Picrorhiza kurroa (commonly known as Kutki) has a longstanding use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the management of liver disorders, including jaundice in adults. This traditional use is supported by several preclinical and a few clinical studies investigating its hepatoprotective properties. The active constituents, mainly kutkin and picroside I and II, have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects in various animal models of liver injury, including chemically-induced jaundice. These studies suggest that Picrorhiza may help normalize liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, and mitigate oxidative stress in hepatic tissue.

Some small-scale human clinical studies and observational reports have indicated potential benefits of Picrorhiza extracts in supporting liver health and recovery from jaundice. For example, a few open-label clinical trials conducted in India reported improvement in clinical symptoms and biochemical markers of jaundice after administration of Picrorhiza preparations, though these studies often lacked rigorous controls and large sample sizes. Systematic reviews and authoritative sources (such as the WHO Monographs and the Indian Pharmacopoeia) acknowledge its traditional and emerging scientific support for liver-related conditions, but also note the need for larger, well-designed clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety.

In summary, while there is promising preliminary scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of Picrorhiza for jaundice, the overall quality and quantity of human clinical data remain limited, justifying a moderate evidence rating.