King of Bitters - Medicinal Herb Info

Scientific Names

King of Bitters

Andrographis paniculata
Justicia latebrosa
Justicia paniculata
Justicia stricta

Common Names

Green Chiretta

Creat

King of Bitters

Bhunimba

Kalmegh

Chuan Xin Lian

Fa-Tha-Lai-Jone

Kariyat

Indian Echinacea

Roi des Amers

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.
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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.
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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.

Native to:

India
Sri Lanka
Widely cultivated in Southern and Southeastern Asia
Introduced to:
- Northern India
- Java
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- West Indies
- Americas

Medicinal Properties

King of Bitters

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.

Antimicrobial and antibacterial
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Immunostimulant
Antiviral
Hepatoprotective
Blood sugar regulation
Antipyretic
Anti-parasitic
Cardiovascular protection
Anti-allergic
Anti-cancer potential

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.

Major active compounds:

Andrographolide (primary bioactive compound)
Dehydroandrographolide
Neoandrographolide
Andrographoside
14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide
Flavonoids
Diterpenoids
Polyphenols

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
Treatment of sore throat and tonsillitis
Management of ulcerative colitis

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.

For common cold and flu: 90-600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks

For tonsillitis: Doses comparable to acetaminophen

For ulcerative colitis: Daily doses for 8 weeks

Extract standardization typically ranges from 2% to 50% andrographolide content
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