A Review on Kalmegha Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

Abstract

Medicinal plants are the most important source of life saving drugs for the majority of the world’s population. In India, herbal medicine has been the basis of treatment for various diseases and physiological condition in AYUSH system of Medicine. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees belongs to the Acanthaceae family and commonly known as the ‘King of bitters’. In Ayurveda Kalmegha, Bhunimba and Kiratatikta plants are used as a substitute to one another. This medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of cold, fever, jaundice, laryngitis and several infectious diseases. A. paniculata possess hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antibacterial, anticancer activities. The medicinal value of this plant is due to the presence of active ingredients viz. andrographolide and neoandrographolide which are derivatives of diterpenoids. The objective of this study is to review the literature of A. paniculata based on both Ayurvedic text and modern experimental studies, Citing through various research articles pertaining to therapeutic benefits, chemical properties and pharmacological evaluation.