Dita Bark (Alstonia scholaris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Dita Bark work to treat malaria?

Dita Bark contains indole alkaloids such as echitamine, alstonine, and ditamine, which are thought to provide its therapeutic effects. These compounds may inhibit malaria parasite growth and reduce fever through immunomodulatory pathways. While laboratory studies suggest potential antimalarial activity, the specific biological mechanisms are not fully established in human trials. Current evidence is rated Level C, relying primarily on in vitro data and traditional application rather than clinical validation.

Does Dita Bark interact with blood pressure medications?

Yes, Dita Bark has hypotensive properties and may interact with antihypertensive drugs. Because the herb can lower blood pressure, taking it alongside prescription medications like beta-blockers or diuretics may cause additive effects, leading to dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). Patients with heart disease or those on cardiovascular medications should avoid this herb unless supervised by a qualified healthcare provider to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.

What is the standard dosage for Dita Bark decoction?

The typical adult dosage for Dita Bark is 1 to 3 grams of dried bark, prepared as a decoction and taken twice daily. To prepare, the bark is boiled in water to extract the active alkaloids. Exceeding this dosage is not recommended due to the risk of nausea and gastrointestinal upset. This dosage is based on traditional use (Evidence Level: Traditional) rather than standardized clinical trials.

Is Dita Bark safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

No, Dita Bark is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains potent alkaloids that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, there is insufficient safety data regarding fetal development. Due to these risks, pregnant women must avoid Dita Bark supplements or decoctions entirely. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoidance is recommended.

What are the traditional uses of Dita Bark for digestion?

Dita Bark is traditionally used to manage digestive complaints such as chronic dysentery and diarrhea. Its astringent qualities are believed to help reduce gut inflammation and fluid secretion. While these uses are well-documented in Ayurvedic and Filipino folk medicine, clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for digestive disorders remains limited (Evidence Level C). It should not replace standard medical treatment for severe gastrointestinal infections.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as Dita bark or devil's tree, is a medicinal plant used in traditional Asian medicine for respiratory, metabolic, and inflammatory conditions [PMID:24486598, PMID:20702494].

Background

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. is an evergreen tropical tree of the Apocynaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia [PMID:24486598, PMID:24390624, PMID:32583785].

Traditional uses

In India, it is used to treat malaria, jaundice, gastrointestinal troubles, and cancer [PMID:24486598]. In China's 'Dai' ethno-medicine system, it is used for respiratory diseases (cough, asthma, phlegm, COPD), gouty arthritis, and 'water related diseases' such as chronic kidney disease [PMID:24486598, PMID:35150817, PMID:37453192, PMID:26707569]. It is also used in Papua Island, Indonesia, as an antimalarial treatment [PMID:37176870].

Active compounds

The plant contains monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) including vallesamine, scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine, and picrinine [PMID:32387234, PMID:38646178]. Other identified compounds include triterpenoids (betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and lupanes), flavonoids, and isoflavonoids [PMID:35150817, PMID:24390624, PMID:37857337, PMID:31227424, PMID:38453990].

Mechanism of action

Alstonia scholaris may ameliorate diabetic nephropathy through the PPAR-δ pathway [PMID:40294665]. Its indole alkaloids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating proteins such as NLRP3, TLR4, NF-κB, and p38 in hepatocyte cells [PMID:37981062]. In pulmonary fibrosis, it reduces TGF-β, hydroxyproline, and type I collagen while enhancing superoxide dismutase activity [PMID:33148433].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DRespiratory Infections/Diseases

Total alkaloids from leaves inhibited HSV-1, RSV, and H1N1 in vitro and prolonged survival in H1N1 and beta-hemolytic streptococcus mice models [PMID:33389714]. It also showed anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects [PMID:33148433] and protected against emphysema in mice [PMID:32387234].

Evidence DHyperuricemia/Gout

Non-alkaloids fractions and specific lupanes significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in mice [PMID:35150817, PMID:37857337].

Evidence DDiabetic Nephropathy

Four major alkaloids mitigated high glucose-induced renal podocyte injury and restored oxidation balance [PMID:40294665].

Evidence DHypertension

The n-butanol fraction demonstrated vasorelaxant effects on rat aorta [PMID:26429073].

Evidence DCancer

Preclinical studies with neoplastic cells and tumor-bearing animals validated antineoplastic effects of phytochemicals like echitamine and lupeol [PMID:20702494].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

Some indole alkaloids, including scholaricine, 19-epischolaricine, vallesamine, and picrinine, have demonstrated toxic effects in non-rodent models [PMID:34325978]. Additionally, A. scholaris pollen is identified as an allergen, causing positive skin reactions in 28.57% of tested respiratory allergic patients [PMID:23963866].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some supportive review articles (Level C). There is a lack of human clinical trial data in the provided abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 24486598 (2014) — Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. and Alstonia macrophylla Wall. ex G. Don: A comparative review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 40294665 (2025) — Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through PPAR-δ pathway. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 35150817 (2022) — Anti-hyperuricemic bioactivity of Alstonia scholaris and its bioactive triterpenoids in vivo and in vitro. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 33152933 (2020) — Pharmacological insights and prediction of lead bioactive isolates of Dita bark through experimental and computer-aided mechanism. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
5.PMID: 32583785 (2020) — Phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris leaf and bark extracts and their antimicrobial activities.

Dita Bark

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Dita Bark