Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) Extract Extract

Picrorhiza kurroa

Picrorhiza kurroa is a medicinal herb in the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a small perennial herb with slender stems and coarsely toothed leaves. Its pale purple or white flowers are borne on a spike and appear between June and August.

The plant is native to Himalayan region. It prefers to grow on rocky places at 3,000-5,000 meters above sea level. A medicinally revered herb, it is used extensively in traditional as well as modern medicinal systems of India, China, Tibet, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Kutki is valued for its healing and rejuvenating properties. The main traditional use has been liver support.

It’s an all-natural, pungent fully bitter herb that grows in difficult-to-reach regions. Many herbalists suggest that bitter is better, especially when it comes to addressing digestive health conditions. Kutki may help to strengthen the immune system, reduce oxidative stress, boost appetite, and enhance digestion.

Kutki Benefits

Picrorhiza kurroa (family Scrophulariaceae) is a medicinal plant often used to support the treatment of liver disorders, gastrointestinal and urinary disorders, fever, asthma, and jaundice, colds, and flu, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). It supports healthy blood pressure and can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Ethnomedical uses have included helping the body heal from dysentery, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, ulcers, bronchitis, skin diseases, influenza, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma.

Potential to Improve Liver Function

The liver plays a vital role in our health. Its functions influence bile synthesis, digestion, the excretion of waste metabolites, and most metabolic processes. A healthy liver is critical to all these essential functions and thus to overall health and wellness.

Picrorhiza’s benefits include possible support for restoring various liver-related issues. The herbal extract of Kutki has shown potential in restoring liver functional parameters in cases of liver toxicity induced by heavy metals, alcohol, drugs, and the toxic Amanita mushroom.

A total of 132 active compounds in Kutki, including glycosides, iridoids, alkaloids, phenolics, terpenes, and cucurbitacins, contribute to the benefits of the plant. In addition to liver spleen and gallbladder support, it has shown anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

Kutkoside, picroside-II, and picroside-I have potent liver-protecting and heart-protecting properties. Apocynin may increase the body’s natural supply of NAD, providing energy and anti-aging support. The active ingredients support balanced immune function, may enhance liver function, and may strengthen heart muscles, which may help improve overall health and athletic performance.

Resources:

Picrorhiza kurroa extract:

Serving Suggestion

Instructions: Add 1/8 teaspoon of extract to 8oz of hot water or a cup of juice. Mix until dissolved. Drink 1-2 servings a day.

Two servings per gram (e.g., 20 grams = 40 servings, 50 grams = 100 servings, and 100 grams = 200 servings).

Additional Information

Traditional Uses >

The information herein is intended for educational purposes only. This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care. The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency. Not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or curing of any medical condition. Consult with your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement.

Picrorhiza kurroa has been used for years in India and China to help balance the body’s immune response. The herb is thought to strengthen heart muscle and improve liver function. Traditional uses include reducing the inflammation of arthritis, reducing the severity and duration or throat infections, and supporting healthy bowel function.

The herb provides excellent liver protection support, as well as antibacterial, immune, antiviral, upper respiratory, and inflammation support.

Other Names >

Other names include Acokarokini, Akutam, Akutarokini, Amakkini, Hu Huang Lian, Kadu, Katukarogani, Katukarohini, Katuko, Katuka, Katuki, Kharabake, Kurri, Kuru, Kutka, and Picroliv.

Phytochemicals >

Phytochemical studies of Picrorhiza have isolated 132 plant metabolites. Notable among these metabolites are the terpenoids (entalabdane diterpene lactones) that account for a large proportion of its components and therapeutic activity.

Prominent Bio-actives:

Picroside I, Picroside II, picroside III, picroside IV, vanillic acid, mannitol, arvenin III, pikruoside, curcurbitacin B, D and R, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, aromatic esters; vanillic acid capriate,

Phenol glucosides

androcin, apocynin, cucurbitacin glucoside (25-acetoxy-2–glucosyloxy3,16,20-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosta- 5,23-diene-22-one), 6-feruloylcatalpol, 2-O-glucoside of deacetoxycucurbitacin B (2-glucosyloxy-16,20-dihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanost-5,24diene-3,11,22-trione, 2-glucosyloxy3,16,20,25-tetrahydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanost-5,23-diene11,22-dione, 2–glu-cosyloxy-16,20,22-trihydroxy9-methyl-19-norlanost-5,24-diene-3,11-one, minecoside, picein, veronicoside,

Cucurbitacin glycosides

2–glucosyloxy3,16,20,25tetrahydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanost-5,23-diene-22-one, 2–glu- cosyloxy-3,16,20,25-tetrahydroxy-9-methyl-19norlanost-5-ene-22-one, 2-O-glucoside of cucurbitacin Q (25-acetoxy-2–glucosyloxy-3,16,20-trihydroxy9-methyl-19-norlanost-5,23-diene-11,22-dione,

myristyl picraldehyde, lauryl picraldehyde, vanillic acid capriate, myristyl picraldehyde, lauryl picraldehyde, vanillyl
glucoside

Acylated iridoid glycosides

picrorhizaosides A-G (15-21) kurroaosides A-C (22a-22c) and acylated
cucurbitane-type triterpene glycoside kurroaoside D (23)

Triterpenoids

Triterpenoid; 2,3,19,23–tetrahydroxyolean 12-en-28-O–d glucoside, 2,3,19,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid,
2,3,23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-O-beta-d-glucoside, 2,3, 23-trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,19- trihydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 2,3,6,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid

Possible Side Effects >

No known side effects. You should consult your physician before using any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.