Picrorhiza kurroa (kali kutki)
Picrorhiza kurroa (kali kutki)      The katuka plant is native to the Himalayas and is now part of Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for primarily gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion and constipation. Usually the root or rhizome of the plant is used medicinally. Preliminary studies in animals indicate that katuka may be useful for treating diabetes, hyperlipidemia, liver disorders and conditions, and wound healing. However, there is currently insufficient evidence available in humans to support the use of katuka for any indication.      Picroliv is considered the active principle of Picrorhiza kurroa. Known medicinal and pharmacological activities of kali kutki components include:      Hepatoprotective properties: In a study of hyperlipemic mice on a high fat diet, a water extract of Picrorhiza kurroa once a day significantly reduced liver weight, serum aspartate transferase (AST), and alanine transferase (ALT) after 12 weeks of treatment. An alcoholic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa also reduced the increased blood urea nitrogen in alloxan-treated rats. In another animal study, a combination of Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus amarus, and Picrorhiza kurroa extracts dose dependently and significantly inhibited hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), as evidenced by the significant reduction of glutathione S-transferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, reduced glutathione, and aniline hydroxylase levels. However, another author cautions that too little information is available on the effects of hepatic histopathology and long-term survival to recommend katuka for the treatment of liver conditions.      Wound healing properties: In in vivo and ex vivo studies, pricroliv extracted from Picrorhiza kuroa up-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and of insulin-like growth factor in rats during hypoxia, and improved re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and migration of endothelial cells, dermal myofibroblasts, and fibroblasts into the wound bed.      Immunological effects: An alcoholic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa inhibited the body weight reduction and leukopenia induced by alloxan administration in rats. Safety Profile      There are no reports of adverse effects for this herb. Herb Drug interactions      Antilipemic agents: Based on a study of hyperlipemic mice on a high fat diet, Picrorhiza kurroa may significantly reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels (3). However, serum HDL levels may not be affected.      Antioxidants: Based on a study in alloxan-treated rats, Picrorhiza kurroa may have antioxidant properties. Selected relevant published references • J Ethnopharmacol 11-1-1999;67(2):143-148. • Fitoterapia 2006;77(7-8):579-584. • Planta Med 2-22-2007 • J Ethnopharmacol 2000;71(1-2):261-266. • Indian J Med Res 1990;92:133-138