A-Z About Medicinal Plants

Andrographis

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Literature

2006-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

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Farmers told that....

It prefers a sunny situation. The seeds are sown during May-June. The seedlings are transplanted at a distance of 60 cm x 30 cm. Two or three irrigations may be given during the day periods. It flowers during August - November, and the whole plant starts maturing during February - March when it is harvested for the drug; in Andhra Pradesh, (India) it is collected during November - January. The whole plant is dried in shade and sold. The crude drug consists of dried or fresh leaves or the aerial portions of the plant. Sometimes, the whole plant, including the roots, is used. The drug is sometimes mixed with the genuine chirata (Swertia chirayata Karst.) but can be distinguished from the latter easily by the green colour of its stems, numerous erect, slender, opposite branches and its lanceolate, green leaves. The drug normally should not contains more than 2% foreign organic matter.

Cultivation of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Despite its enormous medicinal and economic importance, attempts to cultivate A. paniculata have seldom been undertaken; hence local drug manufacturers as well as drug companies depend on wild sources for the supply of raw material. Gupta and Srivastava (1995) have reported a systematic cultivation experiment using different accessions of A. paniculata at NBPGR, New Delhi. Cultivation experiments are also reported by various authors from different parts of SE Asia (Zhou, 1987; Ramesh et al, 1997; Alagesaboopathi and Balu, 1997; Nandi, 1992; Muniramappa et al, 1997).

In general, the plant prefers a sunny situation. The seeds are sown during May-June. The seedlings are transplanted at a distance of 60 cm x 30 cm. One to three irrigations may be given during the day periods (particularly when plants are flowering). It flowers during August - November, and the whole plant starts maturing during February - March when it is harvested for the drug; in Andhra Pradesh, it is collected during November - January. The whole plant is dried in shade and sold. The crude drug consists of dried or fresh leaves or the aerial portions of the plant. Sometimes, the whole plant, including the roots, is used. The drug is sometimes mixed with the genuine chirata (Swertia chirayata Karst.) but can be distinguished from the latter easily by the green colour of its stems, numerous erect, slender, opposite branches and its lanceolate, green leaves. The drug normally should not contain more than 2% foreign organic matter.

In addition to seeds, stem cuttings of the mature (but non-flowered plants) could also give rise to new plants. Alagesaboopathi and Balu (1997) have described this in detail in their paper. More over in vitro propagation techniques were also tried in this species.

References

Gupta V, Srivastava VK 1995 Evaluation studies on Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) Ind J Pl Genet Resource: s 8: 141-143
Zhou, Z. 1987. Cultivation of Andrographis paniculata. Chung Yao Tung Pao 12: 15-18.
Ramesh, P.M., A.A. Farooqui, M. Vasundhara and H.R. Gowda. 1997. Influence of nutrients on the
growth, yield and active principle content in Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees). Abstract cum
Souvenir- National Conference on Health Care & Development of Herbal Medicines. 29-30 August,
1997. Indira Ghandhi Agricultural University, Raipur MP.- 492 001.
Alagesaboopathi, C. and S. Balu. 1997. Methods of mass multiplication of Indian Andrographis Wallich ex Nees and its chemical analysis. Abstract cum Souvenir- National Conference on Health Care & Development of Herbal Medicines. 29-30 August, 1997. Indira Ghandhi Agricultural University, Raipur MP.- 492 001.
Nandi, R.P. 1992. Increase in productivity regime of some well known medicinal and aromatic plants
used in Ayurvedic system of medicines. Advances in Plant Sciences Vol. 5. Pp. 274-282. Association
of Plant Sciences India.
Muniramappa, R.P, A.A. Farooqi, H.G.R. Gowda and S. Maricapu. 1997. Influence of macronutrients on yield and active principle content in Kalmegh. J of Med & Arom Plant Sciences 19: 1039-1042.

Andrographis paniculata in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an Ancient Science of Life that has a strong philosophical basis. 'Ayu' means life and 'Veda' means science. Ayurveda is a dynamic phenomenon that offers multifaceted approaches to healing. It comprises of knowledge about the botanical sources that are primarily based on past experiences and present uses in India, more as a living tradition.

Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) is one of the important ingredients in the various Ayurvedic preparations for fever and liver diseases, which are commonly used by Ayurvedic physicians. A. paniculata was recommended in Charaka Samhita dating to 175 BC for treatment of Jaundice along with other plants in multi-plant preparations. In Ayurvedic texts, no drug has been described by the name of Kalmegh. It may be described by any other vernacular name: Bhavprakash, Madanpal and Rajnighantu have described A. paniculata plant by the name Kiratatikta and Bhunimb as its synonyms. Some of the authors have quoted A. paniculata as Yavatikta.

There is lot of controversy for this drug because there is no other drug which has been described by the name of Kalmegh in Vrihatrayi (Charak, Shushrut and Baghbhatta). Many Sanskrit treatises mention two kinds of Kiratatikta viz. Bhunimba and Nepalanimba and these have been translated into Malayalam as Nilaveppu and Kirayatta, respectively. All the commentaries on Bhavaprakasam, Kaiyadevanighantu, etc, have identified Kiratatikta as Swertia chirayata. None of these commentators have made any mention about A. paniculata. But Acharya PV Sharma in his Dravyagunavijnan identifies Bhunimba as A. paniculata and assigns a Sanskrit name Kalmegha to it. Bhunimba, as we know it is one of the synonyms of Kiratatikta. However, it is to be noted that the same author has given the Latin name S. chirayata to Kiratatikta.

In Ayurveda there are various statements about pharmacodynamic properties of A. paniculata, however, it is essentially Tikta in Rasa, (it is so called, the King of Bitters), Katu in Vipaka, Ushna in Virya and Laghu, Ruksa and Tikshna in Guna. Regarding the Karmas (pharmacological actions), it has been Deepan (stomachic), Yakriduttajak (liver stimulant), Pittasrak and Pittarechak (choleretic and cholagogues), Krimighna (wormicidal), Swedajanam (diphoretic), Jwaraghna (antipyretic) like actions and is also used as a Katu Paustik (bitter tonic). Bhavprakaash described its properties as a laxative and bitter; it overcomes the Sanmpat type of fever, difficulty in breathing Kapha-Pitta variation of blood, cough, oedema and worms. According to Rajnighantu it is Vatala, Kapha-pittajwar and healing promoter; it overcomes leprosy, itching and oedema. This plant is commonly used in Vishamjwar, intermittent type of fevers, Amlapitta (Hyperacidity) and in Yakritrogam (liver disease).

The herb is the well-known drug Kalmegh 'green chiretta', and forms the principal ingredient of a reputed household medicine ('alui'), used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. It is official in I.P., and also employed in Ayurveda and Homeopathy. The herb is reported to possess astringent, anodyne, tonic and alexipharmic properties, and is helped in dysentery, cholera, diabetes, consumption, influenza, bronchitis, swellings and itches, piles and gonorrhea. A decoction of the plant is a blood-purifier. It is used as a cure for torpid liver, and jaundice. It forms, the major constituents of the Ayurvedic drug SG-I Switradilepa which is effective in treating vitiligo- a dermatological diseases. The macerated leaves and juice together with certain spices, such as cardamom, clove and cinnamon, are made into pills and prescribed for relief from gripe and other stomach ailments in infants. A decoction or infusion of the leaves is useful in general debility and dyspepsia. The leaves and roots are also used as febrifuge, tonic, stomachic, cholagogue and anthelmintic. A tincture of the root is tonic, stimulant and aperient.

Kalmegh (AA. paniculata) is used in many forms by various physicians as dried leaves (10 grains); succus or cone expressed juice of fresh leaves and stalks (20-60 mm); compound infusion (1-2 oz); compound tincture (1-6 drachms); compound pills (2-5 grains); Inf. Andrographis (¹/₂-1 fl. oz); Tinct. Andrographis (¹/₂-1 fl. drachms); Kalmegh resin (¹/₂-2 grains) - Bose & Nadkarni.

References:-

Tomar GS, Tiwari SK and Chaturvedi GN. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) and its medicinal status. Nagarjun December 1982. p. 76-78.

Warrier PK, Nambiar VPK and Ramankutty C (eds.) Indian Medicinal Plants Vol I p. 135-138. Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. Orient Longman.

What tribal people say?

Andrographis paniculata Nees is reported to be widely used by tribals all over India. It finds an array of uses in their day today health care system.

Rama Rao (1914) reported that decoction of the whole plant was given to cure impure blood in certain parts of India. Tribals of Santal Pargana, Bihar are using leaf extract of A. paniculata for blood purification (Goel et al., 1984).

