Indigenous king of bitter (Andrographis paniculata): A review

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (King of bitters), commonly known as Kalmegh is belongs to the family of Acanthaceae. The objective of this study is to review the literature of Andrographis paniculata specifically articles pertaining to therapeutic benefits, chemical properties and pharmacological evaluation. It is extensively used in indigenous system of medicines as home remedy for various diseases in Bangladeshi traditional system. It is used to treat hepatitis, gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory infections, fever, herpes, and a variety of other chronic and infectious diseases. Andrographis paniculata possess hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, antipyretic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antibacterial activities. Andrographis paniculata contains steroids, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids were the active compounds present in the plant. The medicinal value of this plant is due to the presence of active ingredients viz andrographolide and neoandrographolide which are derivatives of diterpenoids.