Ayurvedic Herbs for Liver Health

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. · Katuka, Katuki, Katurohini, Tikta, Chakrangi, Matsyashakala, Krishnabheda, ArishtaA classical Ayurvedic fermented liquid preparation — alcohol generated by fermentation acts as both preservative and extraction medium. · Part used: Rhizome and root (dried underground stem — the primary medicinal part used in all clinical studies and classical preparations). The bitter rhizome is the source of the standardised glycosideA plant compound made of a sugar molecule attached to another active compound — the sugar part often affects how the compound is absorbed or activated in the body. fraction. API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) specifies the dried rhizome as the official part. Note: due to severe overharvesting, the root and rhizome of the related species Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (formerly Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora) are frequently used as a substitute in commercial products — this species is pharmacologically similar but not identical.

Ficus religiosa L. · Ashvattha (अश्वत्थ) · Part used: Bark (Tvak): most studied and most used medicinal part; used in decoctions for skin, metabolic, and respiratory conditions. Leaf: used fresh as poultice and in decoctions; studied for antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Fruit: mild laxative; studied for antioxidantA substance that neutralises free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA when they accumulate. activity. Latex: topicalApplied directly to the skin or a specific body surface, rather than taken internally. use for warts and skin conditions; caustic at high concentrations. Root bark: used in classical texts for gum disease and wound healing. Tender shoots: used traditionally for diarrhea management. Seed: used in some classical preparations; limited modern pharmacological data.

Berberis aristata DC. · Daruharidra, Darvi, Katankateri, Pitadaru, Sthirapushpi · Part used: Stem bark (primary source of berberineThe main alkaloid in Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) — activates AMPK, the same cellular pathway as metformin. alkaloidA class of naturally occurring, often bitter-tasting plant compounds that frequently have strong effects on the body — caffeine and morphine are both examples of alkaloids.); roots and root bark (higher berberine concentration, 2–3% by dry weight); wood and leaf (secondary). Bark is the pharmacopoeial part per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I Volume I.