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Kutki or Picrorrhiza Kurroa is a low growing herb that can be found growing at high altitudes along the rocky slopes of the Himalayas or in any sandy loam soil. The leaves of the plant are flat, oval and sharply indented. This distinguished herb has served as an essential part of Ayurdvedic medicine. It has been used as an herbal remedy for a number of ailments; including indigestion and hepatitis. Modern clinical studies have solidified some of Kutki's traditional uses. Its active constituents are a group of irridoid glycosides known as kutkosides and picrosides found in the roots and rhizomes of the plant. The combination of these two compounds is often called Kutkin. The chemical activity of Kutkin allows kutki to have striking hepatoprotective effects. Most studies of this herb have shown that kutkin has significant hepatoprotective activity compared to that of placebo groups. The efficacy of kutkin is comparable to that of silymarin, which is a well known remedy of liver disease. In some cases extracts from kutki were found to be superior to those of silymarin. The pharmacology of Kutkin is quite complex, yet its mechanisms of action are understood. Kutki extract manages to perform liver protection through three main processes. Primarily, kutkins are able alter hepatocyte membrane structure, which results in the prevention of liver toxin penetration into the cell. The next mechanism of action involves enzymatic activity. Kutkin can increase the activity rates of nucleolar polymerase A, leading to increased protein synthesis and subsequent enhanced regenerative ability. The last mechanism involves Apocynin, another constituent of kutkin. Apocynin is a strong NADPH oxidase inhibitor and has shown some anti-inflammatory properties (Singh). The effects of these mechanism can be seen in several studies. In an animal study, rats with induced hepatic damage showed increased hepatocyte viability, and beneficial enzyme activity (Visen P). In another animal study, mice were given lethal doses of lyophilizate. A significant increase in survival rates was seen in those mice that received a single dose of kutkin from Picrorrhiza Kurroa roots (Florsheim, 1989). Resistance to liver damage can be seen in numerous other studies as well. It seems that the elements of kutki are very successful in benefiting very serious liver ailments. References Dr Amrit Pal Singh, B.A.M.S, M.D (Alternative Medicine). Kutkins- A Review of Chemistry and Pharmacology. [E-pub]. Visen P, Shukula B, Patnai G, Kaul S, Kapoor N, Dhawan B. Hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, the active principle of Picorrhoza kurroa, on rat hepatocytes against paracetamol toxicity. Drug Devel. Res. 22(3):209-219. G. L. Floersheim, A. Bieri, R. Koenig and A. Pletscher Protection againstAmanita phalloides by the iridoid glycoside mixture of Picrorhiza kurroa (kutkin). Inflammation Research. 1990; 29(3-4): 386-387. Disclaimer: The statements here in have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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