Picrorhiza kurroa, also known as kutki or katuka, is a herbaceous plant from northeastern India and Nepal. Its root has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its hepatoprotective, digestive and healing properties. Science is also focusing on this remedy and in fact it is possible to find numerous studies on its properties. Let's see more about the effect of picrorhiza.
Picrorhiza, properties
As reported by scientific research, picrorhiza kurroa has proven to be able to protect the liver, both in case of intoxication and steatosis or fatty liver, and to improve digestion by stimulating the production of bile (Shetty et al, J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2010). Not only that, the remedy is anti-inflammatory and its extracts are effective against arthritis by fighting inflammation of the joints and the action of free radicals and by reducing inflammation mediators (Phytotherapy Reasearch, University of Bengalore).
Picrorhiza, intake and side effects
You can find picrorhiza in capsules, you can buy it in chemist’s or herbalist’s shop. Be careful if you are taking antiplatelet drugs as the remedy also acts as a antiplatelet agent and there is a risk of interactions (Engels et al, FEBS Lett, 1992).
