# Katuki

> Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Picroside I is absorbed primarily in the upper GI tract. Apocynin (metabolite) has rapid absorption. Self-emulsifying formulations improve kutkin bioavailability by 3-fold. Piperine co-administration increases picroside I AUC by 60%.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Picrorhiza kurroa

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Katuki |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kashayam (decoction), Arishta/Asava (fermented preparation), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction; [Arogyavardhini Vati](/formulation/arogyavardhini-vati/): 2 tablets twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Kutkin (mixture of picroside I and kutkoside) has moderate oral bioavailability (~25-30%). Picroside I is absorbed primarily in the upper GI tract. Apocynin (metabolite) has rapid absorption. Self-emulsifying formulations improve kutkin bioavailability by 3-fold. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration increases picroside I AUC by 60%. Ghrita (ghee) formulation provides lipid-enhanced absorption per traditional recommendation.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on empty stomach for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and cholagogue effects; with meals if GI irritation occurs; Arogyavardhini Vati: before meals with warm water

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 4% kutkin (picroside I + kutkoside) by HPLC per Indian Pharmacopoeia; premium extracts standardized to 10-15% kutkin

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder; 36 months for standardized extract capsules; 24 months for tablets

**Storage:** Store in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25°C. Picroside [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are relatively stable but hygroscopic. Protect from light. Refrigerated storage (2-8°C) extends potency for high-value standardized extracts.

**Marker Compounds:** Picroside I, Picroside II (Kutkoside), Apocynin (Acetovanillone), Androsin, Picein, Vanillic acid, Cucurbitacin glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) — standard for commercial extracts
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Supercritical CO2 for iridoid glycoside enrichment
- Column chromatography for picroside I and II isolation
- Enzyme-assisted extraction for improved kutkin yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) in Arogyavardhini Vati for comprehensive metabolic and hepatic support
- [Bhumyamalaki](/herb/bhumyamalaki/) for hepatoprotective synergy
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for hepatitis management
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for cholestatic liver disease
- [Chirayata](/herb/chirayata/) (Swertia) for bitter tonic and febrifuge combination

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/katuki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.