Trayamana (Gentiana kurroo Royle): A Substitution or an Adulteration to Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.) belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae, is one of the most important herbs found in the Himalayan Region at an altitude of 3000–5000 m above the Sea level. It has been used for the management of different diseases such as fever, diabetes, abdominal disorders, and hemorrhoids and most of the formulations such as Arogyavardhini vati, Kumaryasava, and Maha Sudarsana vati also have Katuki. The market demand of Katuki is more and the production is less, so it is either substituted or adulterated with different similar-looking and similar-acting drugs. Mostly, the root of Gentiana kurroo Royle is used in place of Katuki in the market. Katuki and Trayamana rhizomes are subcylindrical to quadrangular and rigid in shape. So, they look similar. Cork cells, tracheids, fibers, etc., are also present in both herbs. Both are bitter in taste and are used in fever, stomachache, dysentery, etc. Hence, an effort has been done to analyse whether Trayamana is actually a substitute or an adulteration depending on rasa, guna, veerya, vipaka, and karma and chemical compounds.