Botanical Name:- Gentiana kurroo Royle
Family:- Gentianaceae
Hindi Name:- करू (कुटकी)
Substitute and Adulteration:- (a) In the same name as Kutki, the roots of Gentiana kurroo (Royle; Fam. Gentianaceae) called ‘Karoo’ are sold. They look similar to Kutki in their external form, but there is a difference in the microscopic structure of both. The difference is clearly visible in their transverse section. In Gen. Kuro, the thickness produced by the growth of the cell covers of the ascending vessel is annular or scalariform like the rungs of a ladder, but in Kutki (P. kurroa) this thickness is pitted. In Kutki (P. kurroa), the cells present in the central part of the root, called pith cells, are pitted walled but these cells are absent in J. Kurroa. From the viewpoint of properties, Indian J. Kurroa is considered a good representative of the foreign Gentiana.
Morphology:- Its shrub is found in Kashmir and on the north western peaks of Himalayas at an altitude of 1500-3500 m. Leaves- root-like, with cob-like base, 7.5-10 cm long, linear (Lin-ear); Flowers- blue with white spots; Root- light, yellow, square; Pod- long. Its underground stem and root are used in medicine. It is used in place of Kutki and foreign ‘Gentian’. Its other species are also used in the same way. Its pieces are 2.5 cm long and have circular stripes on them and they appear twisted.
Properties and Uses:- It is bitter and balya. It increases appetite by increasing gastric juices. It causes purgation when consumed in large quantity. Due to its good taste and smell, it is used with many balya and digestive medicines. Due to the absence of tannin in it, it is not absorbent either. It is beneficial in fever.