Kiratatikta {Swertia chirata}

Kiratatikta, or chiretta or chirata or chairata or kirata

Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses

1. Effect on doshas – Balances Pitta and Kapha
2. Taste – Bitter
3. Energetics – Cooling
4. Main Traditional Action: Bitter tonic, reduces ama, blood purifier
5. Other Traditional Uses: Helps treat liver disorders, eyes, heart, nausea, indigestion, appetite, gout, intestinal worms, skin diseases, wound healing, ulcers, asthma, reduces fevers, joint pains, and is used for prevention of stones in the kidney or gall bladder.

Modern Research

Kiratatikta, and its components have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antihyperglycemic, antidiaabetic, and hepatoprotective effects. It has also been shown to mediate the levels of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.