Shwetha kutaja – Wrightia tinctoria

An Overview, Dermatological Uses, Side effects and Risk factors

Family: Apocynaceae
Latin name: Wrightia tinctoria
English name: Pala Indigo
Hindi name: Mitaindrajau
Taste: Bitter, Astringent
Nature: Cold
Parts used: Leaves, Bark, Seeds
Description:
It is a deciduous flowering plant that grows up to 25 M. It grows in a temperate climate.

Phytochemical constituents:
Beta Sitosterol, Beta Amyrin, Cycloartenone

Mode of action: Kapha Pitta shamak

  • Impairs keratinocytes multiplication
  • Interferes in co-stimulatory molecules communications
  • Sorts, isolates and attenuates neoplastic KC
  • Antibacterial (E.coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus)
  • Antiulcer, Antiinflammatory, Wound healing
  • Carminative, Anthelmintic
  • Astringent, Depurative
  • Antipyretic

Therapeutic Benefits: 
Secondary

  • Psoriasis
  • Reduces xerosis of skin and associated itching
  • Delays cell death and prolongs cell cycle turn over time
  • Prolongs period of remission in Ps
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diarrhoea

Tertiary

  • Toothache
  • Ringworm
  • Leprosy​

Side effects and Risk factors:

  1. LIKELY SAFE for most people when applied topically.
  2. Side effects have not been documented, so Avoid orally In Pregnancy and Breast feeding.

​        – Dr Malika Ahuja

1 thought on “Shwetha kutaja – Wrightia tinctoria

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *