Practical
Plants

Picrorhiza kurroa

Kuru

a perennial member of the Picrorhiza genus in the family Scrophulariaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Kuru has a long history of medicinal use, especially in India but also in China where it is known as hu huang lian[1][2]. The dried rhizome is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, cathartic (in large doses), cholagogue, laxative (in smaller doses), stomachic and bitter tonic[1][2]. The root contains a number of very bitter glucosides including kutkin and picrorhizin[2]. It also contains apocynin, which is powerfully anti-inflammatory and reduces platelet aggregation[2]. In trials, the rhizome was shown to boost the immune system and to have a specific action against the parasie Leishmania donovani, which causes the tropical parasitic disease called leishmaniasis[2]. The rhizome has a very beneficial effect upon the liver and digestive system and is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including fevers, constipation, dyspepsia and jaundice[2]. It is also often used in the treatment of scorpion stings and snake bites[2]. There is also some evidence that the rhizome can be of help in the treatment of bronchial asthma and a number of auto-immune diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo[2], whilst it has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels and reduce coagulation time. The rhizome is gathered in the autumn and dried for later use[2].

Product or use
Antiperiodic
Product or use
Cathartic
Product or use
Laxative
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Bitter
Product or use
Tonic
Product or use
Antiinflammatory
Product or use
Antibacterial

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Kashmir to Sikkim.
Habitat
Found in the higher mountain elevations at 2700 - 3600 metres.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - we have no information on this species. It is likely that the best way of propagating from seed is to sow it as soon as it is ripe, preferably in a cold frame or greenhouse. If this is not possible, sow the seed in late winter or early spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Division of the rhizome in the autumn or spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country.

References

  1. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9

Edit this page