How does Yakrit Plihantak Churna help with SGOT / SGPT Levels?

Abstract

The liver is one of the most vital organs of the human body, responsible for metabolism, detoxification, digestion, immunity and regulation of biochemical balance. Liver diseases are increasingly common due to unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, infections, metabolic disorders and drug toxicity. Elevated liver enzymes like SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) are key indicators of liver cell injury. As per Ayurveda, liver disorders are due to disturbances of Agni (metabolic fire), Pitta Dosha and Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue). So, let’s discuss in detail.

Introduction

Any impairment in liver function affects the entire body. Liver diseases affect millions worldwide and are often marked by elevated SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT) levels that show hepatocyte damage. Common disorders include fatty liver (steatosis from fat buildup), viral hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring) or alcohol induced damage and these all diseases strain the liver. Most liver diseases initially present silently and abnormal liver enzymes may be the first detectable sign. So what exactly are these enzymes?

So, SGOT and SGPT are enzymes that are found in the hepatocytes and they are measured in the blood tests. They are markers of liver cell damage.

SGOT (ASP)

It is Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase or Aspartate Aminotransferase. It aids in amino acid metabolism, converting them for energy use across multiple tissues. It is found in the liver, heart, skeletal muscles, red blood cells, kidneys, etc. Its normal range is 5–50 IU/L.

SGPT (ALT)

It is Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase or Alanine Aminotransferase. It breaks down alanine into energy, mainly supporting liver protein metabolism and detoxification. It is mainly found in the liver cells. Its normal range is 7–56 IU/L.

So SGPT is more liver specific than SGOT. Elevated levels often signal liver damage from hepatitis, alcohol use, fatty liver, cirrhosis, or medications.

In Ayurveda the liver is considered the main site of Ranjaka Pitta, which is responsible for blood formation and metabolic transformations and its dysfunction arises primarily from Pitta dosha aggravation and Agni (digestive fire) derangement. Ayurveda counters this through hepatoprotective herbs that detoxify, reduce inflammation and regenerate liver cells, balancing vitiated doshas. There are various ayurvedic herbs that can help to lower these enzymes effectively, supported by holistic lifestyle changes for sustained health.

Some Of These Herbs Are

1. Kutki

Picrorhiza kurroa contains active compounds like picroside I, kutkoside, etc. which help stabilize hepatocyte (liver cell) membranes. This reduces leakage of SGOT/SGPT into the bloodstream, helping normalize their levels. It stimulates hepatocyte regeneration thus aiding in the repair of damaged liver cells.

2. Bhumiamla

Phyllanthus niruri exhibits strong hepatoprotective and antiviral activity. It contains alkaloids like phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin which stabilize hepatocyte membranes. It also inhibits viral replication in hepatitis B and helps in reducing liver inflammation. It is particularly useful in viral hepatitis induced enzyme elevations.

3. Kalmegh

Andrographis paniculata contains andrographolide that is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective. It modulates liver enzymes by reducing oxidative stress and suppressing pro inflammatory cytokines in hepatocytes. It is especially effective in toxin or drug induced SGOT/SGPT elevation.

4. Bhringraj

Eclipta alba primarily has regenerative properties thus making it excellent for chronic liver damage recovery. It is rich in wedelolactone and flavonoids and promotes hepatocyte regeneration and protects against oxidative damage. It enhances bile flow and helps in improving detoxification.

5. Kaasni

Cichorium intybus contains chicoric acid, inulin, etc. that stimulate liver cell metabolism and bile secretion and helps in reducing liver congestion. It has a strong choleretic effect (enhances bile secretion and flow) thus supporting bile flow and fat metabolism.

6. Makoy

Solanum indicum is particularly effective in chemical or toxin induced liver injury and helps in supporting cellular protection and repair. It helps to stabilize hepatocyte membranes and reduce inflammatory cytokines. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting liver cells from chemical or viral injuries.

7. Punarnava

Boerrhavia diffusa has both hepatoprotective and mild diuretic actions and is very helpful in liver congestion with edema or ascites. It lowers liver enzyme levels by improving liver detoxification and repairing damaged hepatocytes.

8. Sharpunkha

Tephrosia purpurea has strong antioxidant properties and cholagogue effects and is useful in fatty liver and chronic hepatic stress. It helps to protect liver cells from oxidative and chemical stress. It enhances bile secretion and promotes detoxification.

