Introduction
It is a small perennial herb from the Scrophulariaceae family. The rhizome of Picrorhiza has been traditionally used to treat worms, constipation, low fever, scorpion sting, asthma and ailments affecting the liver. Current research on Picrorhiza kurroa has focused on its hepatoprotective, anticholestatic, antioxidant, and immune-modulating activity.

Origin
Picrorhiza kurroa also known as kutki is found in the North-Western Himalayan region from Kashmir to Kumaun and Garhwal regions in India and Nepal.

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.