In survey conducted by Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute in search of plants having anticancer properties among the tribals of Kerala, it revealed that A. paniculata is employing for treating cancer symptoms (Mathew and Unnithan, 1992).

The juice of the leaves is used in treatment of colic pain among certain adibasis in India. Pea-size pills are prepared from the leaf paste and taken orally three times daily after food for 2-3 days (Jain et al., 1973).

Bondo tribals of Koraput district, Orissa, India are given decoction of 10-12 leaves (250 ml) once a day to check diarrhea (Aminuddin & Girach, 1991). In Bengal, pills made of mixture of carminatives in juice of Kalmegh, dried in Sun, are given to infants suffering from flatulence and diarrhea.

Tribals of upper east Godavari district (AP), India are using extract of A. paniculata to treat dysentery and filariasis (Sudhakar & Jain, 1985). Decoction of dried roots and stalks is given in dysentery among the tribals of Sagar district, MP, India (Bhalla et al., 1982).

Asurs of Netarhat Plateau (Bihar), India are employing all parts of the plant above the ground in preparing the medicinal decoction which is very bitter and given in fever and gastric complaints (Gupta, 1990).

Kalmegh is reported to be an efficient remedy for jaundice from various parts of the country (Hemadri and Rao, 1984; Reddy, 1988). In Bastar, India whole plant of A. paniculata, stem bark of Azadirachta indica and Holarrhena antidysenterica are taken in equal parts, pounded well and mixed with water. A piece of red hot brick or stone is placed in it, filtered and given three times a day in jaundice (Hemadri and Rao, 1984).

Aminuddin et al., 1993 reports the efficacy of Kalmegh in treating malaria from Orissa, India.

In Chotanagpur area, India, the tribals are using juice of Kalmegh with ten black peppers (Piper nigrum) as antidote for snake-bite (Gupta and Srivastava, 1994). Kirtikar and Basu (1918) reported that the Yanadees, a wandering gipsy tribe in the then Madras Presidency, constantly carried a supply of pills made of fresh leaves of A. paniculata, and the pulp of the ripe tamarind, which they consider antidote to the venom of cobra. A pill made into a paste with water is applied to the bitter part, and some of it is put into the eyes; two pills are given for a dose every hour or two internally.

Decoction of the whole plant is taken for stomachache once a day and if taken continuously for 30 days, it can cure all sorts of stomach troubles (Goel and Mudgal, 1988). Malhotra and Moorthy (1973) reported that the juice of the root and leaves of A. paniculata is given to cure stomach pain.

In southern peninsula, tribals inhabiting east-west Godavari, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts use leaf extract to expel worms (Gupta and Srivastava, 1994). Goel and Mudgal (1988) also reported the efficacy of decoction of the whole plant to remove intestinal worms.

In whooping cough, one teaspoonful of paste of root A. paniculata with rhizome of Zingiber zerumbent in equal parts by weight given thrice daily for 15 days (Borthakur, 1993).

The plant is pounded in mustard oil and applied on itches and snake-bite wounds (Jain, 1963; Jain et al., 1973).

References:-

Concept of common people...

The main compliant about Andrographis paniculata Nees is that it may affect the fertility of the person consuming the drug. The author have collected most of the available literature on A. paniculata. Of the reported biological effects of the species, I would like to mention on the anti-fertility effects of the herb.

The original reference is:

Akbarsha MA, Manivannan B, Hamid KS, Vijayan B. Anti-fertility effect of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) in male albino rat. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 28 (5): 421-426, 1990.

Abstract: Dry leaf powder of Andrographis paniculata, when fed orally to male albino rats, at a dose level of 20 mg powder per day for 60 days resulted in cessation of spermatogenesis, degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, regression of Leydig cells and regressive and/or degenerative changes in the epididymis, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and coagulating gland. There was reduction in the weight and fluid content of the accessory glands, accumulation of glycogen and cholesterol in the testis and increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase in the testis and alkaline phosphatase in testis and ventral prostrate. The results suggest antispermatogenic and/or anti-androgenic effect of the plant.

There is one another study:

Burgos RA, Caballero EE, Sanchez NS, Schroeder RA, Wikman GK*, Hancke JL. *Swedish Herbal Institute, Kronhusgaton 11, Gothenberg, Sweden) Testicular toxicity assessment of Andrographis paniculata dried extract in rats J Ethnopharmacol 58: 219-224, 1997

Abstract: The possible testicular toxicity of Andrographis paniculata, standardized dried extract was evaluated in male Sprague Dawley rats for 60 days. No testicular toxicity was found with the treatment of 20, 200 and 1000 mg/kg during 60 days as evaluated by reproductive organ weight, testicular histology, ultrastructural analysis of Leydig cells and testosterone levels after 60 days of treatment. It was concluded that Andrographis paniculata dried extract did not produce subchronic testicular toxicity effect in male rats.

The significant inference that can be made from this work is that in the normal situations of using A. paniculata as a drug there is not even a single situation where the drug is continuously applying for 60 days. Hence the anti-fertility effects can not be expected in the normal situations. Or it can be concluded that if cautiously used (lower dosage for shorter period), the drug is not at all creating any adverse effects.

Moreover, results of the toxicity tests, a legal requirement in the majority of countries including India, have shown that the herb does not significantly affect body weight, blood picture, hepatic and renal functions or histology of major organs.

Chinese medicine

It is well known that China is one of the leading nations in the use of herbal medicine, and it remained so and even further developed that herbal medicine is playing an outstanding role within the frame work of official health service in China. The importance of herbal medicine is also evidenced from the fact that traditional Chinese drugs which consist of nearly exclusively herbal medicine, are estimated to account for 30-50% of total medicine consumption in recent years.

It is highly appreciated that nearly all the herbal medicine recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (1985 ed) are industrialized either by traditional or modern way.

A. paniculata is one of the medicinals listed as herbal medicine with greater industrial importance:

Parts used	:	Leaves
Main constituents	:	14-deoxy andrographolide, andrographolide, neoandrographolide, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide
Products or preparations	:	Total extract, total lactones, tablets, injections (deoxyandrographolide)
Therapeutic use	:	Treatment of infectious diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, respiratory organs, urinary tract and leptospirosis.

Good material for research

Andrographis paniculata is one of the most thoroughly studied medicinal plants. It was popular even in early 1900s where during the great influenza epidemic of Bengal in 1919, a tincture of the tonic plant locally known as Kalmegh was found to be highly effective in arresting the progress of the disease. One of the main attractions of Indian and Chinese herbs as a source of anti-microbial medicines is the great age herbal lore in these countries, and centuries of empirical evidence for the therapeutic effects claimed. This wealth of experience has prompted Universities throughout the East to maintain screening programs for promising indigenous herbs.

As this process has intensified, a large body of research has now accumulated on the effects of herbs and their active constituents as bacteriostatic and virostatic agents capable of treating a wide range of infectious diseases. This approach is in keeping with WHO guidelines and global healthcare trends which are moving towards a non-adversarial approach using indigenous plant medicine alternatives.

Anti-microbial effects

The plant extract exhibits activity against Salmonella typhi, Styphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris etc. The shoot extracts in saline and ether showed antibiotic activity against Micrococcus pyrogenes var. aureus, and in dilute sulphuric acid, acetate buffer and ether against Escherichia coli.

Toxicity tests

Results of the toxicity tests, a legal requirement in the majority of countries including India, have shown that the herb does not significantly affect body weight, blood picture, hepatic and renal functions or histology of major organs.

Clinical studies

In recent years various preparations of the herb have been widely used to treat several kinds of infectious and non-infectious diseases having promising results. The herb is reported to possess astringent, anodyne, tonic and alexipharmic properties, and is helped in arresting dysentery, cholera, diabetes, consumption, influenza, bronchitis, swellings and itches, piles and gonorrhoea. A decoction of the plant is a blood-purifier. It is used as a cure for torpid liver, and jaundice. In one large study, 523 out of the 573 cases of acute enteritis were cured. Ninety percentage was therefore cured by an ethanolic extract of the herb.

Research on Andrographis paniculata

Products

2006-11-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

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Some of the medicinal preparations / products based on Andrographis paniculata Nees

Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae), the King of Bitters is an erect annual herb extremely bitter in taste in each and every part of the plant body [more info]. Since ancient times, A. paniculata is used as a wonder drug in many traditional systems of medicine in many countries for multiple clinical applications. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid , antifungal, antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, antiinflammatory, antisnakevenom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent (see Pharmacology). Andrographolide is the major medicinally active substance of the plant which is a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone [details].

