Alstonia scholaris (commonly known as the blackboard tree or devil tree) has a long-standing presence in traditional medicinal systems, particularly Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Southeast Asia and India. It is traditionally used for a variety of ailments, including fevers, respiratory disorders, and liver-related conditions such as jaundice. The traditional rationale for its use in jaundice lies in its reputed hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, with different parts of the plant (bark, leaves, latex) being employed in various remedies and formulations.

However, scientific validation for the use of Alstonia scholaris specifically in the treatment or management of jaundice is limited. While there are some studies exploring hepatoprotective effects of extracts from Alstonia scholaris in animal models, these are preliminary and do not provide robust clinical evidence relevant to adult jaundice in humans. The majority of support for its use remains anecdotal or based on traditional knowledge, rather than established through well-designed human clinical trials.

In summary, the use of Alstonia scholaris for jaundice in adults is primarily justified by traditional practices, with minimal supporting scientific evidence at present. Further research is needed to substantiate its efficacy and safety for this indication.