Evidence supporting the use of: Holarrhena (unspecified)
For the health condition: Enteritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3
Holarrhena, particularly Holarrhena antidysenterica (also known as Kutaja or Kurchi in Ayurvedic medicine), is traditionally used in South Asian medicine to manage gastrointestinal disorders, including enteritis and dysentery. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe the use of Holarrhena bark and seeds for "Atisara" (diarrhea) and "Pravahika" (dysentery), which are conditions often overlapping with bacterial or inflammatory enteritis. The rationale for its use is based on the plant's reputed astringent, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Modern scientific studies supporting these traditional uses are limited but promising. Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Holarrhena antidysenterica possess antibacterial activity against pathogens commonly implicated in enteric infections. Some rodent studies also show reduction in experimentally induced diarrhea and inflammation with Holarrhena extracts, likely due to its alkaloidal constituents such as conessine. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains preclinical or anecdotal.
In summary, while the use of Holarrhena for enteritis is well-rooted in traditional medicine and supported by some experimental data, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence to rate it higher than moderate on the evidence scale.
Other ingredients used for Enteritis
aloe verabacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bifidobacterium infantis
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
forsythia
ginger
goldenseal
l-glutamine
lactobacillus reuteri
licorice root
marshmallow
mastic gum
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
peppermint oil
slippery elm bark
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
neem tree
siler root
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Baliospermum
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
European-Five Finger Grass
Other health conditions supported by Holarrhena (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysentery
Eczema
Enteritis
Eye Infections
Fever
Gastritis
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)