A Novel Phytopharmaceutical: A Standardized fraction of Picrorhiza kurroa for Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

• First-in-class CSIR-developed phytopharmaceutical targeting NAFLD under regulatory pathway (DCGI-approved clinical development).
• Addresses a major unmet clinical need-no widely approved pharmacotherapy for NAFLD despite high prevalence (~25–30% in India).
• Multi-target mechanism (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibiting lipid uptake in liver) aligned with complex NAFLD pathophysiology.
• Demonstrated preclinical efficacy in reducing hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, superior or comparable to standard hepatoprotectives.
• Backed by CSIR & ICMR government-funded multi-center Phase III clinical trial, enhancing credibility and adoption potential.

• Picroliv is a standardized extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), enriched in bioactive picrosides (Picroside I & II), developed by CSIR-CDRI & CSIR-IHBT Palampur.
• The technology is based on reverse pharmacology and phytopharmaceutical standardization, integrating traditional knowledge with modern drug development.
• Preclinical and mechanistic studies demonstrate reduction of hepatic fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, key drivers of NAFLD progression.
• Picroliv has shown hepatoprotective effects across multiple experimental models, including toxin-induced and metabolic liver injury.
• Currently under Phase III clinical evaluation across premier Indian institutes (AIIMS Delhi, ILBS Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, KGMU Lucknow, NIMS Hyderabad, KEM, Mumbai) in collaboration with ICMR, targeting regulatory approval.

• Multi-modal therapeutic action: modulates lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways (unlike single-target drugs).
• Natural-origin, standardized formulation with defined phytomarkers ensuring batch-to-batch consistency.
• Favorable safety profile supported by traditional use and preclinical/early clinical evidence.
• Potential for disease modification (steatosis reversal) rather than only symptomatic management.
• Strong positioning for global phytopharmaceutical markets and integrative medicine adoption