Here is a comparative chart showing various medicinal preparations / products based on Andrographis paniculata

Brand	Product	Shipping	Price (regular)	Price (sale)	Directions	Serving size	Ingredients	Amount per serving	Buy Online
Solaray	Andrographis extract, 300mg, 60 capsules	2-3 business days	$11.49	$5.75	As a dietary supplement, take two capsules one or two times daily with meals or a glass of water	2 Capsule 30 Servings per container	Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) (aerial extract) (Guaranteed 24 mg [4%] andrographolides) 600 mg ~	Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) (aerial) 200 mg ~	Buy
Alternative Health & Herbs	Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Alternative Health & Herbs, 4 oz	NA	$8.99	$6.49	NA	NA	NA	NA	Buy
Planetary Formulas	Full Spectrum Andrographis 60 tabs	NA	$8.98	$4.94	NA	1 tablet	Andrographis Standardized 300 mg Extract (10% andrographolides)	NA	Buy

NA: Not Available

* UPDATE IN PROGRESS *

Kan Jang

Kan Jang is a nontoxic and nondrowsy, water soluble herbal supplement, which contains no caffeine and no alcohol, like many other cold and flu remedies.

Kan Jang - Pubmed Search results

1: Phytomedicine. 2006 May;13(5):318-23. Epub 2005 Sep 16. The effect of Kan Jang extract on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in rats. Hovhannisyan AS, Abrahamyan H, Gabrielyan ES, Panossian AG.

Significant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interactions between various herbal products and warfarin have recently been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whether concomitant treatment of rats with Kan Jang (a standardized fixed combination of extracts from Andrographis paniculata and Eleutherococcus senticosus) and warfarin would lead to an alteration in the pharmacological effects of warfarin. Each day for 5 days a group of animals was treated orally with an aqueous solution of Kan Jang at a dose of 17 mg/kg of the active principle andrographolide (a daily dose some 17-fold higher than that recommended for humans): the control group received similar treatment with appropriate volumes of water only. Sixty minutes after the final daily administration of Kan Jang or water, an aqueous solution of warfarin (0.2 mg/ml) was given to each animal at a dose of 2 mg/kg. From each group, 6 animals were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 30 and 48 h after warfarin administration and blood samples taken. The concentration of warfarin in blood plasma was measured by capillary electrophoresis using 50 mM borate buffer (pH 9.3) as mobile phase with simultaneous detection of warfarin at 208.1 and 307.5 nm. Prothrombin time in blood plasma was measured using thromboplastin reagent. The concomitant application of Kan Jang and warfarin did not produce significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin, and practically no effect on its pharmacodynamics. PMID: 16635739 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Phytomedicine. 2005 Jun;12(6-7):403-9. A phase I clinical study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang versus ginseng and valerian on the semen quality of healthy male subjects. Mkrtchyan A, Panosyan V, Panossian A, Wikman G, Wagner H.

The safety of different doses of Kan Jang--a fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata special extract (SHA-10) and Acanthopanax senticosus--compared to two extensively used medicinal plants, Valeriana officinalis and Panax ginseng in the form of standardized extracts, has been examined. A phase I clinical study was designed to evaluate the effect on semen quality of healthy males in terms of spermatogenesis and quality of semen. The results of the study revealed no significant negative effect of Kan Jang on male semen quality and fertility, but rather a positive trend with respect to the number of spermatozoids in the whole ejaculate, the percentage of active (normokinetic) forms of spermatozoids, and fertility indexes, together with a decrease in the percentage of inactive (diskinetic) forms of spermatozoids. In the group receiving ginseng, no significant negative effects on the fertility parameters were revealed and there was a clear decrease in the percentage of diskinetic forms of spermatozoids. Subjects receiving valerian showed a temporary increase in the percentage of normokinetic spermatozoids and a decrease in diskinetic forms, but these changes had no effect on fertility indices. The results indicate that Kan Jang, ginseng and valerian are safe with respect to effects on human male sterility when administered at dose levels corresponding to approximately 3 times the human daily dose. PMID: 16008115 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

3: J Herb Pharmacother. 2003;3(1):77-93. A randomized, controlled study of Kan Jang versus amantadine in the treatment of influenza in Volgograd. Kulichenko LL, Kireyeva LV, Malyshkina EN, Wikman G.

Two randomized, parallel-group clinical studies with a verum and a control group were performed to investigate the effect of a standardized extract (SHA-10) of Andrographis panaiculata (N.) fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of diagnosed influenza viral infection. The pilot study was performed on 540 patients with 71 Kan Jang-treated patients with the second phase conducted enrolling 66 patients. The differences in the duration of sick leave and frequency of post-influenza complications indicate that the Kan Jang phytopreparation not only contributes to quicker recovery, but also reduces the risk of post-influenza complications. Kan Jang was well tolerated by patients. PMID: 15277072 [PubMed]

4: Phytother Res. 2004 Jan;18(1):47-53. Comparative controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination, Kan Jang and an Echinacea preparation as adjuvant, in the treatment of uncomplicated respiratory disease in children. Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, Chernikov MV, Wikman G.

A three-arm study comparing the efficacy of Kan Jang, a fixed herbal combination containing standardized Andrographis paniculata (N.) SHA-10 extract, with Immunal, a preparation containing Echinacea purpurea (L.) extract, in uncomplicated common colds was carried out in 130 children aged between 4 and 11 years over a period of 10 days. The study was designed as an adjuvant treatment of Kan Jang and Immunal with a standard treatment. The patients were assigned to one of the three groups. In control group C; 39 patients received only standard treatment. Kan Jang and Immunal were used as an adjuvant to this therapy in the other two groups. Adjuvant group A; 53 patients treated with Kan Jang tablets concomitant to standard treatment, and adjuvant control group B; 41 patients treated with concomitant Immunal. It was found that the adjuvant treatment with Kan Jang, was significantly more effective than Immunal, when started at an early stage of uncomplicated common colds. The symptoms of the disease were less severe in the Kan Jang group. The effect of Kan Jang was particularly pronounced in two objective parameters, amount of nasal secretion g/day and nasal congestion. Kan Jang also accelerated the recovery time, whereas Immunal did not show the same efficacy. The use of standard medication was significantly less in the Kan Jang adjuvant group than in either the Immunal or standard treatment group. Kan Jang treatment was well tolerated and no side effects or adverse reactions were reported. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 14750201 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

5: Phytomedicine. 2002 Oct;9(7):598-605. Effect of andrographolide and Kan Jang--fixed combination of extract SHA-10 and extract SHE-3--on proliferation of human lymphocytes, production of cytokines and immune activation markers in the whole blood cells culture. Panossian A, Davtyan T, Gukassyan N, Gukasova G, Mamikonyan G, Gabrielian E, Wikman G.

The immunomodulatory properties of a diterpene lactone andrographolide and Kan Jang--a standardized fixed combination of Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 and Eleutherococcus senticosus extract SHE-3 were investigated. Their role on spontaneous and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and on production of interferon-gamma (INF-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in vitro. Proliferation of PBL induced by PHA was enhanced by co stimulation with andrographolide and Kan Jang. At the same time andrographolide and Kan Jang inhibit spontaneous proliferation of PBL in vitro. These preparations also have effect on the formation of INF-gamma, TNF-alpha and some immune activation markers such as neopterin (Neo), beta-2-microglobulin (beta2MG), and soluble receptor for interleukin-2 (sIL-2R or sCD25) in blood cells culture. Andrographolide and Kan Jang stimulate the INF-gamma, Neopterin and beta2MG formation, but do not have any significant effect on the production of INF-gamma and Neopterin in PHA stimulated blood cells. An opposite effect on these immune makers was observed in the PHA-stimulated blood cells: both andrographolide and Kan Jang increase the formation of TNF-alpha and beta2MG in cultivated whole blood cells. Thus, andrographolide and Kan Jang can have an in vitro effect on the activation and proliferation of immunocompetent cells as well on the production of key cytokines and immune activation markers. The results show an overall higher effect of the fixed combination as compared with the equivalent amount of the pure substance andrographolide. The data are consistent with results from clinical studies of Kan Jang and contributed to a better understanding of these results. PMID: 12487323 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: Phytomedicine. 2002 Oct;9(7):589-97. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, Chandanian GL, Panossian AG, Wikman G, Wagner H. Erebuni

A double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study was carried out to evaluate the effect of an Andrographis paniculata (N.) extract SHA-10 fixed combination, Kan Jang, in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis. Ninety-five individuals in the treatment group and 90 individuals in the placebo group completed the study according to the protocol. The medication was taken for 5 days. Temperature, headache, muscle aches, throat symptoms, cough, nasal symptoms, general malaise and eye symptoms were taken as outcome measures with given scores. The total score analysis showed a highly significant improvement in the verum group versus the placebo. This result applied to the group as a whole and to the sinusitis subgroups. The individual symptoms of headache and nasal and throat symptoms together with general malaise showed the most significant improvement while cough and eye symptoms did not differ significantly between the groups. Temperature was moderately reduced in the verum group. It can be concluded that Kan Jang has a positive effect in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections and also relieves the inflammatory symptoms of sinusitis. The study drug was well tolerated. PMID: 12487322 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

7: Mol Cells. 2002 Feb 28;13(1):21-7. Production of monoclonal antibodies and immunohistochemical studies of brain myo-inositol monophosphate phosphatase. Bahn JH, Kim AY, Jang SH, Lee BR, Ahn JY, Joo HM, Kan TC, Won MH, Kwon HY, Kang JH, Kwon OS, Kim HB, Cho SW, Lee KS, Park J, Choi SY.

