Kutaja Indian vs Ipecac

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kutaja Indian

Holarrhena antidysenterica

Digestive

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Digestive

Kutaja Indian

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ipecac

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Ayurvedic bark for amoebic dysentery and chronic diarrhea.

A Brazilian rainforest plant historically kept in every medicine cabinet as an emetic, now primarily used for amoebiasis.

Active Compounds

Conessine, Kurchicine, Holarrhimine, Kurchine

Emetine, Cephaeline, Psychotrine, Alkaloids

Traditional Uses

Amoebic dysentery, Chronic diarrhea, Parasites, IBS

Emetic (induced vomiting), Amoebic dysentery, Cough (very low dose), Poisoning first aid

Modern Uses

Anti-amoebic, Anti-diarrheal, Antimicrobial

Antiamebic (emetine), Expectorant (micro-dose), Historical poison antidote

Adult Dosage

1-3g bark powder or decoction 2-3x daily

Medical supervision only — no longer recommended for home emetic use

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Nursing

Heart disease, Pregnancy, Self-administration as emetic, Eating disorders

Side Effects

GI upset, Nausea

Severe vomiting, Cardiotoxicity (emetine), Myopathy, Death (chronic misuse)

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E