Picrorhiza
Other names for Picrorhiza
katuki
katuki root extract
kutki
kutki powder
kutki root extract
kutki root powder
organic katuki
picorhiza kurroa extract
picorhiza root extract
picorhiza scrophulariiflora (root) extract
picroliv
picroliv extract
picroliv picrorhiza extract
picroliv (picrorhiza kurroa) extract
picroliv picrorhiza kurroa extract
picroliv picrorhiza kurroa root extract
picroliv(r)
picroliv(r) extract
picroliv(r) (picrorhiza kurroa) root extract
picromax
picromax(r)
picroprotect picrorhiza kurroa extract
picrorhiza
picrorhiza extract
picrorhiza kurroa
picrorhiza kurroa extract
picrorhiza kurroa powder
picrorhiza kurroa, powder
picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract
picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract, dry
picrorhiza kurroa (root) extract
picrorhiza kurroa root extract
picrorhiza kurroa root powder
picrorhiza kurrooa
picrorhiza kurrooa root extract
picrorhiza (picrorhiza kurroa) dried rhizome liquid extract
picrorhiza (picrorhiza kurrooa) extract
picrorhiza, powder
picrorhiza rhizome extract
picrorhiza rhizome extract, dry
picrorhiza root extract
picrorhiza scrophuliaeflora
picroside i
standardized picrorhiza kurroa extract
standardized picrorhiza kurrooa extract
Synopsis of Picrorhiza
History
Picrorhiza, primarily referring to Picrorhiza kurroa, is a renowned herb in the traditional medicinal systems of South Asia, particularly Ayurveda and Unani. Its historical use dates back thousands of years, where it was highly valued for supporting liver health and treating digestive disturbances. Ancient texts describe Picrorhiza as "Kutki" and frequently recommend it for ailments such as jaundice, hepatitis, and loss of appetite. Its bitter root was also traditionally administered to manage fever, asthma, and skin disorders, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties.
The herb is often used in synergy with other botanicals to enhance efficacy. In Ayurvedic practice, Picrorhiza is commonly combined with herbs like Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh), Phyllanthus amarus (Bhumi amla), and Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) to formulate potent liver tonic blends. These combinations are believed to offer a comprehensive approach to detoxification, immune support, and overall vitality. Its inclusion in such polyherbal formulations has contributed greatly to the management of chronic liver diseases and the promotion of general well-being.
Modern research has begun to validate many of these traditional uses, confirming Picrorhiza's role in supporting liver function, modulating inflammation, and providing antioxidant benefits. As a key ingredient in nutritional products today, Picrorhiza continues to exemplify the synergy between ancient wisdom and modern science, making significant contributions to holistic health and herbal medicine.
Traditional and scientific validation
Picrorhiza, primarily derived from Picrorhiza kurroa, is a traditional herb long used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, especially for supporting liver health and immune function. Historical texts have praised its bitterness and cooling properties, often recommending it for conditions such as jaundice, indigestion, and inflammatory disorders. The root and rhizome extracts have been the focus of both ethnobotanical use and modern scientific inquiry.
In recent decades, scientific interest in picrorhiza has grown. Laboratory and animal studies have highlighted its potential hepatoprotective effects, suggesting it may help shield liver cells from damage due to toxins and oxidative stress. The active compounds, particularly picroside I and II, are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. A few human clinical studies have explored picrorhiza’s efficacy in liver disorders, including viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with some reporting improvements in liver function markers. Additionally, its immunomodulatory properties are under investigation, showing promise for balancing immune responses.
Despite these encouraging findings, the body of clinical evidence remains limited, with relatively small sample sizes and varying study quality. Further well-designed trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential and safety in humans. Nevertheless, picrorhiza's historical use and emerging scientific validation suggest it can be a valuable ingredient in nutritional products aimed at supporting liver and overall health.
Picrorhiza is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Scientific)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Jaundice (adults) (Scientific)
Liver Detoxification (Scientific)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Picrorhiza is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Scientific)