And all these herbs are combined together and are found in the Planet Ayurveda’s Yakrit Plihantak Churna. This is 100% natural, vegetarian, free of preservatives and chemical free and many researches are done on this product that demonstrate its effectiveness and its role in managing the condition.

Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is a Clinically Tested Ayurvedic Formulation of Planet Ayurveda which is available in powder form. It contains the above-mentioned herbs which work synergistically to reduce hepatic inflammation, improve bile flow, enhance antioxidant defenses and promote regeneration of hepatocytes. It strengthens the hepatocytes cell membrane and supports controlled hepatocyte regeneration by reducing oxidative stress while allowing physiological repair.

Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Dosage

1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

The liver is a powerful yet vulnerable organ that silently endures metabolic and toxic stress. Elevated SGOT and SGPT levels are warning signs of liver stress and damage. While modern medicine focuses on symptomatic management, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework to restore liver health by correcting Agni (digestive Fire), pacifying Pitta, removing toxins and rejuvenating liver tissue. Herbal medicines like Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) offer natural, effective support in managing liver diseases and normalizing liver enzymes, making Ayurveda a valuable complementary approach to liver care.

Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)- Ayurvedic Properties, Health Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Katuki is a potential Ayurvedic herb, its botanical name is Picrorhiza kurroa and it belongs to the family Plantaginaceae and known as a cooling agent that pacifies the vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosha without disrupting the digestive fire and also purifies the blood and reduces swelling. In Sanskrit Katuki means bitter or due to the bitter taste of this herb, it is named Katuki. The roots and rhizomes of Katuki are used for therapeutic purposes. This herb possesses various medicinal properties like hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, appetizer, anthelmintic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

DESCRIPTION

This is a perennial herb, 2.5 to 12 cm long and 0.3 to 1 cm thick with somewhat curvy straight features. Katuki is of greyish brown color with a coarse external surface. It has long rhizomes. There are 1 to 2 vascular bundles present in the cortex of rhizome. Leaves of the Katuki are present alternatively. These are present basely, 5 to 10 cm long. It has terminal spikes. The flowers calyx divide equally into five parts with 4 to 5 corolla, whitish with pale blue color with the long flowering branch. The flowering period of the plant is from June to August. Fruit are tapered from the top, 12 mm long and open into 4 valves. Seeds are ellipsoid and numerous. The seed coat is very thick and transparent. Roots of the plant are of elongated type, tubular form, 5 to 10 cm long and 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter. These are curved with longitudinal and dotted scars, associated with rhizomes.

SYNONYM

(Bhava prakasha // Hritkyadi varga // Shloka no. 141)

The synonym of Katuki are Katuvi, Katuka, Tikta, Krishnabheda, Katumbhara, Asoka, Matsyashakala, Chakrangi, Shakuladhani, Matsyapitta, Kandaruha, Rohini and Katurohini.

REGIONAL NAMES OF KATUKI

• English Name - Picrorrhiza, Hellebore, Yellow gentian
• Hindi Name - Kutki, Katuka
• Gujarati Name - Kadu, Katu
• Bengali Name - Katuki, Katki
• Malayalam name - Kadugurohini
• Punjabi Name - Kaundd, Kaud, Karru
• Telugu Name - Katuka Rohini
• Marathi Name - Kali Katuki, Bala Kadu
• Tamil Name - Katukarogini, Kadugurohini
• Urdu name - Kutki
• Arab and Farsi name - Kharabake
• Oriya name - Katuki
• Kannada name - Katuka rohini
• Chinese name - Hu Huang Lian

CLASSIFICATION

• Kingdom - Plantae
• Order - Lamiales
• Family - Plantaginaceae
• Genus - Picrorhiza
• Species - kurroa

HABITAT

Katuki is an herb found in mountainous regions. It grows on sloping and rocky-mountains and in soil rich in many organic elements, extending between 3000 and 5000 meters in the Himalayas. Katuki is obtained in the Himalayan region such as Garwal to Bhutan and Kashmir to Sikkim, Tibet, Pakistan, west of China and northern Burma.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) contains Kutkin, a bitter glycoside which includes Picein iridoid glycosides-Picroside I & II, Kutkoside, Picrorhizin, and Minecoside. It also contains Kutkiol, Kutkisterol, Apocyanin, D-Mannitol, Androsim, and phenol glucosides.

