Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Use ofAndrographis paniculata

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Burma f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) is a common weed distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. All parts of A. paniculata are extremely bitter in taste. This plant is well known in Siddha, Ayurvedic and traditional (tribal) systems of medicine in India. A. paniculata is used for the treatment of infectious diseases, which account for the major proportion of health problems, and which are most often used in the traditional system of medicine. The major active components of the plant are andrographiloids, which have been extensively studied in a variety of models including human clinical trials for their therapeutic effects. Moreover, A. paniculata is known to have very low toxicity in animals and humans. The plant also exhibits antifertility effects. Most of the traditional uses of the species have some scientific basis. This review is an attempt to summarize the available information on A. paniculata for further investigation.