Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Andrographis paniculata
- Justicia paniculata
- Justicia latebrosa
Common Names
- King of Bitters
- Creat
- Green Chiretta
- Kalmegh
- Chuan Xin Lian
- Indian Echinacea
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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
Resource Links
Exploring Medicinal Plant Extracts Against Dengue and Chikungunya Viruses
Wikipedia – Andrographis paniculata
WebMD – Andrographis – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Andrographis
Versus Arthritis – Andrographis paniculata