CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF KUTAJA IN BRIHATRAYI: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Amritha Ajay* and Prakash L. Hegde

ABSTRACT

Kutaja is botanically identified as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. belonging to the family Apocynaceae. This is a tree or large shrub and the useful parts are stem bark, seed and flowers. Acharya Caraka, Sushrutha and Vagbhata are considered as the Brihatrai of Ayurveda, and all of them mentioned the indications and therapeutic efficacy of the drug Kutaja. In this article, literatures on Kutaja will be documented from Brihatrayi and systematically reviewed and presented. This is a major ingredient in Kutajarista, Kutajavalehya, Bhrihatgangadhara churna, Palashabheejadi churna Bhrihanmarichadhya taila, etc. The drug has Tikta Kashaya Rasa, Laghu Ruksh Guna, Katu Vipaka and Sheeta Veerya and is mainly used in the management of Atisara (diarrhoea), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Arshas (Hemorrhoid) etc.

Keywords: Kutaja, Brihatrayi, Stambhana, Arshas, Atisara.