According to one study, Holarrhenafrom the bark is capable to kill free living amoebae and it also kills entamoeba histolytica in the dysenteric stools of experimentally infected kittens The herb is markedly lethal to the flagellate protozoon [1 and 2].

Conessine or Kutaja possesses some properties that fight effectively against the mycobacterium tuberculi and hence, it can be used treating pulmonary tuberculosis [3].

Conkurchine hydrochloride, found in Kutaja or Conessine is considered to be hypotensive and vasodilator [4].

The bark of this wonderful drug is used as an astringent, anthelmintic, anti-dontalgic and stomachic. It also has certain unique properties such as febrifuge, anti-dropsical and diuretic. Kutaja or Conessine has bee used to treat various health ailments such as piles, colic, dyspepsia, chest affections and as a remedy in diseases of the skin and spleen [5].

Kutaja is potent drug used in various gastrointestinal canal’s disorders especially helping to cure amoebic dysentery and other gastric disorders [6].

Kutaja or Conessine is useful herb in fighting many diseases but it is most powerful against diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence and colic [7]

• Indian J. Chem., 1981, 20B: 62.
• Chopra, R.N,: Indigenous Drugs of India, Academic Publishers, Calcutta (1982).
• J.Pharm. (London), 1049, 1:340.
• Proc. Rajasthan Acad. Sci., 1961, 8:94.
• Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants,CIMAP, Lucknow(1992)
• Singh, K.P.: Ancient Sci. Life 5:228 (1986).
• Selected Medicinal Plants of India, CHEMEXCIL, Mumbai (1982).

As broad-spectrum antibacterial activity: In search of broad-spectrum antibacterial activity from traditionally used Indian medicinal plants, 66 ethanolic plant extracts were screened against nine different bacteria. Of these, 39 extracts demonstrated activity against six or more test bacteria. Twelve extracts showing broad-spectrum activity were tested against specific multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESbetaL)-producing enteric bacteria. In vitro efficacy was expressed in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of plant extracts. MIC values ranged from 0.32-7.5 mg/ml against MRSA and 0.31-6.25 mg/ml against ESbetaL-producing enteric bacteria. The overall activity against all groups of bacteria was found in order of Plumbago zeylanica > Hemidesmus indicus > Acorus calamus > Camellia sinensis > Terminalia chebula > Terminalia bellerica > Holarrhena antidysenterica > Lawsonia inermis > Mangifera indica > Punica granatum > Cichorium intybus and Delonix regia. In addition, these extracts showed synergistic interaction with tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin against S. aureus and/or Escherichia coli. The ethanolic extracts of more than 12 plants were found nontoxic to sheep erythrocytes and nonmutagenic, determined by Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium test strains (TA 97a, TA 100, TA 102 and TA 104). Based on above properties, six plants-Plumbago zeylanica, Hemidesmus indicus, Acorus calamus, Punica granatum, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Delonix regia-were further subjected to fractionation-based study. Ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol fractions of more than six plants indicated that the active phytocompounds were distributed mainly into acetone and ethyl acetate fractions, whereas they were least prevalent in methanol fractions as evident from their antibacterial activity against MDR bacteria. Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR bacteria are almost equally sensitive to these extracts/fractions, indicating their broad-spectrum nature. However, strain- and plant extract-dependent variations in the antibacterial activity were also evident. Time-kill assay with the most promising plant fraction Plumbago zeylanica (ethyl acetate fraction) demonstrated killing of test bacteria at the level lower than its MIC. Further, identification of active constituents in each fraction and their additive and synergistic interactions are needed to exploit them in evaluating efficacy and safety in vivo against MDR bacteria (Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Mar; 29(2):79-92 for Antibacterial properties of traditionally used Indian medicinal plants by Aqil F, Ahmad I. at Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.)