Five monoclonal antibodies that recognize porcine brain myo-inositol monophosphate phosphatase (IMPase) have been selected and designated as mAb IMPP 9, IMPP 10, IMPP 11, IMPP 15, and IMPP 17. These antibodies recognize different epitopes of the enzyme and one of these inhibited the enzyme activity. When the total proteins of the porcine brain homogenate separated by SDS-PAGE were probed with monoclonal antibodies, a single reactive protein band of 29 kDa, co-migrating with the purified porcine brain IMPase, was detected. Using the anti-IMPase antibodies as probes, the cross reactivities of the brain IMPase from human and other mammalian tissues, as well as from avian sources, were investigated. Among the human and animal tissues tested, the immunoreactive bands on Western blots appeared to have the same molecular mass of 29 kDa. In addition, there was IMPase immunoreactivity in the various neuronal populations in the rat brain. These results indicate that mammalian brains contain only one major type of immunologically similar IMPase, although some properties of the enzymes that were previously reported differ from each another. The first demonstration of the IMPase localization in the brain may also provide useful data for future investigations on the function of this enzyme in relation to various neurological diseases. PMID: 11911470 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

8: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 May 18;283(4):791-7. Evidence that the intracellular domain of FGF receptor 2IIIb affects contact of the ectodomain with two FGF7 ligands. Uematsu F, Jang JH, Kan M, Wang F, Luo Y, McKeehan WL.

Models of the oligomeric FGF signaling complex, including those derived from crystal structures, vary in stoichiometry and arrangement of the three subunits comprised of heparin/heparan sulfate chains, FGFR tyrosine kinase and activating FGF. Here, using covalent affinity crosslinking of radiolabeled FGF7 to binary complexes of FGFR2IIIb and heparin, we show that two molecules of FGF7 contact each FGFR2IIIb. This supports models that propose a dimeric complex of two units with stoichiometry 1 FGF:1 FGFR in which each FGF contacts both FGFR. The bivalent FGF7 contact was dependent on the full-length amino terminus of FGF7alpha and the intracellular domain of FGFR2IIIb extending through the juxtamembrane domain and the beta1 and beta2 strands of the kinase which is required for ATP binding. We propose that the differences in crosslinking report differences in relationships among subunits in the ectodomain of the complex that are affected by the amino terminus of FGF and the FGFR intracellular domain. From this, we suggest the corollary that conformational relationships among subunits in the ectodomain are transmitted to the intracellular and ATP binding domains during activation of the complex. PMID: 11350054 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):351-64. Pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in rats and human. Panossian A, Hovhannisyan A, Mamikonyan G, Abrahamian H, Hambardzumyan E, Gabrielian E, Goukasova G, Wikman G, Wagner H.

Validated analytical methods (HPLC, CE and GC-MS) for determining the amount of andrographolide (AND) in the blood plasma of rats and human volunteers following the oral administration of Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) and Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang tablets were developed and used for the pharmacokinetic study. Andrographolide was quickly and almost completely absorbed into the blood following the oral administration of APE at a dose of 20 mg/kg body wt. in rats. Its bio-availability, however, decreased four-fold when a 10-times-higher dose was used. Since a large part (55 %) of AND is bound to plasma proteins and only a limited amount can enter the cells, the pharmacokinetics of AND are described well by a one-compartment model. Renal excretion is not the main route for eliminating AND. It is most likely intensely and dose dependently metabolized. Following the oral administration of four Kan Jang tablets (a single therapeutic dose, equal to 20 mg of AND) to humans, maximum plasma levels of approximately 393 ng/ml (approx. 1.12 microM) were reached after 1.5-2 hours, as quantified using a UV diode-array detection method. Half-life and mean residence times were 6.6 and 10.0 hours, respectively. AND pharmacokinetics in humans are explained well by an open two-compartment model. The calculated steady state plasma concentration of AND for multiple doses of Kan Jang (after the normal therapeutic dose regimen, 3 x 4 tablets/day, about 1 mg AND/kg body wt./day) was approximately 660 ng/ml (approx. 1.9 microM), enough to reveal any anti-PAF effect, particularly after drug uptake when the concentration of AND in blood is about 1342 ng/ml (approx. 3.8 microM, while for anti-PAF effect EC50 - 5 microM). PMID: 11081986 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Phytomedicine. 2000 Oct;7(5):341-50. Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot and phase III study of activity of standardized Andrographis paniculata Herba Nees extract fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infection. Melchior J, Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, Bulanov AE, Wikman G. Hallehalsan

Two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trials were performed to investigate the effect of a standardized extract (SHA-10) of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infections. 46 patients in the pilot study and 179 patients in the phase III study completed the study according to the protocol. Medication was taken three times daily for a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 8 days for the pilot study, and for exactly three days in the phase III study. The primary outcome measures in the patients self-evaluation were: related to pain in the muscle, cough, throat symptoms, headache, nasal symptoms and eye symptoms and temperature. The physician's fixed score diagnosis was based mainly on sign/symptoms: ears, nose, oral cavity, lymph glands-tonsils and eyes. The total symptom score showed a tendency toward improvement in the pilot study (p = 0,08), while both the total symptom score and total diagnosis score showed highly significant improvement (p < or = 0.0006 resp. 0.003) in the verum group as compared with the placebo. In both studies throat symptoms/signs, were found to show the most significant improvement. Publication Types: Clinical Trial Clinical Trial, Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 11081985 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 Jun 16;272(3):830-6. Ligand binding properties of binary complexes of heparin and immunoglobulin-like modules of FGF receptor 2. Uematsu F, Kan M, Wang F, Jang JH, Luo Y, McKeehan WL.

Epithelial cells, which express FGFR2IIIb, bind and respond to FGF-1, FGF-7 and FGF-10, but not FGF-2. Stromal cells, which bind and respond to FGF-1 and FGF-2, but not FGF-7 and FGF-10, express FGFR2IIIc or FGFR1IIIc. Here we show that when both isolated FGFR2betaIIIb and FGFR2betaIIIc or their common Ig module II are allowed to affinity select heparin from a mixture, the resultant binary complexes bound FGF-1, FGF-2, and FGF-7 with nearly equal affinity. In addition, FGF-2 and FGF-7 bound to both heparin-Ig module IIIb and IIIc complexes, but FGF-1 bound to neither Ig module III. The results show that in isolation both Ig modules II and III of FGFR2 can interact with heparin and that each exhibits a binding site for FGF. We suggest that the specificity of FGFR2IIIb and FGFR2IIIc is dependent on the cell membrane environment and heparin/heparan sulfate. Ig modules II and III cooperate both within monomers and across dimers with cellular heparan sulfates to confer cell type-dependent specificity of the FGFR complex for FGF. PMID: 10860838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: Phytomedicine. 1999 Jul;6(3):157-61. Effect of Andrographis paniculata extract on progesterone in blood plasma of pregnant rats. Panossian A, Kochikian A, Gabrielian E, Muradian R, Stepanian H, Arsenian F, Wagner H.

The effect of the powdered extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves (APE), an active principle of Kan Jang tablets [standardized for content of andrographolide (4.6%) and 14-deoxo-andrographolide (2.3%) content (total andrographolids--6.9%)] on blood progesterone content in rats was studied. Peroral administration of APE during the first 19 days of pregnancy in doses of 200, 600, and 2000 mg/kg (i.e. doses 30, 90, and 300 fold higher than its daily therapeutic dose in humans) does not exhibit any effect on the elevated level of progesterone in the blood plasma of rats. Let us assume then that in therapeutic dose, Andrographis paniculata extract cannot induce progesterone-mediated termination of pregnancy. PMID: 10439479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13: Biochemistry. 1998 Nov 24;37(47):16506-15. The glycine box: a determinant of specificity for fibroblast growth factor. Luo Y, Lu W, Mohamedali KA, Jang JH, Jones RB, Gabriel JL, Kan M, McKeehan WL.

Acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1), keratinocyte growth factor (FGF-7), and FGF-10 are homologues with distinct specificity. In the presence of heparin, FGF-1 binds and activates in vitro all FGFR subtypes, while FGF-7 exhibits absolute specificity for the IIIb splice variant of FGFR2. FGF-10 exhibits a similar specificity but also binds the FGFR1IIIb isoform. Neither FGF-7 nor FGF-10 will bind to IIIc isoforms of FGFR. Molecular models of FGF, heparin, and the FGFR ectodomain suggested that sequences between beta-strands 10 and 12 of FGF may be important for the interaction of FGF with the heparin-FGFR ectodomain duplex. Site-directed mutants of FGF-7 and FGF-10 were prepared to test whether this domain might underlie failure of FGF-7 and FGF-10 to bind to the FGFRIIIc isoforms. Constructions with substitution of FGF-1 sequences spanning the entire C-terminus encoded in exon 3 or only C-terminal sequences spanning beta-strands 10 through 12 conferred ability on FGF-7 to bind to and activate FGFRIIIc without a significant loss in binding to or activation of FGFR2IIIb. A series of twelve different substitutions of shorter segments of FGF-1 sequences into the C-terminal portion of FGF-7 or FGF-10 revealed that substitution of GSCKRG for GIPVRG or the tri-peptide sequence KKN for NQK just N-terminal to it conferred dual activities on both the FGF-7 and FGF-10 backbones. The results suggest that the combined sequence domain, which we call the FGF glycine box (G-box), is a major determinant for the specificity of the binding of FGF to heparan sulfate-FGFR duplexes. PMID: 9843417 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14: In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 1997 Nov-Dec;33(10):819-24. Heparan sulfate is required for interaction and activation of the epithelial cell fibroblast growth factor receptor-2IIIb with stromal-derived fibroblast growth factor-7. Jang JH, Wang F, Kan M.

Fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) and a specific splice variant of the FGF tyrosine kinase receptor family (FGFR2IIIb) constitute a paracrine signaling system from stroma to epithelium. Different effects of the manipulation of cellular heparan sulfates and heparin on activities of FGF-7 relative to FGF-1 in epithelial cells suggest that pericellular heparan sulfates may regulate the activity of FGF-7 by a different mechanism than other FGFs. In this report, we employ the heparan sulfate-binding protein, protamine sulfate, to reversibly block cellular heparan sulfates. Protamine sulfate, which does not bind significantly to FGF-7 or FGFR2IIIb, inhibited FGF-7 activities, but not those of epidermal growth factor. The inhibition was overcome by increasing the concentrations of FGF-7 or heparin. Heparin was essential for binding of FGF-7 to recombinant FGFR2IIIb expressed in insect cells or FGFR2IIIb purified away from cell products. These results suggest that, similar to other FGF polypeptides, heparan sulfate within the pericellular matrix is required for activity of FGF-7. Differences in response to heparin and alterations in the BULK heparan sulfate content of cells likely reflect FGF-specific differences in the cellular repertoire of multivalent heparan sulfate chains required for assembly and activation of the FGF signal transduction complex. PMID: 9466688 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 1997 Nov-Dec;33(10):727-30. High salt inhibits both heparin-dependent and heparin-independent complexes of fibroblast growth factor and the receptor kinase.

No abstract. PMID: 9466672 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16: J Biol Chem. 1997 Sep 19;272(38):23887-95. A homeo-interaction sequence in the ectodomain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor. Wang F, Kan M, McKeehan K, Jang JH, Feng S, McKeehan WL.

Interaction of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) sufficient for a trans-phosphorylation event in which one intracellular domain is substrate for the other is essential for signal transduction. By analysis of the direct interaction of recombinant constructions co-expressed in baculoviral-infected insect cells, we identified a 17-amino acid sequence that is required for the stable interaction between ectodomains of FGFR. The sequence 160ERSPHRPILQAGLPANK176 (Glu160-Lys176) connects immunoglobulin modules II and III. In insect cells, the interaction between Glu160-Lys176 domains occurs independently of intact heparin or FGF binding domains. The sequence is not required for the binding of heparin or FGF-1, but is essential for mitogenic activity of the FGFR kinase in mammalian cells. The results support a model in which the homeo-interaction between Glu160-Lys176 in the ectodomain contributes to the interaction between intracellular domains in mammalian cell membranes (Kan, M., Wang, F., Kan, M., To, B., Gabriel, J. L., and McKeehan, W. L. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 26143-26148). We propose that the Glu160-Lys176 domain plays a pivotal role in restriction of the interaction between kinases by pericellular matrix heparan sulfate proteoglycan and divalent cations. Restrictions are overcome by FGF or constitutively by diverse gain of function mutations which cause skeletal and craniofacial abnormalities. PMID: 9295338 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Botany

2006-11-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

RECOMMENDED

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

Systematic position


Division:	Angiosperms
Class:	Dicotyledonae
Subclass:	Gamopetalae
Series:	Bicarpellatae
Order:	Personales
Tribe:	Justicieae
Family:	Acanthaceae
Genus:	Andrographis

Lineage( full ): Source Entrez, Taxonomy browser: cellular organisms; Eukaryota; Viridiplantae; Streptophyta; Streptophytina; Embryophyta; Tracheophyta; Euphyllophyta; Spermatophyta; Magnoliophyta; eudicotyledons; core eudicotyledons; asterids; lamiids; Lamiales; Acanthaceae; Acanthoideae; Ruellieae; Andrographinae; Andrographis

Published in: Plantae Asiaticae Rariores 3: 116. 1832. {Pl. Asiat. Rar. }

Basionym: Justicia paniculata Burm. f. Flora Indica . . . nec non Prodromus Florae Capensis 9. 1768.

Andrographis paniculata Nees (Acanthaceae), the Kalmegh of Ayurveda is an erect annual herb extremely bitter in taste in each and every part of the plant body. The plant is known in north-eastern India as Maha-tita', literally king of bitters' and known by various vernacular names (Table below). It is also known as Bhui-neem', since the plant, though much smaller in size, shows similar appearance and has bitter taste as that of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Incidentally, the genus Andrographis consists of 28 species of small annual shrubs essentially distributed in tropical Asia. Only a few species are medicinal, of which A. paniculata is the most popular.

List of vernacular names of A. paniculata Nees

Language	Name	Language	Name
Arab	Quasabhuva	Marathi	Oli-kiryata
Bengali	Kalmegh	Oriya	Bhuinimba
English	The Creat	Persian	Naine-havandi
Gujarathi	Kariyatu	Sanskrit	Kalmegha, Bhunimba
Hindi	Kirayat	Tamil	Nilavembu
Kannada	Nelaberu	Telugu	Nilavembu
Malayalam	Nelavepu, Kiriyattu

It grows erect to a height of 30-110 cm in moist shady places with glabrous leaves and white flowers with rose-purple spots on the petals. Stem dark green, 0.3 - 1.0 m in height, 2 - 6 mm in diameter, quadrangular with longitudinal furrows and wings on the angles of the younger parts, slightly enlarged at the nodes; leaves glabrous, up to 8.0 cm long and 2.5 cm broad, lanceolate, pinnate; flowers small, in lax spreading axillary and terminal racemes or panicles; capsules linear-oblong, acute at both ends, 1.9 cm x 0.3 cm; seeds numerous, sub quadrate, yellowish brown.

Since ancient times, A. paniculata is used as a wonder drug in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications. The therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action which is perhaps by enzyme induction. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. Kalmegh is also reported to possess antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic, antiinflammatory, antisnakevenom, and antipyretic properties to mention a few, besides its general use as an immunostimulant agent (see Pharmacology). A recent study conducted at Bastyr University, USA confirms anti-HIV activity of andrographolide.

A. paniculata is distributed in tropical Asian countries often in isolated patches. It can be found in a variety of habitats viz. plains, hill slopes, waste lands, farms, dry or wet lands, sea shore and even road sides. Native populations of A. paniculata are spread throughout south India and Sri Lanka which perhaps represent the centre of origin and diversity of the species. The herb is also available in northern stations of India, Java, Malaysia, Indonesia, West Indies and elsewhere in Americas where it is probably introduced. The species is also available in Hong Kong, Penang, Malacca, Pangkor Island (south of Penang), Malaya, Thailand, West Java, Borneo, Celebes, Brunei, West Indies, Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas etc. However, precise data are lacking on the introduction and naturalization of the species in these countries.

Unlike other species of the genus, A. paniculata is of common occurrence in most of the places in our country including the plains and hilly areas up to 500 m, which accounts for its wide use. Since time immemorial, village and ethnic communities in India have been using this herb for treating a variety of ailments (see Pharmacology).

