In-vitro Anti-adipocytic activity of Katuka (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth)

Abstract

When we look back at human evolution, we observe that humans are closely bonded with nature. We highly depend on resources derived from nature for our day-to-day lives. Whether in good health or disease, we greatly rely on plant, animal, and mineral extracts. With the advent of time, as humans evolved, we started using artificially prepared chemical formulations and modern drugs - for prevention and fighting against diseases. In Ayurveda, plants, animals, and minerals are used to treat diseases. Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth) is an ayurvedic herb that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is primarily found in the Himalayan region. Katuki has multi-factorial use in the treatment of various ailments. It is widely used as hepatoprotective, preventing and curing liver damage caused by hepatotoxic agents. Though Acharya Charak has mentioned Katuki in Lekhniya Mahakashaya, it is scarcely used for treating Sthoulya (Obesity). Hence, through a research study, here is an attempt, to prove the activity of Katuki in the inhibition of fat cell formation using the 3T3-L1 cell line. Material and Methods: Katuki Rhizomes was purchased from, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. A modern drug, Orlistat was used as a standard drug. The 3T3-L1 cell line was procured from NCCS, Pune. Cytotoxicity of Katuki was studied using XTT Assay. Oil Red O staining was used to study the anti-adipocytic activity of Katuki. Result: Katuki was found to be safe for 3T3-L1 cells. Katuki was tested in four different concentrations. After the test results, it was found that the fat cell formation on the differentiated 3T3-L1 cell line treated with Katuki was significantly inhibited. Discussion and Conclusion: The test drug Katuki has shown noteworthy anti-adipocytic activity on the 3T3-L1 cell line in all the studied concentrations. However, the anti-adipocytic effect of Katuki was not dose-dependent.