As Anti-diarrheal and Anti-dysentery activity: The alkaloids from the ethanolic extract of H. antidysenterica seeds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in vitro, and their anti-diarrheal activity on castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats, in vivo. The plasmid DNA, whole cell lysate and outer membrane protein profile of a clinical isolate of EPEC was determined in presence of alkaloids of H. antidysenterica. The disc diffusion and agar well diffusion methods were used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy. The alkaloids showed strong antibacterial activity against EPEC strains. In castor oil-induced diarrhea, alkaloids reduced the diarrhea with decrease in the number of wet faeces in pretreated rats at a dose of 200-800 mg/kg. The loss of plasmid DNA and suppression of high molecular weight proteins were observed on alkaloids treatment. Taking into account the multiple antibiotic resistance of EPEC, the results suggest usefulness of alkaloids of H. antidysenterica seeds as antibacterial and anti-diarrheal agents. ( Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Jun;42(6):589-94. for Antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal effects of alkaloids of Holarrhena antidysenterica WALL by Kavitha D, Shilpa PN, Devaraj SN. At Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600 025, India)

Holarrhenais 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. The ovate to obtusely acuminate leaves are 10-20 cm in length. Its leaf stalks are very short.

The Holarrhenahas white flowers that appear in corymb-like cymes, 5-15 cm across and present at the end of the tree’s branches. Kutaja’s flowers of have five white petals 2-3 cm in length that will turn creamish yellow as they grow. The tree’s flowers have oblong petals that are rounded at the tip.

If more specified, H.antidysenterica is a broad-leafed shrub or small tree. The tree’s bark is rather rough, pale brownish or grayish and the leaves are opposite, subsessile, elliptic or ovate-oblong, membranous and the flowers are white, in terminal corymbose cymes; the follicles, divaricate, cylindric and generally having white spots; the seeds are light brown in color.

Most complications in diarrhea develop owing to excess water loss. If the water lost through the watery stool is not replenished quickly, even mild to moderate diarrhea could cause severe health complications. To prevent dehydration following diarrhea, one must drink sufficient water and fluid. A specially formulated rehydration fluid could preserve the normal electrolyte and fluid balance in the body. You can prepare your own rehydration solution by adding half a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to a glass of water. Sports beverages are also effective in replenishing the depleted water in your body. Two tablespoons of rehydration fluid should be given to children at least once in every half an hour. Diarrhea patients could also consume broth instead of water. Each time an adult passes watery stool, he/she should drink at least one cup of water or clear fluid. Usually eight to ten glasses of water and clear fluid should be consumed daily.

The “BRAT” diet is recommended for people suffering from diarrhea. It is safe for people of all ages. The diet comprises of banana, rice, applesauce and toast. Eliminate milk, fatty and spicy foods from your diet. Fresh fruits, vegetables and starchy foods might help to thicken the stool by supplying bulking agents to the gut. It is advisable to avoid pure fruit juices as they can loosen the stool. Instead, drink watered down fruit juices. The whole fruits provide dietary fibers that aid stool formation. Consuming psyllium husk might help to absorb the excess water in the gut, making the stools less watery. Break the three large meals into several small meals. Eat the small meals throughout the day. To restore the potassium and sodium balance in the body, consume potassium rich foods, such as skinless potato, banana, watered down fruit juices and salty foods such as broth and soup.

Diarrhea triggered by intake of antibiotic medicines could be countered with probiotic supplements. Probiotic supplements contain live healthy bacteria. Consumption of probiotics helps to elevate the proportion of healthy bacteria in the gut, which helps to restore the normal microbial balance in the gut. Yogurt and fermented soy products are common probiotic food products that can be included in the daily diet.

The diarrhea causing microbes enter the gut through food and drinks. Diarrhea could be prevented by avoiding uncooked vegetables. Eating fruits with peels might increase the risk of bacterial diarrhea. Undercooked or raw shellfish and meat are common sources of diarrhea causing bacteria. Drinking unpasteurized milk and dairy products might cause diarrhea. Always drink clean uncontaminated water. Traveler’s diarrhea usually develops by drinking contaminated water and eating contaminated food while traveling in underdeveloped areas. If you are unsure of the water source, drink bottled water. Avoid using ice.

Unclean hands are a common source of diarrhea causing germs. Children should be taught not to put unclean hands or other objects in the mouth. Always wash the hands with soap and water after using the toilet. Also, wash your hands properly before eating. Dishes and cutleries should be cleaned properly.