Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
止泻木 / 止痢树 / 苦参木 / 霍拉草 — Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A.DC. (syn. Holarrhena pubescens)
Pinyin: Zhǐxièmù / Zhǐlìshù · Malay: Kurchi / Pokok Kurchi / Kulit Conessi · Family: Apocynaceae (夹竹桃科)
Energetics
Cold (寒 / 大寒)
Flavor
Bitter, astringent (大苦、极苦、涩)
Meridians
Large Intestine (大肠), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Tellicherry Bark (Kurchi / Kutaja). Monarch of Antidysenterics in Charaka Samhita. Powerfully clears Large Intestine heat-toxin, arrests acute bloody dysentery and tenesmus, kills amoebic parasites (Entamoeba), and heals colitis.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Intensely bitter cold nature; overdose (>20 g) causes mild dizziness and nausea. CONTRAINDICATED in chronic cold-deficiency watery diarrhea without heat-toxin. Caution in pregnancy.
Clinical Applications
- Intestinal amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite/cyst clearance), acute bacillary dysentery (Shigella), ulcerative colitis flares, IBS-D, and bleeding internal hemorrhoids.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Conessine and steroidal alkaloids penetrate Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, inhibiting ribosomal protein translation and clearing cysts without emetic toxicity. 2. Tannins block enterotoxin-induced Cl- hypersecretion. 3. Enterocyte barrier cross-linking.
Preparation & Dosage
Dried sliced bark in decoction: 6-12 g daily. THE SOVEREIGN CLASSICAL FERMENTED KUTAJA ELIXIR (Kutajarishta): Classical fermented Ayurvedic preparation; 15-30 mL taken twice daily after meals for ulcerative colitis. Fine powder (Churna): 1-3 g.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Amoebic & Bacillary Dysentery Synergy with Brucea javanica (Yadanzi) and Pulsatilla chinensis. 2. Ulcerative Colitis Astringency Decoction with Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only