Kutkin

PhytochemicalIridoid glycosideBest with a meal

What is it

Kutkin is the bioactive fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa (kutki), a Himalayan herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver protection. Kutkin is a mix of iridoid glycosides, mainly picrosides I and II and kutkoside.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Liver protection

Limited Evidence

Small human studies and extensive preclinical work suggest hepatoprotective activity. Better-quality randomized controlled trials would be valuable.

Asthma and allergic conditions

Limited Evidence

Some studies report immunomodulatory benefits in asthma, but evidence remains preliminary.

How it works

Picrosides have demonstrated hepatoprotective activity in preclinical models against carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol, and alcohol-induced liver injury. Proposed mechanisms include antioxidant activity, modulation of bile flow, and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. Kutkin is the standardized ingredient in some liver-support formulas, often combined with milk thistle, andrographis, or licorice.

Dosage

Studies of kutkin or standardized Picrorhiza kurroa extracts typically use 200 to 600 mg/day, often divided into two doses.

When and how to take it

Typically taken twice daily with meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Picroliv (standardized kutkin)

Standardized extract typically containing picroside I and II at defined ratios.

Iridoid glycosides have moderate absorption.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical doses. Diarrhea and mild GI upset are the most common adverse effects, sometimes dose-limiting.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. People with autoimmune disease should consult a clinician.

Interactions

May interact with immunosuppressants based on preclinical immunomodulatory activity. Theoretical effects on hepatic CYP enzymes warrant caution with narrow therapeutic index drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Is kutki the same as kutkin?⌄

Kutki is the whole herb Picrorhiza kurroa; kutkin is its standardized active fraction.

Does Picrorhiza help with hepatitis?⌄

Limited human evidence exists, primarily for chronic viral hepatitis support. It is not a replacement for standard hepatitis treatment.

References

Kutkin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Kutkin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Kutkin with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.