Abstract

Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) is a well-known medicinal herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for the management of liver disorders and digestive ailments. The present review evaluates the hepatoprotective potential of Picrorhiza kurroa based on available experimental and limited clinical evidence. The rhizomes of the plant contain bioactive iridoid glycosides, primarily picroside I, picroside II, and kutkin, which are responsible for its pharmacological activities. Preclinical studies demonstrate that P. kurroa exhibits significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating effects. In various models of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity, alcohol-induced liver injury, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), administration of the extract resulted in reduced serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST), decreased lipid peroxidation, and improved histopathological architecture of hepatic tissue. Limited clinical trials in patients with viral hepatitis suggest faster normalization of liver function markers compared to placebo.Overall, the findings indicate that P. kurroa holds promising hepatoprotective properties through mechanisms involving oxidative stress reduction and inflammatory pathway modulation. However, despite encouraging preclinical results, large-scale, well-controlled human clinical trials are necessary to confirm its safety, standardized dosing, and long-term therapeutic efficacy in liver diseases.