CATEGORIZED AS PER CLASSICAL

Charaka Samhita	Vagbhata	Sushrut Samhita
Tikta skandha - Bitter tasting group of herbs Lekhaniya - Group of herbs that are scraping and cause weight loss Stanyashodhana - Group of herbs that cleanse breast milk Bhedaniya - Group of herbs that are piercing and cause purgation	Mustadi Patoladi Pippalyadi	Mustadi Patoladi Pippalyadi

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES

(Bhava prakasha // Haritkyadi varga // Shloka no.142)

Hindi / Sanskrit		English
Rasa	Tikta	Taste	Bitter
Guna	Laghu, Ruksha	Physical Property	Light, Dry
Virya	Sheeta	Potency	Cold
Vipaka	Katu	Metabolic Property (After Digestion)	Pungent

EFFECTS ON DOSHAS

It balances Kapha and Pitta.

This shloka illustrates that this herb removes accumulated toxins and promote digestive fire. It is good for heart, diabetes, respiratory diseases, blood and skin diseases.

ACTION OF KATUKI ON VARIOUS SYSTEMS

1. Digestive Activity : It provides strength to the stomach, secretes gastric juice and increases appetite. It is helpful to combat digestive problems.
2. Anti-diabetic Activity : It has properties to reduce and maintain a normal blood glucose level.
3. Anti-asthmatic Activity : It helps to inhibit allergens and PAF (platelet-activating factor) that initiate bronchoconstriction.
4. Anti-inflammatory Activity : It helps to reduce inflammatory reactions.
5. Immuno-modulator Activity : It modulates the functioning of the immune system and controls hypersensitive reactions.
6. Hepatoprotective Activity : It acts as a Hepatoprotective and liver stimulant.

PRACTICAL USES OF KATUKI

It can be used in various forms like decoction and powder.

Internal Uses

1. The powder of rhizome is useful in the case of fatty liver and other liver disorders. It is also be given in constipation.
2. The root is given in the treatment of respiratory conditions.
3. The decoction of Kutaki is given to reduce the fever.
4. The powder of Katuki herb is given to diabetic patients to manage glucose level and also to avert its complications.

Part Used

Mool (Roots)

Dosage

Powder : 3 to 6 grams.

EASY WAYS TO UTILIZE KATUKI AT HOME

1. Take the rhizome of the Katuki and grind them to make a fine powder. Give this powder with hot milk or ghee, honey. It is effective in liver disorders such as the fatty liver. You can also keep this powder in a closed container. The recommended amount of powder is 125 mg-50 mg for children and 500 mg-2 g for adults. It is also effective in the case of constipation.
2. Make powder of the roots of Katuki and give it to children 4-5 times a day with honey. It is effective in upper respiratory tract infection.
3. Make a decoction of Katuki and add honey or jaggery to it. It is given in fever, cough and cold.
4. Prepare the decoction by mixing equal amounts of Katuki and Nimba. Take it in case of fever and chronic recurrent fever.
5. Take an equal amount of Katuki and Haridra powder and give 500 mg-1 gm to diabetic patients. It is especially effective for type II Diabetes mellitus and high cholesterol.

PRECAUTIONS

In case of children, pregnancy and lactating mothers it should be strictly advised under the guidance of a physician.

CLASSICAL FORMULATION OF KATUKI

1. Arogyavardhani Vati
2. Katukadyavaleha
3. Tiktadiqwath
4. Tiktadighruta

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS WITH KATUKI

1. Kutki Capsules
2. Kutki Powder
3. Liver Power
4. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
5. Arogyavardhini Vati
6. Liver Detox Formula
7. Navkarshik Churna

REFERENCE

1. Dravyaguna vijnana; Volume-2; By Prof. P.V. Sharma; page no. 441- 443.
2. Bhava prakasha Nighantu by Prof. Krishnachgandra Chunekar; 2018 edition; Chapter no. 3, Haritkyadivarga; page no. 67-70.
3. Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Therapeutic uses of medicinal plants; Dravyaguna Vigyan by Vd.V.M.Gogte; page no.325-327.