Picrorhiza rhizome extract, derived from Picrorhiza kurroa, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for supporting liver health, including the treatment of hepatitis. Historical texts and traditional practitioners have used this herb for its purported hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The primary traditional indications include jaundice, liver inflammation, and general liver dysfunction.

Scientifically, some preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have suggested that Picrorhiza rhizome extract may exert hepatoprotective effects by reducing liver enzyme levels, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and modulating inflammatory markers. The active constituents, mainly iridoid glycosides such as picroside I and II, are thought to be responsible for these effects. However, the clinical evidence in humans is limited and largely consists of small, preliminary trials or case series, with few well-designed randomized controlled studies available.

Thus, while traditional use for hepatitis is well-established and there is some supportive preclinical evidence, robust clinical validation is lacking. The use of Picrorhiza rhizome extract for hepatitis is therefore primarily justified by tradition, with moderate evidence from laboratory studies but insufficient high-quality human data to fully endorse its efficacy.