Botanical Overview
Picrorhiza kurroa belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is commonly known as Kutki, Kutaki, or Swertia. It is native to the Himalayan regions including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Tibet. The rhizome and root are the primary parts used in herbal medicine.
Energetics
This herb is characterized by a cooling temperature and drying moisture quality, with a distinctly bitter taste. It functions as a tonifying herb primarily affecting the qi energy system.
Primary Actions
- Hepatoprotective
- Bitter
- Cholagogue
- Anti-inflammatory
- Laxative
Indications
Western
- Liver disorders
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Fever
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Hepatitis
- Dyspepsia
- Cholestasis
TCM
- Heat toxin
- Bitter taste
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Liver heat
- Damp-heat jaundice
Ayurveda
- Liver disorders
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Pitta imbalance
- Jaundice
Unani
- Hepatitis
- Liver enlargement
- Fever
Syndromes
- Liver diseases
- Bilious disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include picrosides, kutkoside, iridoid glycosides, oleanolic acid, and apocynin, which contribute to the herb’s hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder: 1-3 g daily
- Tincture: 1:5 40% ethanol, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
- Decoction: 2-4 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Picrorhiza kurroa is generally safe in traditional doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Avoid use with hypersensitivity. Possible interactions with other hepatoprotective or bitter herbs warrant caution.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers are established for Picrorhiza kurroa with credible sources.
Selected References
- Hepatoprotective effect of Picrorhiza kurroa, Singh et al., Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010
- Clinical applications and safety of Picrorhiza kurroa, Kumar et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2015
- Picrorhiza kurroa monograph, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 2008
- Picrorhiza kurroa, Plants For A Future (PFAF) Database