Kutaki
Kutaki
Kutaki is a small perennial herb and a fast depleting high value medicinal plant that grows in the hilly parts of North-Western Himalayan region in India and Nepal. It belongs to the family Scrofulariacea. The leaf, bark and underground parts of the plant, mainly rhizomes are used for their medicinal properties in Ayurveda. Kutaki is known to have anti-cholestatic, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective effect and is also used as purgative (strong laxative), brain tonic, stomachic, dyspepsia (indigestion), anti-allergic and as anti-cancer medication[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Kutaki?
Picrorhiza kurrooa, Picrorrhiza, Hellebore, Yellow gentian, Kutki, Katuka, Katurohini, Katvi, Katumbhra, Thiktha, Ashokarohini, Arishta, Chaakrangi, Kadu, Katu, Katuki, Katki, Kadugurohini, Kaundd, Kaud, Karru, Katuka, Rohini, Kali Katuki, Bala Kadu, Katukarogini
What is the source of Kutaki?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kutaki
How effective is Kutaki?
Likely effective
Vitiligo
Likely ineffective
Asthma
Insufficient evidence
Rheumatoid arthritis
Precautions when using Kutaki
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Kutaki may interact with immunomodulatory drugs. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Kutaki with immunomodulatory medicines[3].
Ayurvedic View
Kutki should be taken in recommended dosage and duration, a high dose can lead vomiting or diarrhea due to its Tikta(bitter) and Virechana(purgative) properties.
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Kutaki may lower the blood sugar. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar while taking kutaki with anti diabetic medicines[3].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Vomiting
2. Anorexia
3. Diarrhoea[3].
2. Anorexia
3. Diarrhoea[3].
Recommended Dosage of Kutaki
- Kutaki Powder - 1/4 teaspoon twice a day.
- Kutaki Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day
- Kutaki Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day
How to use Kutaki
1. Kutaki Powder
a. Take ¼ teaspoon of Kutaki Powder.
b. Add honey to it and take before meals twice a day.
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases[4].
2. Kutki Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule
b. With water after taking lunch and dinner
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases
3. Kutki Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tabet
b. With water after taking lunch and dinner
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases
a. Take ¼ teaspoon of Kutaki Powder.
b. Add honey to it and take before meals twice a day.
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases[4].
2. Kutki Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule
b. With water after taking lunch and dinner
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases
3. Kutki Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tabet
b. With water after taking lunch and dinner
c. Use this remedy to get rid of liver diseases
Benefits of Kutaki
How effective is Kutaki?
Likely effective
Vitiligo
Precautions when using Kutaki
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Kutki oil diluted with coconut oil before applying on the body due to its high concentration.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Kutki powder use with honey or rose water if someone skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Kutaki
- Kutaki Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon
- Kutaki Oil - 3-5 drops or as per your requirement
How to use Kutaki
1. Kutaki Powder
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Kutaki powder
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it to sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of wounds effectively.
2. Kutaki Oil
a. Take 3-5 drops of Kutaki oil
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it to sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of skin diseases.x
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Kutaki powder
b. Add rose water to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it to sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of wounds effectively.
2. Kutaki Oil
a. Take 3-5 drops of Kutaki oil
b. Add coconut oil to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and let it to sit for 1-2 hours.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of skin diseases.x
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Kutaki is a main source of iridoid glycosides, picrosides I, II and kutkoside which are used in various herbal drug formulations. Kutaki is known to have anti-cholestatic, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective effect.
Modern Science View
Kutaki Powder is available in the market under various brands such as Patanjali, Attar Ayurveda, Vyas, Narayani Naturals. The average price of ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 150. You can choose the product and brand according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Kutki should be taken in recommended dosage, a high dose can lead vomiting due to its Tikta(bitter) taste.
References
- Banerjee D, Maity B, Nag SK, et al.Healing potential of Picrorhiza kurroa (Scrofulariaceae) rhizomes against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration: A mechanistic exploration.BMC Complement Altern Med.2008;8(3).
- Sultan P, Jan A, Pervaiz Q.Phytochemical studies for quantitative estimation of iridoid glycosides in Picrorhiza kurroa Royle.Bot Stud.2016;57(7).",https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1082/picrorhiza.,"Shetty SN, Mengi S, Vaidya R, et al.A study of standardized extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth in experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.J Ayurveda Integr Med.2010;1(3):203-210.
- Kant K, Walia M, Agnihotri VK, et al.Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Picrorhiza kurroa (leaves) extracts.Indian J Pharm Sci.2013;75(3):324–329.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.