Andrographolide, chief constituent extracted from the leaves of the plant, is a bitter water-soluble lactone exhibiting protective effects in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatopathy in rats. Its LD₅₀ in male mice was 11.46gm/kg, ip. This bitter principle was isolated in pure form by Gorter (1911). Andrographolide is also attributed with such other activities like liver protection under various experimental conditions of treatment with galactosamine, paracetamol etc. The hepatoprotective action of andrographolide is related to activity of certain metabolic enzymes.

Cytology

IPCN chromosome reports for Andrographis paniculata - Missouri Botanical Garden - TROPICOS

[gam] gametophytic count, [spor] sporophytic count, [IPCN] IPCN volume, [ref] Reference to count.

Mark a line then submit to view count reference. A field with {---} indicates no data encoded.

A count line preceeded by an * indicates additional notes, see original IPCN entry.

Author(s): Saggoo, M. I. Date: 1983 Title: Cytomorphological studies on plants of economic importance of Bicarpellatae from India Publication: NONE LISTED Collation: 259 pp. Chromosome No. n=25
Author(s): Govindarajan, T. & D. Subramanian. Date: 1983 Title: Karyomorphological studies in south Indian Acanthaceae. Publication: Cytologia Collation: 48: 491--504. Chromosome No. 2n=50
Author(s): Roy, S. K. & P. C. Datta Date: 1988 Title: Chromosomal biotypes of Andrographis paniculata in India and Bangladesh Publication: Cytologia Collation: 53: 369--378 Chromosome No. 2n=50
Author(s): Saggoo, M. I. & S. S. Bir Date: 1986 Title: Meiotic studies in certain members of family Acanthaceae from south India Publication: Journal of the Indian Botanical Society Collation: 65: 310--315 Chromosome No. n=25
Author(s): Cheng, Y.-c., B.-k. Liu, Z.-s. Jiang & Y.-c. Duan Date: 1991 Title: Observations of chromosome numbers of several medical plants Publication: J. Hunan Agric. Coll.? Collation: 11(2): 166-170 Chromosome No. 2n=50

Distribution

Pharmacology

Andrographis paniculata plant extract is known to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. Andrographolide, the major constituent of the extract is implicated towards its pharmacological activity. A study has been conducted on the cellular processes and targets modulated by andrographolide treatment in human cancer and immune cells. Andrographolide treatment inhibited the in vitro proliferation of different tumor cell lines, representing various types of cancers. The compound exerts direct anticancer activity on cancer cells by cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase through induction of cell cycle inhibitory protein p27 and decreased expression of cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). Immunostimulatory activity of andrographolide is evidenced by increased proliferation of lymphocytes and production of interleukin 2. Andrographolide also enhanced the tumor necrosis factor α production and CD marker expression, resulting in increased cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against cancer cells, which may contribute for its indirect anticancer activity. The in vivo anticancer activity of the compound is further substantiated against B16F0 melanoma syngenic and HT 29 xenograft models. These results suggest that andrographolide is an interesting pharmacophore with anticancer and immunomodulatory activities and hence has the potential for being developed as a cancer therapeutic agent. Abstract or Full Paper

The herb is the well-known drug Kalmegh 'green chiretta', and forms the principal ingredient of a reputed household medicine ('alui'), used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. More.

Phytochemistry

Andrographolide is the major constituent extracted from the leaves of the plant which is a bicyclic diterpenoid lactone. This bitter principle was isolated in pure form by Gorter (1911). Andrographolide is also attributed with such other activities like liver protection under various experimental conditions of treatment with galactosamine (Saraswat et al, 1995), paracetamol (Visen et al, 1993) etc. The hepatoprotective action of andrographolide is related to activity of certain metabolic enzymes (Choudhury and Poddar, 1984, 1985; Choudhury et al, 1987). Systematic studies on chemistry of A. paniculata had been carried out by various researches during various times. Details

References

Gorter, M.K. 1911. The bitter constituent of Andrographis paniculata Nees. Rec Trav Chim 30: 151-
160.
Saraswat, B., P.K.S. Visan, G.K. Patnai and B.N. Dhawan. 1995. Effect of andrographolide against
galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity. Fitoterapia 66: 415-420.
Visen, P.K.S., B. Shukla, G.K. Patnaik and B.N. Dhawan. 1993. Andrographolide protects rat
hepatocytes against paracetamol-induced damage. J Ethnopharmacol 40: 131-136.
Choudhury, B.R and M.K. Poddar. 1985. Andrographolide and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
extract: effect on intestinal brush-border membrane bound hydrolases. Methods Find Exp Clin
Pharmacol 7: 617-621
Choudhury, R.B and M.K. Poddar. 1984. Andrographolide and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
extract: in vivo and in vitro effect on hepatic lipid peroxidation. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 6:
481.
Choudhury, R.B, S.J. Haque and M.K. Poddar. 1987. In vitro and in vivo effects of kalmegh
(Andrographis paniculata) extract and andrographolide on hepatic microsomal drug metabolising
enzymes. Planta Medica 53: 135-140.

Distribution

2006-11-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

RECOMMENDED

Distribution of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Andrographis paniculata is distributed in tropical Asian countries often in isolated patches. It can be found in a variety of habitats viz. plains, hill slopes, waste lands, farms, dry or wet lands, sea shore and even road sides. Native populations of A. paniculata are spread throughout south India and Sri Lanka which perhaps represent the centre of origin and diversity of the species [1,2]. The herb is also available in northern stations of India, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Hong Kong, West Indies and elsewhere in Americas where it is probably introduced [1,3,4,5]. Even though the species is distributed over a broad ecogeographical range, the so called native populations occur only in south India and Sri Lanka. References

Hooker JD (1885) The flora of British India. L Reeve & Co, London, 501 p.
Bhat VS, Nanavati DD (1978) Andrographis paniculata (Burm) Wall ex Nees. Indian Drugs 15: 187-190.
Ridley HN (1967) The flora of the Malay Peninsula. L. Reeve & Co, London, 582 p.
Backer CA, Bakhuizen van den Brink Jr RC (1967) Flora of Java. Bishen Sing Mahendra pal Sing, Dehra Dun, 574 p.
Correll DS, Correll HB (1982) Flora of the Bahama Archipelago. J. Cramer, Vaduz, 1340 p.

Phytochemistry

2006-11-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

RECOMMENDED

Phytochemistry of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Systematic studies on chemistry of A. paniculata has been carried out by various researches during various times. Analysis of the whole plant gave the following lactones (dry basis): andrographolide[1] (C₂₀H₃₀O_5;mp 230-239˚C), 0.6; 14-deoxy-11-oxoandrographolide[2] (C₂₀H₂₈O₅, mp 98-100˚C), 0.12; 14-deoxy-11, 12-didehydroandrographolide[3] (C₂₀H₃₀O₄, mp 203-204˚C), 0.06; 14-deoxyandrographolide[4] (C₂₀H₃₀O₄, mp 175˚C), 0.02%; and a non-bitter constituent, neoandrographolide[5] (C₂₆H₄₀O₈, mp 167-168˚C), 0.005%. The leaves contain andrographolide (yield, 1%). From the petroleum ether extract of the leaves from Bangladesh, the following have been isolated: α-,β-unsaturated lactone, homoandrographolide (C₂₂H₃₂O₉, mp 115˚C), andrographosterol (C₂₃H₃₈O, mp 135˚C), andrographane (C₄₀H₈₂, mp 67-68˚C), andrographone (C₃₂H₆₄O, mp 85˚C), a wax and two esters containing hydroxy groups.

The roots gave apigenin- 7, 4'- di-O-methyl ether, andrographolide and a new natural flavone, 5-hydroxy 7,8,2',3'- tetramethoxy flavone (C₁₉H₁₈O₇, mp 150-151˚C; yield, 0.006%). They also contain a monohydroxy trimethyl flavone, andrographin (C₁₈H₁₆O₆, mp 190-191˚C) and a dihydroxy-di-methoxyflavone, panicolin (C₁₇H₄O₆, mp 263-264˚C). The presence of α-sitosterol is also reported.

Andrographolide, chief constituent extracted from the leaves of the plant, is exhibiting protective effects in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatopathy in rats. Its LD₅₀ in male mice was 11.46gm/kg, ip (Handa and Sharma, 1990). This bitter principle was isolated in pure form by Gorter (1911). Andrographolide is also attributed with such other activities like liver protection under various experimental conditions of treatment with galactosamine (Saraswat et al, 1995), paracetamol (Visen et al, 1993) etc. The hepatoprotective action of andrographolide is related to activity of certain metabolic enzymes (Choudhury and Poddar, 1984, 1985; Choudhury et al, 1987).

