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Picrorhiza Kurroa (Kutki)
A bitter Himalayan root used in Ayurveda for liver and respiratory complaints. It has more human data than most traditional botanicals — including a small randomized trial in acute viral hepatitis — but the studies are old, small, and not replicated at scale.
What the evidence says
Most Picrorhiza studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from medium-quality randomised trials published 1996–2025 with a typical study size of 33 participants.
Based on 5 studies · 1 RCT · 33 total participants
Confidence
Low confidenceScores low/Emerging because one small 1996 RCT showed faster bilirubin recovery in viral hepatitis, but human data are limited to old, tiny, unreplicated trials backed mostly by animal and review work.
1 trial ongoing or recruiting · 2 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Picrorhiza, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) is a small Himalayan herb whose bitter rhizome has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver disorders, fevers, and respiratory complaints.
Its standardized fraction, picroliv (rich in the iridoid glycosides picroside I and kutkoside), shows hepatoprotective, anti-cholestatic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity in animal and cell models.
Unlike many traditional botanicals, picrorhiza has some human data: a small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported faster bilirubin normalization in acute viral hepatitis, and it has been studied in bronchial asthma.
The honest reality: these human trials are small, decades old, and have not been replicated in large, modern, well-controlled studies. The evidence is best described as emerging and promising in liver support, with most mechanistic claims still resting on preclinical work.
The plant is also endangered from over-harvesting, a sustainability concern worth noting.
Picroside I and kutkoside reduce liver enzyme elevations and lipid peroxidation in chemically-induced liver injury models, and a small human trial supports faster recovery in viral hepatitis.
Reduces oxidative stress and supports bile flow in animal models of liver damage.
Modulates inflammatory cytokines and immune cell activity in animal models, including a hamster respiratory-infection study.
How Picrorhiza works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Avoid — insufficient safety data.
Use only under medical supervision; do not self-treat hepatitis.
Use caution due to immunomodulatory activity.
Immunomodulatory activity could theoretically counteract immunosuppressive therapy — caution in transplant or autoimmune patients on such drugs.
As a liver-active botanical, it may theoretically affect metabolism of other drugs; monitor when combined with medications in liver disease.
Tip: Take with food; reduce dose
Tip: Use capsules/extract instead of raw powder
Picrorhiza has an evidence score of 3/10 — emerging evidence based on 5 indexed studies. A bitter Himalayan root used in Ayurveda for liver and respiratory complaints. It has more human data than most traditional botanicals — including a small randomized trial in acute viral hepatitis — but the studies are old, small, and not replicated at scale. Representative study: PMID 9715310.
The commonly studied dose of Picrorhiza is 375mg root powder three times daily (dose used in the viral-hepatitis trial); standardized picroside extracts vary. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Picrorhiza is with meals. Take it with food. Bitter root taken with food; the human-trial dose was 375mg three times daily.
Picrorhiza is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. The most commonly reported side effects are bitter taste / nausea (powder form), mild GI upset / loose stools. Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy and breastfeeding (not adequately studied); Active gallstone obstruction (bile-stimulating).
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Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 5 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
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