Andrographis Paniculata

NepaliName : Kalmegh
Latin Name : Andrographis paniculata
Other Names : Kalmegh, Andrographis, Kiryat,
senshinren,kirata.

Introduction
It is a principal herb in the domestic medicine called 'Alui', which is given to infants. Both in Ayurveda and Unani, it is confused with 'Chitetta' (Swertia chirata), but both are different plants. It is widely available in Arabia. It is given for fever along with several herbs. It was advertised in England as a substitute for quinine.
For centuries, the Ayurvedic practitioners of India have used the roots and leaves of the herb Andrographis paniculata to treat ailments ranging from poor digestion to hepatitis. In the Chinese medical tradition, the plant has been used to treat everything from gastrointestinal complaints to throat infections. Although some early scientific studies suggested that andrographis has a direct antimicrobial action, the weight of clinical evidence now shows that the real value of this ancient herb is as a stimulant for the immune system.

Morphology
Andrographis paniculata is an annual - branched, erect - running 1/2 to 1 meter in height. The aerial parts of the plant (leaves and stems) are used to extract the active phytochemicals. It grows abundantly in southeastern Asia. Normally grown from seeds, Andrographis is ubiquitous in its native areas: it grows in pine, evergreen and deciduous forest areas, and along roads and in villages. Because of its well-known medicinal properties, it is also cultivated - quite easily, because it grows in all types of soil. Moreover, it grows in soil types where almost no other plant can be cultivated, particularly "serpentine soil," which is relatively high in aluminum, copper and zinc. Such hardiness helps account for its wide distribution.

Chemical composition
Bitter diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide and
ncoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves.
Diterpene dimers
Flavonoids available in the roots.
The main active constituents and marker compounds are considered to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts are often standardized to these compounds.

Pharmacology
It increases biliary flow and liver weight in rat. Andrographolide produces a significant dose dependent choleretic effect, as evidence by increase in bile flow, bile salt and bile acids in conscious rats and anaesthetised guinea pigs.
It shows hepatoprotective action.

It improves non-specific immune response. Although both andrographis and beta glucan effective immune enhancers, Extracts of andrographis,have been shown to stimulate powerful immune responses in living creatures. The immune response may be specific directed at a microbial invader already present in the body, or generally, strengthening the immune system in preparation against future infections. Andrographis strongly stimulates phagocytosis and the production of specific antibodies.

Systemic Action
Digestive: Promotes digestion
Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall bladder.
Vermicidal: Kills intestinal worms & support intestine
Anti-acne: Protect skin from pimples
Analgesic: Pain killer
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from capillaries
Antibacterial: Fights bacterial activity. Although Andrographis appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it has remarkably beneficial effect in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.
Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
Hypoglycemic: Blood sugar reducer.
Immune Enhancement.
Laxative: Aids bowel elimination
Sedative: A relaxing herb, though not with the same effect as the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hops, skullcap, etc.

Dosage
Andrographis is generally available as capsules with dried herb or as standardized extracts (containing 11.2 mg andrographolides per 200 mg of extract). For dried herb, 500–3,000 mg is taken three times per day. In clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract were taken two times per day to treat the common cold, for indigestion, andrographis may be taken as a tea. A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day.

Warning: Although Andrographis paniculata is known to have very low toxicity, it should, like sanguinaria (bloodroot), be avoided by women who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant. It exhibits antifertility effects.