Supplement Scholar
Herb

Picrorhiza Kurroa

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Picrorhiza Kurroa. Indian herb for liver protection.

How it works. Kutkin antagonizes hepatotoxin damage.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Hepatoprotective (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 400–1500 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Milk thistle (silymarin), NAC.

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Picrorhiza Kurroa. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Picrorhiza Kurroa. Indian herb for liver protection.

Key compound: picroside IC24H28O11 · 492.5 g/mol

What it is

Indian herb for liver protection.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Liver Health

How it works

Kutkin antagonizes hepatotoxin damage.

Pathways

  • Kutkin antagonizes hepatotoxin damage

Effects

  • +Hepatoprotective supports

What the research supports

Hepatoprotectivemoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
400–1500 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
Shop Picrorhiza Kurroa on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Picrorhiza Kurroa use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Picrorhiza Kurroa — Hepatoprotective ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Picrorhiza Kurroa and "Hepatoprotective". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Picrorhiza Kurroa — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Picrorhiza Kurroa and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Picrorhiza Kurroa — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Picrorhiza Kurroa and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…