Holarrhena Antidysenterica

Other Names : Conessi tree, Connessi Bark, Coneru, Tellicherry Bark, Kutaja, Vatsaka Kura, Kora, Kureya, Kurchi
In Hindu mythology, it is believed that the Conessi tree sprouted from the drop of nectar that fell from the bodies of the Indian Prince Rama’s monkeys, which were restored to life by Indra, the supreme ruler of the Hindu gods. This tree grows throughout India up to an altitude of 4,000 ft. It is especially abundant in the sub-Himalayan tract. H.antidysenterica is a deciduous shrub or small tree. The bark is rather rough, pale brownish or grayish, the leaves are opposite, curved or oblong. The flowers are white and the follicles are usually white spotted. The seeds are light brown.

Special Precautions of Holarrhena Antidysenterica

Use of connesine must be closely supervised, as in some cases it can produce neurological troubles like Vertigo, sleeplessness, agitation, anxiety and delirium.

Benefits and uses of Holarrhena Antidysenterica are

The principal alkaloid of kurchi is conessine. The other alkaloids reported to be present in the bark are: conamine, conkurchine, connessimine, kurchine, conarrhinine, holarrhinene and isoconcessimine. The bark has astringent, antidysenteric, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifugal and tonic properties. It is used in the treatment of amebic dysentery and diarrhea.