Jaundice is yellowish discolouration of the sclera i.e. white part of the eyes and skin caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. It is a major symptom and sign of serious disease of many organ systems; most important among them being the liver. Jaundice is often associated with yellow urination which reflects excessive excretion of bilirubin in the urine as well. There is a direct correlation between the blood levels of bilirubin and the extent of tissue discoloration.
Treatment by Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.) :
Katuka is a perennial hairy herb grown in alpine regions with temperate climatic conditions. The medicinal plant in Indian medicine is named as Katuka or Katuki owing to its immense bitter taste. The rhizome of the plant is a bitter tonic used for the treatment of febrile and liver disorders.
Main chemical constituents : Glucosides: picrorhizin and kutkins (mixture of kutkoside and picroside).
Therapeutic properties : Katuka is a bitter tonic with cooling, laxative, carminative, digestive, stomachic, cholagogue, hepato-protective, anti-viral, anti-pyretic, immunomodulating, free-radical scavenging, anti-spasmodic and antiinflammatory properties. In large doses, it acts like a purgative.
Dose and mode of administration : The dose of Katuki powder for adults is one to three grams and for children 500 mg to 1 gram, to be taken twice daily with water, preferably after meals. Consuming the medicine on an empty stomach should be avoided as it may cause nausea and vomiting due to its highly bitter taste.
Dosage form : Dusty grey fine powder.
Indications and uses : Katuki is useful in jaundice, liver and spleen dysfunctions, decreased appetite, flatulence, constipation and piles. It is also used in intermittent febrile conditions and skin diseases.
Precautions and safety aspects : No side or toxic effects are reported in literature with the recommended dose of Katuka. Clinical studies have shown no adverse effects in patients treated with Katuka alone and with formulations containing Katuka.
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