An excellent review of such compounds as illustrated in 'Chemistry and pharmacology of Andrographis species' by Sudhanshu Saxena et al published in Indian Drugs 35 (8) August 1998.

Extraction of andrographolide - A new method

Rapid Determination of Diterpenoids in Andrographis paniculata by Microemulsion Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography with Short-End Injection. Read the abstract or get full paper

References

Gorter, M.K. 1911. The bitter constituent of Andrographis paniculata Nees. Rec Trav Chim 30: 151-
160.
Saraswat, B., P.K.S. Visan, G.K. Patnai and B.N. Dhawan. 1995. Effect of andrographolide against
galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity. Fitoterapia 66: 415-420.
Visen, P.K.S., B. Shukla, G.K. Patnaik and B.N. Dhawan. 1993. Andrographolide protects rat
hepatocytes against paracetamol-induced damage. J Ethnopharmacol 40: 131-136.
Choudhury, B.R and M.K. Poddar. 1985. Andrographolide and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
extract: effect on intestinal brush-border membrane bound hydrolases. Methods Find Exp Clin
Pharmacol 7: 617-621
Choudhury, R.B and M.K. Poddar. 1984. Andrographolide and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
extract: in vivo and in vitro effect on hepatic lipid peroxidation. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 6:
481.
Choudhury, R.B, S.J. Haque and M.K. Poddar. 1987. In vitro and in vivo effects of kalmegh
(Andrographis paniculata) extract and andrographolide on hepatic microsomal drug metabolising
enzymes. Planta Medica 53: 135-140.
Handa, S.S. and A. Sharma. 1990. Hepatoprotective activity of andrographolide from Andrographis
paniculata against carbontetrachloride. Ind J Med Res 92B: 276-283.

PhD Thesis on Andrographis paniculata

Pharmacology

2006-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

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Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata Nees

The herb is the well-known drug Kalmegh 'green chiretta', and forms the principal ingredient of a reputed household medicine ('alui'), used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. It is official in I.P., and also employed in Ayurveda and Homeopathy. The herb is reported to possess astringent, anodyne, tonic and alexipharmic properties, and is helped in arresting dysentery, cholera, diabetes, consumption, influenza, bronchitis, swellings and itches, piles and gonorrhoea. A decoction of the plant is a blood-purifier. It is used as a cure for torpid liver, and jaundice. It forms, the major constituents of the Ayurvedic drug SG-I Switradilepa which is effective in treating vitiligo- a dermatological diseases. The macerated leaves and juice together with certain spices, such as cardamom, clove and cinnamon, are made into pills and prescribed for relief from gripe and other stomach ailments in infants. A decoction or infusion of the leaves is useful in general debility and dyspepsia. The leaves and roots are also used as febrifuge, tonic, stomachic, cholagogue and anthelmintic. A tincture of the root is tonic, stimulant and aperient.

The high therapeutic value of Kalmegh is due to its mechanism of action, which is perhaps by enzymes induction. The plant extract exhibits anti-typhoid activity against Salmonella typhi (Shroter) and anti-fungal activity against Helminthosoprium sativum. The shoot extracts in saline and ether showed antibiotic activity against Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus, and in dilute sulphuric acid, acetate buffer and ether against Escherichia coli.

List of biological activities of A. paniculata Nees

No.	Biological Activity	Reference
1.	Antiallergic activity	Gupta et al., 1994
2.	Antibiotic activity	Gupta et al., 1993
3.	Antifertility effects	Akbarsha et al., 1990; Akbarsha and Murugan, 2000
4.	Antifilarial activity	Dutta and Sukul, 1982
5.	Antifungal activity	Anonymous, 1985
6.	Antihepatitic activity	Jayaram et al., 1989; Ramfi et al., 1992
7.	Antihepatotoxic activity	Rana and Avadhoot, 1991
8.	AntiHIV activity	Shukla et al., 1992; Otake et al., 1995; Calabrese et al., 2000
9.	Antiinflammatory activity	Tajuddin et al., 1983; Shen et al., 2000
10.	Antimalarial activity	Misra et al., 1992
11.	Antiplatelet aggreagation effects	Huo and Junzlin, 1989
12.	Antisnakevenom effects	Selvanayagam et al., 1994
13.	Antityphoid activity	Anonymous, 1985
14.	Antiulcer activity	Viswanathan et al., 1981
15.	Asthma	Rao, 1914
16.	Blood purification effects	Vohora, 1985
17.	Colic	Rao, 1914
18.	Diabetes	Ahmad and Asmawi, 1992; Zhang and Tan, 2000
19.	Diarrhea	Gupta et al., 1990
20.	Fever	Ahmed and Asmawi, 1992
21.	Gonorrhea	Rao, 1914
22.	Hepatostimulation effects	Tripathi and Tripathi, 1991
23.	Immunostimulation effects	Sutarjadi et al., 1991; Puri et al., 1993
24.	Influenza	Dey, 1986
25.	Jaundice	Tomar et al., 1983
26.	Loss of scalp hair	Home et al., 1992
27.	Piles	Rao, 1914
28.	Stomachic effects	Choudhury and Poddar, 1985
29.	Leishmaniasis	Sinha et al., 2000

List of ethnobotanical uses of A. paniculata Nees

No.	Ethnobotanical use	Reference
1.	Blood purification	Rao, 1914
2.	Cancer	Mathew and Unnithan, 1992
3.	Colic	Jain et al., 1973
4.	Diarrhoea	Aminuddin and Girach, 1991
5.	Dysentry and Dyspepsia	Sudhakar and Rao, 1985 Bhalla et al., 1982
6.	Fever	Gupta, 1990; Jain, 1963; Bhalla et al., 1982
7.	Filariasis	Sudhakar and Rao, 1985
8.	Gastric complaints	Gupta, 1990
9.	Jaundice	Hemadri and Rao, 1984; Hemadri and Rao, 1989
10.	Malaria	Reddy, 1988; Aminuddin et al., 1993
11.	Snake bite	Gupta and Srivastava, 1994
12.	Stomach complaints	Kirtikar and Basu, 1918; Goel and Mudgal, 1988
13.	Vermifuge	Gupta and Srivastava, 1994
14.	Whooping cough	Goel and Mudgal, 1988
15.	Wounds and itches	Jain, 1963; Jain et al., 1973

Andrographis for the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Infection

Awareness is growing in the medical community that there is a "need to reduce the rampant overprescribing of antibiotic medications for upper respiratory infections (URI)." Concurrently there is an increased need for other helpful therapies for the treatment of URI. Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is one of the herbal medicines that may be of use in this regard. Read Full paper (PDF file)

Andrographis in Indonesian traditional herbal medicine (Jamu)

Jamu is the Indonesian traditional herbal medicine that has been practiced for many centuries in the Indonesian community to maintain good health and to treat diseases. Although modern (western) medicine is becoming increasingly important in Indonesia, jamu is still very popular in rural as well as in urban areas. (Kligler et al 2006)

References

1. Sriram Rajagopal, R. Ajaya kumar, Dhanvanthri S. Deevi, Chitkala Satyanarayana, R Rajagopalan 2003. Andrographolide, a potential cancer therapeutic agent isolated from Andrographis paniculata. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology 3, 147 Abstract or Full Paper

2. Kligler BK, Ulbricht C, Basch E et al. Andrographis paniculata for the treatment of upper respiratory infection: a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. Explore. January 2006;2(1):25-29. Read Full paper (PDF file)

PhD Thesis on Andrographis paniculata

FAQ

2006-11-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

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How do I know whether it adversely affect?
Where can I find ?
Why does it taste bitter?
Who are cultivating?
What is the market value?
When is the harvesting?
I want to know more about this species

How do I know whether it adversely affect?

Results of the toxicity tests have shown that Andrographis paniculata does not significantly affect body weight, blood picture, hepatic and renal functions or histology of major organs.

In addition to this, among the reported biological effects of the species, the anti-fertility effect of the herb needs to be noted in this context. The work done by Akbarsha et al. on the anti-fertility effect of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) in male albino rat (Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 28: 421-426, 1990) shown that dry leaf powder of A. paniculata, when fed orally to male albino rats, at a dose level of 20 mg powder per day for 60 days resulted in cessation of spermatogenesis, degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules, regression of Leydig cells and regressive and/or degeneartive changes in the epididymis, seminal vesicle, ventral prostate and coagulating gland. There was reduction in the weight and fluid content of the accessory glands, accumulation of glycogen and cholesterol in the testis and increased activities of lactate dehydrogenase in the testis and alkaline phosphatase in testis and ventral prostrate. The results suggest antispermatogenic and/or anti-androgenic effect of the plant.

