Review Literature: Andrographis paniculata

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Burm f.) Nees is a medicinal plant used in many countries and used as a valuable traditional medicinal plant. It has many important bioactive compounds and is a potent drug used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy in many formulations. These medicinal plant is very effective in the treatment of various diseases like malaria, diabetes, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc. The Andrographis paniculata (King of bitters), commonly known as Kalmegh is belongs to the family of acanthaceae and its major constituents are diterpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols. Among the single compounds extracted from A. paniculata, and rographolide is the major one in terms of bioactive properties and the andrographolide analogues, impart bitter taste of this herb. The andrograp holides having constituents include 14-deoxy-12methoxyandrographolide, 14-deoxy-11, 12-didehydroandrographo; ides, 14-deoxyandrographolide. It cures and prevents a number of diseases in human beings and it is a boon of the nature of human healthy life. It prevents cold, fever, colic pain, active against inflammatory, antidiabetic activity, antioxidant, antifertility, cardiovascular and anti-virus including inhibited HIV. 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, herpes, and a variety of other chronic and infectious diseases. The objective of this study is to review the literature of Andrographis paniculata specifically articles pertaining to therapeutic benefits, chemical properties and the attempt to provide recent update on phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Andrographis paniculata along its toxicity and condraindications status.