Evaluation of an emerging medicinal crop Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall. Ex. Nees] for commercial cultivation and pharmaceutical & industrial uses: a review

Abstract

Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. Ex. Nees] belonging to the family acanthaceae is one of the most important medicinal crops, indigenous to India and Sri Lanka. The fresh and dried leaves and juice extracted from the herb are official drugs in Indian pharmacopoeia and have been used in Indian systems of medicine since time immemorial. Looking at the utility and pharmacological importance of Andrographis paniculata, an overview is conducted considering some useful aspects like, origin and distribution, plant botany, taxonomy, genetics, edaphic and climatic requirements, methods of propagation, important varieties, planting geometry, nutrient management, irrigation management, insect-pest, diseases and weed management, maturity and harvesting period, therapeutic uses, phyto-chemistry and phamacognosical studies to initiate systematic and commercial cultivation of kalmegh for industrial uses.