Cultivation practices of Picrorhiza kurroa: Current perspective & future opportunities

Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Sector-62, Noida

Abstract

Globalization leads to the dynamic change in the lifestyle which has driven a boom in hepatic diseases worldwide. As per the data reported by World Health Organization in 2023, around 4% of the annual deaths (approximately 2 million annually) were reported due to liver related diseases, with cirrhosis in which the major cause being caused by hepatocellular cancer whereas the smaller number being caused by acute hepatitis. Although many existing medicines alleviate disease symptoms, they are associated with side effects, necessitating alternative therapies, including plant-derived bioactive phytocompounds. Picrorhiza kurroa, is a medicinal plant well known for its hepatoprotective nature. Picrorhiza kurroa is classified within the family of Scrophulariaceae, this plant is mainly present in the subcontinent area of South Asia which includes the Himalayan regions of India, Bhutan, China, Pakistan & Nepal. Picrorhiza kurroa also referred as “Kutki” in local language, is enriched in many bioactive compounds such as Picroside I, Picroside II, Kutkoside and others, which are iridoid glycosides in nature and they cumulatively known as Picroliv or Kutkin. These bioactive compounds exhibit strong immunomodulatory and liverprotective effects. Existing studies highlight key advances in the production of Picroside through different cultivation strategies, including micropropagation, cell suspension culture, and meristem culture. However, techniques such as hydroponic cultivation are rarely reported. Recent advances in Picrorhiza kurroa cultivation have opened avenues for formulating herbal therapeutics with anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antiangiogenic, antimicrobial, chemoprotective, and antioxidant properties. This study will pave the way in highlighting the key advancements of modern cultivation practices.