dry deciduous forests across India and into South-east Asia.

Moths visit the fragrant flowers.

Wind carries the hairy seeds.

It flowers in the hot season, often when the tree is almost leafless.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Kudasappalai

What is kutaja?

The Sanskrit name of this tree.

What is indrajau?

Its seeds, used in Ayurveda.

What was Kudasappalai used for?

Mainly diarrhoea and dysentery.

Is Kudasappalai safe at home?

Only under a trained practitioner.

What was the older name of Holarrhena pubescens?

Holarrhena antidysenterica.

How can I recognise Kudasappalai?

Look for white jasmine-like flowers and long, paired pencil pods.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.