Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)

Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is a small perennial herb native to the Himalayan region, known for its bitter rhizomes with potent hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely utilized to treat fevers, respiratory conditions, and liver diseases in Ayurveda and other traditional systems. Katuki thrives at high altitudes (2700–4500 m) and is considered a critically endangered medicinal herb due to overharvesting.

Picrorhiza kurroa Scientific Name

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Picrorhiza
Species: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.

Picrorhiza kurroa Common Name

English: Katuki, Picrorhiza
Sanskrit: Katuki, Tikta
Hindi: Katuka, Kutki
Gujarati: Kutaki
Bengali: Kutki
Tamil: Kadugurohini
Malayalam: Katavelyam
Telugu: Katukaroha

Picrorhiza kurroa Uses

Liver and Gallbladder Disorders - Acts as a potent hepatoprotective and cholagogue, Useful in managing hepatitis, jaundice, and liver cirrhosis.

Metabolic and Digestive Health - Stimulates bile secretion, promoting digestion, Helps treat anorexia, dyspepsia, and hyperacidity.

Respiratory Conditions - Beneficial in treating asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs.

Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory - Reduces intermittent fevers, particularly those associated with malaria or chronic infections, Provides systemic anti-inflammatory support.

Immune Support and Detoxification - Acts as an immunomodulator and supports detoxification in chronic conditions.

Katuki’s efficacy is attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile, especially iridoid glycosides:

Iridoid Glycosides: Kutkin (mixture of Picroside I & Kutkoside), Picroside I, II
Phenolic Compounds: Apocynin, Vanillic acid, Caffeic acid
Flavonoids: Luteolin, Apigenin
Glycosides: Androsin
Others: Cucurbitacins (in some varieties), Sterols

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Govt. of India, Part I, Vol. III, Ministry of AYUSH.

Khare, C.P. (2007). Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary. Springer.

Sharma, P.V. (1996). Dravyaguna Vigyan Vol. II. Chaukhamba Bharati Academy.

Sharma, V., & Pandey, D. (2010). "Pharmacological and therapeutic activity of Picrorhiza kurroa: A review." International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(1), 1–8.

Dwivedi, S., & Agarwal, M.P. (1994). "Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth—A review." Indian Drugs, 31(6), 273–276.

The Wealth of India (1992). Raw Materials Series Vol. 7: Ka to Li, CSIR, New Delhi.

European Medicines Agency (EMA) (2015). Assessment Report on Picrorhiza kurroa Rhizome, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.