Advances in Ethnobotany, Synthetic Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Endangered Herb Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki): A Comprehensive Review (2010-2020)

Abstract

: Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. (Family: Plantaginaceae) is a well-recognized an Ayurvedic herb. It is commonly called “Kutki” or “Kurro” and ‘Indian gentian’. Iridoid glycosides are the plant’s bioactive constituents and accountable for the bitter taste and medicinal properties of the plant. The iridoid glycosides such as picrosides and other active metabolites of the plant exhibited many pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulator, anti-ulcerative colitis, antimicrobial etc. This review aims to provide updated information on the ethnobotany, synthetic phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, safety and toxicology of P. kurroa and its active metabolites. Indiscriminate exploitation, ecological destruction of natural habitats, slower plant growth and unawareness regarding cultivation and uprooting of plants has brought kutki as an endangered status. So, various techniques used for the conservation and production of bioactive metabolites from P. kurroa have also been reported. Information on the plant has been collected from Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus by using ‘Picrorhiza kurroa’, ‘Picroside-‘, ‘Picroside-II’, ‘Picroliv’, ‘Immunomodulator’ keywords. All studies on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of plant from 2010- 2020 were comprised in this review article. The possible directions for the future research have also been outlined in brief in review article.

The Use of Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Vitiligo: An Updated Review

“…A mixture in a ratio of 1 : 1.5 of the two C-9 iridoid glycosides, picroside I and kutkoside, is known as Picroliv and represents approximately 60% of the total components of kutkin. Furthermore, pharmacological effects of P. kurroa such as hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, anti-mutagenic, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant are attributed to its main bioactive components kutkin and Picroliv 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 .…”

Metabolic Syndrome– An Ayurvedic Perspective

“…They also augment the regeneration of hepatocytes, pancreatic beta cells etc. Some of the drugs which may found to be beneficial in MS are given in the table.2 Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory Hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective Anti hyperlipidemic Cardioprotective [21] Katuki [22] Thikta Katu laghu, Ruksha Sara Seeta Katu Kapha Pitha hara, Dipana, Bhedani, Pittarechani, Kaamala Hara, Yakrt Rogahara Hrdhya, Mehagna anti-oxidant,cardio-protective, hepato-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and nephroprotective [23] Amalaki [24] Pancha rasa Ruksha Laghu Sara Sita Madhura Tridoshahara, Rasayana, Pramehagna.…”

Picroside III Ameliorates Colitis in Mice: A Study Based on Colon Transcriptome and Fecal 16S Amplicon Profiling

“…[8] Traditionally, it has been employed in TCM to address conditions such as infantile malnutrition, dysentery, jaundice, and hemorrhoids. [8,9] In China, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora and its formulations have been clinically used to manage colitis, with their therapeutic applications documented in various ancient Chinese medical texts. [10] Pic, an iridoid glycoside derived from Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, has been previously demonstrated in our research to exhibit significant potential in promoting the healing of colitis-induced intestinal mucosal damage.…”