What is Picrorrhiza Root and it's major application?

Phytochemical and Constituents of Picrorrhiza Root.

Picrorrhiza Root Extract Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth. Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora Pennell Hu Huang Lian Hu Lian Kutki Katuka Hellbore Kutkin,picrosides I,picrosides II,picrosides III,Picroside IV,kutkoside,cucurbitacin glycosides,highly oxygenated triterpenes photo picture image

Dry root Rhizome contains Kutkin 3.4% and D-Mannitol 0.5%,Vanillic acid 0.1%,Kutkiol,Kutkistero1,0.18% and Apocynin.Hu Huang Lian Toxin is the stable mix crystal of Picroside I and Kutkoside.Picroside II.Iridoid glycosides such as picrosides(picrosides I,picrosides II,picrosides III),kutkoside,cucurbitacin glycosides (highly oxygenated triterpenes),apocycynin,androsin.
Picrorrhiza Root Extract Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth. Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora Pennell Hu Huang Lian Hu Lian Kutki Katuka Hellbore Kutkin,picrosides I,picrosides II,picrosides III,Picroside IV,kutkoside,cucurbitacin glycosides,highly oxygenated triterpenes photo picture image

Kutkin, a bitter glycosidal principle, is reported. Also isolated D-mannitol, vanillic acid and some steroids are present. Kutkin was later shown to be a stable mixed crystal of two C-9 iridoid glycosides-Picroside I and Kutakosid. Apocynin has been isolated from the plant. Picroside II has been isolated and shown to have hepatoprotective activity. With the help of preparative HPLC, larger Quantities of picrosides have been isolated, permitting precise structure identification and biological experiments.

Kutkin is the active principal of Picrorhiza kurroa and is comprised of kutkoside and the iridoid glycoside picrosides I, II, and III. Other identified active constituents are apocynin, drosin, and nine cucurbitacin glycosidesApocynin is a catechol that has been shown to inhibit neutrophil oxidative burst in addition to being a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, while the curcubitacins have been shown to be highly cytotoxic and possess antitumor effects.

D-Mannitol, or 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexanehexol (C6H8(OH)6, is a polyol (an alcohol and a sugar). D-Mannitol is similar to xylitol and sorbitol except it tends to lose a hydrogen molecule in aqueous mixtures and become acidic. Mannitol is often used as a sweetner or laxative.

Latest research findings following three compounds were isolated from the whole plant:

1.25-Acetoxy-2beta-Glucosyloxy-3,16,20-Trihydroxy-9-Methyl-18-Norlanost-5,23-Dien-22-One
2.2-Beta-Glucosyloxy-16,20,22-Trihydroxy-9-Methyl-19-Norlanosta-5,24-Diene-3,11-Dione
3.2-Beta-Glucosyloxy-3,16,20,25-Tetrahydroxy-9-Methyl-19-Norlanosta-5,23-Diene-11,22-Dione
Picrorrhiza Root Extract Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth. Picrorhiza scrophulariaeflora Pennell Hu Huang Lian Hu Lian Kutki Katuka Hellbore Kutkin,picrosides I,picrosides II,picrosides III,Picroside IV,kutkoside,cucurbitacin glycosides,highly oxygenated triterpenes photo picture image

Where as ARVENIN-III has been isolated from roots and rest of the followings namely Apocynin, D-Mannitol,Glucose,Glucosido-Vanilloyl-Glucose, Kurrin, Kuthinol, Kuthirterol,Kutkin,Kutkiol,Kutkisterol, Kutkoside, Picrorhizin, Picroside-I,Picroside-II,Tripalmitin and Vanillic-Acid are isolated from rhizome.

Extensive work on the chemistry of P.kurroa has been initiated at RRL Jammu. Following six compounds have been earmarked as marker compounds. Structures of Picroside I, Picroside II, Picroside IV, Apocynin, Androcynin and PK-3 as showing on picture accordingly.

Fruit contains Vitamin C,glicosides,starch and protein.