HappinessExpands.com

The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

We wish you peace and health!

King of Bitters

Scientific Names

King of Bitters

  • Andrographis paniculata
  • Justicia paniculata
  • Justicia latebrosa

Common Names

  • King of Bitters
  • Creat
  • Green Chiretta
  • Kalmegh
  • Chuan Xin Lian
  • Indian Echinacea

Back to Top


Parts Usually Used

The aerial parts (leaves and stems) and roots contain the medicinal compounds. The whole plant may also be used in some cases.
Back to Top


Description of Plant(s) and Culture

An annual herbaceous plant growing 30-110 cm tall, with dark green square stems featuring longitudinal furrows and wings. Has lance-shaped hairless leaves up to 8 cm long. Produces small pink flowers in spreading racemes. The fruit is a capsule about 2 cm long containing yellow-brown seeds. Flowers from September to December. Grows best in moist, shady places and sunny locations. Seeds are sown in May-June.
Back to Top


Where Found

Native to India and Sri Lanka. Widely cultivated throughout Southern and Southeastern Asia including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and other parts of Asia. Also found in the West Indies and Americas. Grows in various habitats including plains, hillsides, coastlines, and disturbed areas up to 500m elevation.
Back to Top


King of Bitters

Medicinal Properties

Contains potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. The plant’s bitter compounds show effectiveness against infections, fever, and liver disorders.

Studies have demonstrated benefits for upper respiratory infections, inflammatory conditions, diabetes, liver protection, and immune system enhancement. Contains andrographolide and other bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-tumor, anti-allergic, and neuroprotective effects.
Back to Top


Biochemical Information

The main active compounds include diterpenoids (especially andrographolide), flavonoids, xanthones, and polyphenols. Andrographolide is the major bitter constituent, first isolated in 1911. Other key compounds include neoandrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, and various flavones.
Back to Top


Uses

Traditional and modern uses include:

  • Treatment of colds, flu and upper respiratory infections
  • Management of fever and inflammatory conditions
  • Treatment of liver disorders
  • Enhancement of immune system function
  • Management of digestive issues
  • Treatment of infections
  • Relief of inflammation and pain
  • Support for cancer therapy
  • Treatment of diabetes
  • Treatment of snake bites and insect stings

Back to Top


Formulas or Dosages

Typical dosages range from 90-600mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Extracts are usually standardized to contain 2-50% andrographolide. For respiratory infections, doses of 400mg daily for 5 days have been used. Consult healthcare provider for specific dosing recommendations.
Back to Top


Warning

Side effects may include:

  • Headache and fatigue
  • Allergic reactions and skin rashes
  • Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting
  • Lymph node swelling
  • Altered taste
  • May interact with blood pressure, diabetes and blood-thinning medications
  • Should be avoided during pregnancy
  • Use caution with autoimmune conditions
  • Stop use 2 weeks before surgery

Back to Top


Resource Links

Exploring Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses

Wikipedia – Andrographis paniculata

National Library of Medicine – Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology

WebMD – Andrographis – Uses, Side Effects, and More

National Library of Medicine – Physiological Activities of the King of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata): A Review

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Andrographis

Versus Arthritis – Andrographis paniculata

ScienceDirect – A review for the neuroprotective effects of andrographolide in the central nervous system

BMC Part of Springer Nature – Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds in Andrographis paniculata (Chuanxinlian)

Back to Top




Share