It is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments, particularly in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea. The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in other parts of Southeast Asia as well.

 
The bark and seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica contain a number of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids such as conessine, holarrhimine, and kurchine. These alkaloids are believed to possess anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which may contribute to the plant's medicinal uses.