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Pic3.0

Picrorhiza Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

5 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

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 confidence

Active research area

2 studies in the last 5 years

199620102025

1Review2025

In plain English: The review tried to ascertain the accomplishments and potential scope of phytomolecules in the botanicals and standardised extract of the roots of this plant.

Hazra K, Kumar D, Debnath S, Mandal TK, Sharma P, Meena AK. · Natural product research (2025)

The present review extracted the notable performance of the phytomolecules found in the root of P. kurroa by outlining their distinguished biological activities.
The review has critically acclaimed a few phytomolecules whose notable therapeutic actions have significantly contributed in the development of drugs and phytopharmaceuticals.
Besides these, the review notes the existence of some other phytomolecules whose biological actions are either underexplored or inadequately studied.

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2RCTn=33 · small study1996

In plain English: The time in days required for total serum bilirubin to drop to average value of 2.5 mg% was 75.9 days in placebo as against 27.44 days in Pk group.

Vaidya AB et al. · J Postgrad Med (1996)

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in acute viral hepatitis (HBsAg-negative): Pk 375mg three times daily for 2 weeks (n=15) vs placebo (n=18)
Time for total serum bilirubin to fall to ~2.5 mg% was 27.4 days with Pk vs 75.9 days with placebo
Differences in bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT were significant vs placebo

3Animal2023

In plain English: The hamster challenge data showed robust anti-viral and immunomodulatory potential in A. scholaris, followed by P. kurroa.

Rizvi ZA et al. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel) (2023)

Picrorhiza kurroa showed robust anti-viral and immunomodulatory activity in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters
Suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines and blunted lung pathology
Animal study — supports immunomodulatory mechanism, not human efficacy

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4Review2002

In plain English: Picrorhiza kurroa is proved to be anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory.

Thyagarajan SP et al. · J Gastroenterol Hepatol (2002)

Picrorhiza kurroa identified among the few Indian liver herbs studied under acceptable scientific protocols
Characterized as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory
Review-level summary, not new trial data

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5Review2001

In plain English: Current research on Picrorhiza kurroa has focused on its hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant, and immune-modulating activity.

· Altern Med Rev (2001)

Traditionally used for liver and upper-respiratory disorders, fevers, and dyspepsia
Active constituents are iridoid glycosides from the root and rhizome
Notes the plant is threatened to near-extinction from over-harvesting

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Picrorhiza Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

Journey from phytomolecules to bioactive molecules: a phytopharmacological exploration of botanicals and standardised extract of Picrorhiza kurroa

Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutaki) Royle ex Benth as a hepatoprotective agent--experimental & clinical studies.

Evaluation of Ayush-64 (a Polyherbal Formulation) and Its Ingredients in the Syrian Hamster Model for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Reveals the Preventative Potential of Alstonia scholaris.

Herbal medicines for liver diseases in India.

Picrorhiza kurroa. Monograph.