The bitter rhizomes of picrorhiza have been used for thousands of years in India to treat people.
Heartburn caused by stomach acid, inflammation of the stomach lining, or by ulcers.
Low stomach acidity which affects digestion and nutrient absorption
Insufficient digestive secretion and for fever due to all manner of infections.
Active constituents
The major constituents in picrorhiza are the glycosides picroside I, kutkoside, androsin, and apocynin. They have been shown in animal studies to be anti-allergic, to inhibit platelet-activating factor (an important pro-inflammatory molecule), and to decrease joint inflammation. According to test tube and animal studies, picrorhiza has antioxidant actions, particularly in the liver. Picroliv (a commercial mixture containing picroside I and kutkoside) has been shown to have an immuno-stimulating effect in hamsters, helping to prevent infections. Picrorhiza increases bile production in the liver, according to rat studies. It has also been shown to protect animals from damage by several potent liver toxins, offering protection as good as or better than silymarin (the flavonoids found in milk thistle). However, it does not have the amount of human research as silymarin. Picrorhiza has also shown to reduce formation of liver cancer due to chemical exposures in animal studies.