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Picrorhiza (hu huang lian)
What is picrorhiza? What is it used
for?
Picrorhiza is a creeping plant native to the mountains of
India, Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan. Also known as Kharbagehindi,
the plant consists of long leaves and five-lobed flowers,
which are pale blue or reddish-blue in color. The largest
part of the plant is the rhizome, which can grow as long as
10 inches. The rhizome is used medicinally.
Picrorhiza contains a number of active ingredients, including
acetophenone derivatives (which have antiasthmatic properties),
iridioids and cucurbitacins (which are extremely bitter).
In traditional Chinese medicine, picrorhiza has been used
to treat everything from hyperemia and dysentery to jaundice,
hemorrhoids, epilepsy and carbuncles. Scientific tests have
found the compounds in picrorhiza to stimulate the immune
system, fight bacteria and protect the liver from toxic substances.
How much picrorhiza should I take?
Most practitioners recommend 0.6-1.2 grams of dried picrorhiza
root daily. Some providers also recommend 2-4 ml of a picrorhiza
tincture. Picrorhiza is often used in combination with other
botanicals, such as cardamon and crushed orange peels.
What forms of picrorhiza are available?
Picrorhiza is available in powder or tincture form. Some
stores may sell dried picrorhiza root. It is also often found
as part of larger traditional Chinese medicine formulas.
What can happen if I don't get enough
picrorhiza? What can happen if I take too much? Are there
any side-effects I should be aware of?
Picrorhiza is available in powder or tincture form. Some
stores may sell dried picrorhiza root. It is also often found
as part of larger traditional Chinese medicine formulas.
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References
- Chander R, Dwivedi Y, Rastogi R, et al.
Effect of different extracts of kutaki (picrorhiza kurroa)
on experimentally induced abnormalities in the liver. Indian
J Med Res Feb 1990;95:34-7.
- Chander R, Dwivedi Y, Rastogi R, et al.
Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of picroliv (from
picrorhiza kurroa) in Mastomys natalensis infected
with plasmodium berghei. Indian J Med Res Feb 1990;95:34-7.
- Dorsch W, Stuppner H, Wagner H, et al.
Antiasthmatic effects of picrorhiza kurroa: androsin
prevents allergen- and PAF-induced bronchial obstruction
in guinea pigs. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1991;95:128-33.
- Shukla B, Visen PK, Patnaik GK, et al.
Cholerectic effect of picrolic, the hepatoprotective principle
of picrorhiza kurroa. Planta Med Feb 1991;95:29-33.
- Vaidya AB, Antarkar DS, Doshi JC, et al.
Picrorhiza kurroa (kutaki) Royle ex Benth as a hepatoprotective
agent — experimental and clinical studies. J Postgrad
Med Oct-Dec 1996;42:105-8.
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