Abstract

HAEMOSTYPTIC ACTION OF HOLARRHENA ANTIDYSENTRICA WALL.(KUTAJ KSHEER)- A POST OPERATIVE TOPICAL TOOL

Dr Shashidhar V. Emmi, Dr. Kumar Chaudappalavar, Dr. Chandana N. M.*

Abstract

Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. (family Apocynaceae), known in Ayurveda as Kutaja, is a well-documented medicinal plant with wide-ranging therapeutic applications in classical and contemporary medical literature. The plant's stem bark latex — Kutaj Ksheer — has been traditionally employed as a haemostyptic, antimicrobial, and wound healing agent in Shalya Tantra practice. This literary review consolidates pharmacognostic, phytochemical, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacological evidence pertaining to the latex of H. antidysenterica, with a focused analysis of its haemostyptic mechanism of action. Classical Ayurvedic texts including Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam describe the latex under the categories of Rakta Sthambhana, Shonita Sthapana, and Vrana Ropana dravyas. Modern biochemical investigations corroborate these properties through identification of cysteine and serine proteases in latex, alkaloids (conessine, kurchicine, holarrhimine), tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and phytosterols, which collectively mediate thrombin-like coagulant activity, vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and antimicrobial action. The development of a novice latex dusting powder (Lx-HA.W powder) for topical haemostyptic application in post-haemorrhoidectomy capillary haemorrhage represents an integrative pharmacological innovation with significant clinical and social utility.

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