Katuka {Picrorrhiza Currooa}
Katuka or Kutki balances Pitta.
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balances Pitta and Kapha
- Taste –Bitter
- Energetics – Cooling
- Main Traditional Action: Strengthens liver and immune system
- Other Traditional Uses: Used for cleansing the liver and gall bladder. It also has laxative properties and is used for constipation and flatulence. Further it nourishes the heart and cardiovascular system, improves Agni, stimulates appetite, helps indigestion, and is used to relieve coughs and asthma.
Modern Research
Katuka and its components have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-asthmatic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antiallergic, antianaphylactic, and hepatoprotective effects. Its has also been shown to have indicate that katuka may be useful for treating diabetes , hyperlipidemia, liver disorders and conditions, and wound healing. Further it is has been shown to be involved in gene regulation (nuclear factor NF-kappaB) of pathways mediating inflammation and cell survival.