Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote liver health and has been found to have potential benefits for liver detox and fatty liver. Kutki is also known as katvi, katurohini in Ayurveda. It is a bitter herb that is highly recommended by ayurveda acharyas for liver health. This herb helps to rejuvenate the liver, detox it, and also helps to get rid of excess fat accumulated in the liver.
According to the principles of Ayurveda, this herb balances pitta dosha and kapha dosha. But it aggravates vata dosha. This also acts as a body coolant.
Here are some potential ways in which kutki may benefit liver detox and fatty liver, with references to scientific studies:
Hepatoprotective properties:
This herb has been found to have hepatoprotective properties, which means it can protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances. Toxins are known as “ama” in Ayurveda. When these toxins clog the microchannels of the liver, they make the liver sluggish. A sluggish liver fails to perfectly filter toxins from the body. Kutki helps to dislodge toxins from body channels and clears the path for body fluids.
Several studies have shown that kutki can improve liver function and reduce liver damage in people with liver diseases such as fatty liver (1, 2). Kutki is the Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Liver Detox
Kutki when used along with other herbs like Bhumi amla, bringraj, punarnava, chitraka, giloy and rohitaka, it effectively promotes liver detox, reduces fatty liver, and helps to eliminate alcohol effects on the liver. These herbs together help to manage body weight and blood sugar levels. Hence doctors at Moolika Ayurveda have formulated LIVOBEAM Capsules as ayurvedic medicine for Liver detox and fatty liver.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
This wonder bitter herb contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation in the liver can lead to liver damage and disease, so reducing inflammation may be beneficial for liver health (3).
Kutki acts as a body coolant (sheeta veerya). It soothes the inflamed liver cells and reduces the incidences of liver damage.
Antioxidant activity:
Kutki also contains compounds that act as antioxidants, which means they can help to protect the liver against damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can contribute to liver damage and disease (4).
Katurohini herb is praised as a blood purifier in texts of Ayurveda. It helps to cleanse the blood that reaches the liver and also fights pathogens or parasites that are present in the blood. Hence it is lauded as “krumighna”- one that is detrimental to microbes.
Detoxification support:
Kutki has been traditionally used to promote liver detoxification. Some studies suggest that kutki may help to enhance liver detoxification processes by increasing the production of enzymes involved in detoxification (5, 6).
This herb is praised as a protector of the liver. It expels liver toxins, germs and prevents the formation of gallstones. It is also useful in liver toxicity that is caused due to excess alcohol consumption.
It also helps to relieve constipation and promote healthy bowel movement. It improves appetite and boosts digestion.
Helps in the management of Diabetes and promotes weight loss.
Since this herb balances kapha and increases vata, it helps to reduce medhodhatu (body fat). This process in turn reduces the fat present in the liver also.
Kapha and pitta balance helps to manage blood sugar levels. Hence this herb is ideal for diabetic patients who want to cleanse the liver and also address fatty liver.
Overall, kutki shows promising potential as a natural remedy for liver detox and fatty liver. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and how it can be best used.
References:
Singh RP, et al. Picrorhiza kurroa an ethnopharmacological review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Sep 1; 137(1): 143-53.
Rastogi R, et al. Clinical evaluation of efficacy and safety of K-137 compared to silymarin in patients of fatty liver: A randomized controlled trial. Indian J Gastroenterol. 2014 Nov; 33(6): 543-9.
Khan S, et al. In vitro anti-inflammatory activities of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle and its active component kutkin on Wistar rat macrophages. J Inflamm Res. 2011; 4: 11-20.
Kumar S, et al. Hepatoprotective activity of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extracts against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats. J Med Food. 2007 Jun;10(2): 371-6.
Visen PK, et al. Curative effect of Picrorhiza kurroa (kutkin) on patients suffering from acute viral hepatitis–a pilot study. Indian J Med Res. 1991 Jan; 94: 277-82.
Auddy B, et al. Standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa regulates hepatic detoxification enzymes in mice with chemically induced liver damage. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 May 24; 105(3): 452-6.