There is one another study carried out by Burgos et al. on the testicular toxicity assessment of Andrographis paniculata dried extract in rats. It was published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology 58: 219-224, 1997. He evaluated the possible testicular toxicity of Andrographis paniculata, standardised dried extract in male Sprague Dawley rats for 60 days. No testicular toxicity was found with the treatment of 20, 200 and 1000 mg/kg during 60 days as evaluated by reproductive organ weight, testicular histology, ultrastructural analysis of Leydig cells and testosterone levels after 60 days of treatment. It was concluded that Andrographis paniculata dried extract did not produce subchronic testicular toxicity effect in male rats.

The significant inference that can be made from this work is that in the normal situations of using A. paniculata as a drug there is not even a single situation where the drug is continuously applying for 60 days. Hence the anti-fertility effects will not be faced in the practical situations. Or it can be concluded that if cautiously used (lower dosage for shorter period), the drug is not at all creating any adverse effects.

Where can I find ....?

The herb can be located in most of the tropical Asian countries often as isolated patches and known by various vernacular names in different localities. It can be found in variety of habitats such as plains, hill slopes, waste lands, farms, dry or wet lands, sea shores and even on road sides. The herb is available in northern stations of India, Java, Malaysia, Indonesia, West Indies and elsewhere in Americas where it is probably introduced. However, precise data are lacking on the introduction and naturalization of the species in these localities. The species is also available in Hong Kong, Thailand, Brunei, West Indies, etc. [see distribution of the species]

Why does it taste bitter....?

Each and every parts of Andrographis paniculata taste bitter due to the presence of a colourless, crystalline diterpenoid lactone [andrographolide (C₂₀H₃₀O_5;mp 230-239˚C)], which is highly bitter in taste.

Who are cultivating....?

A questionnaire-based survey carried out by the author suggested that there is no organized cultivation practiced for A. paniculata in any part of India. But according to the literature the herb is cultivating in some parts of the country at least in home gardens. It prefers a sunny situation. The seeds are sown during May-June. The seedlings are transplanted at a distance of 60 cm x 30 cm. Two or three irrigations may be given during the day periods. It flowers during August - November, and the whole plant starts maturing during February - March when it is harvested for the drug. The whole plant is dried in shade and sold. The crude drug consists of dried or fresh leaves or the aerial portions of the plant. [more info on cultivation]

What is the market value....?

The price of A. paniculata continuously increased over the last decade. The raw drug shops at Thiruvananthapuram city (Kerala state) recorded Rs. 68.0 in 1990 and 126.0 in 1995.

When is the harvesting....?

The herb flowers during August - November, and the whole plant starts maturing during February - March when it is harvested for the drug; in Andhra Pradesh, it is collected during November - January. The whole plant is dried in shade and sold. The crude drug consists of dried or fresh leaves or the aerial portions of the plant. Sometimes, the whole plant, including the roots, is used. The drug is sometimes mixed with the genuine chirata (Swertia chirayata Karst.) but can be distinguished from the latter easily by the green colour of its stems, numerous erect, slender, opposite branches and its lanceolate, green leaves. The drug normally should not contain more than 2% foreign organic matter.

I want to know more about this species..

Comprehensive information on botany, distribution, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacology, literature available are discussed in this web site.

Sitemap

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Sitemap: Andrographis InfoBase

Description	Web Pages
HOME PAGE	index.html
Botany of the species	botany.html
Details of cultivation	cultivation.html
Distribution of the species, world wide	distribution.html
Product list	products.html
Pharmacology	pharmacology.html
Phytochemistry	phytochemistry.html
Recent news, research reports etc	news.html
Literature home	literature.html
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Dilston Physic Garden - In the Tyne Valley, this garden has over 500 medicinal plants on display. Information about garden, and courses run there.
-- http://dilstonphysicgarden.com/ Regional: Europe: United Kingdom: Recreation and Sports: Home and Garden: Gardening: Gardens: Botanic Gardens and Arboreta (2)

Eden Organic Nursery Services, Inc. - Seeds and supplies for the home gardener. A wide selection of seeds for medicinal plants, tobaccos, tropicals, vines, and hot peppers.
-- http://www.eonseed.com/ Shopping: Home and Garden: Plants: Seeds (2)

Andromeda Botanic Gardens - Tropical garden in the Parish of St. Joseph on the East coast, with collections of palms, heliconias, succulents, medicinal plants, and orchids. Information on educational facilities, and photo galleries.
-- http://andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu/ Regional: Caribbean: Barbados: Science and Environment (1)

Garden Medicinals and Culinaries - Seeds and some plants for mediciinal and culinary herbs and other plants. Also sell some flowers and vegetables.
-- http://www.gardenmedicinals.com Shopping: Home and Garden: Plants: Seeds (2)

Indian Country Tourism - Opportunity to visit the Lakota Indian Nation and experience sleeping in a tipi, horse back riding and hiking. Tour guides give instruction on edible and medicinal plants of the prairie.
-- http://www.indiancountrytourism.com Recreation: Travel: Specialty Travel: Native American (1)

Horizon Herbs - Organically grown medicinal herb seed of echinacea, goldenseal and 400 other species of plants.
-- http://www.horizonherbs.com/ Shopping: Home and Garden: Plants: Seeds: Organic (1)

Plants For A Future - Resource and information centre for rare and unusual plants, particularly those which have edible, medicinal or other uses; with links to 7,000-plant database can be accessed on-line.
-- http://www.pfaf.org/ Regional: Europe: United Kingdom: Recreation and Sports: Home and Garden: Gardening: Plants (1 match)

Eastern Herbs - Offers seeds for several Chinese medicinal herbs, as well as a few live herb plants.
-- http://www.easternherbs.net/ Shopping: Home and Garden: Plants: Seeds: Vegetable and Herb (1)

Eulara - Offer a full range of items for skin care that include essential oils from medicinal plants for topical use and as dietary supplements.
-- http://www.eulara.com Shopping: Health: Beauty: Skin Care (1)

Tree Frog Farm Flower Essences - Flower Essences and Aromatherapy products produced from plants native to the coastal US Pacific Northwest, medicinal herbs and ornamentals. Personal and phone consultations, classes and internships with Diana Gay Pepper.
-- http://www.treefrogfarm.com/ Shopping: Health: Alternative: Flower Essences (1)

Forest Floor Nurseries - Revegetation experts and consultants offer their services, discuss best practices for revegetation in New Zealand, and offer many native New Zealand species for sale, including seed for export. Available plants include Kauri (Agathis australis), Manuka (medicinal) and Cabbage Trees.
-- http://www.forestfloor.co.nz Science: Biology: Ecology: Restoration Ecology: Consultants, Services, and Materials (1)

Creekside Gardens - Offers advice and sells red worms, perennial plants for ornamental landscape, culinary and medicinal herbs, and water garden plants.
-- http://www.wormlady.com Science: Agriculture: Animals: Worms: Suppliers (1)

Abreu Group - Chemistry of natural products. Phytochemistry of medicinal plants. Pharmacognosy.
-- http://www.dq.fct.unl.pt/qoa/abreu/index.htm Science: Chemistry: Organic: Research Groups: A (1)

Siam Tropicals - Siam Tropicals Exporter, Wholesaler and Distributor of Curcuma, Palm, Cycad, Medicinal Plant, Fragrant Tree, Euphorbia, and Other Tropicals Plants From Thailand
-- http://siamtropicals.com Business: Food and Related Products: Produce: Fruits: Tropical (1)

Plantstock.com - View images of culinary herbs and medicinal plants, available on CD.
-- http://www.plantstock.com/ Business: Arts and Entertainment: Photography: Stock: Royalty Free (1)

The Poisonous Plant Patch - Detailed information on several species of poisonous plants. Photographs, plant toxins, medicinal or toxic and an illustrated guide to poisonous plants in Nova Scotia. [Many of these are not regional specific - ed]
-- http://museum.gov.ns.ca/poison/pplant1.htm Health: Public Health and Safety: Disease Control and Prevention: Poisoning: Plants (1)

Catnip - Purdue guide to aromatic and medicinal plants.
-- http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/med-aro/factsheets/CATNIP.html Health: Animal: Alternative Medicine: Herbs: Catnip (1)

American Herbalists Guild - Non-profit educational organization repressenting herbalists. Provides peer-review in U.S. for professional herbalists specializing in the medicinal use of plants. Based in Canton, Georgia.
-- http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/ Society: Organizations: Professional: Health: Alternative (1)

Tel Aviv University Botanic Gardens - A number of specialized gardens, such as that for economic and medicinal plants or that for endangered species, have been established, as well as a carefully planned Garden for the Blind.
-- http://www.tau.ac.il/lifesci/botany/Gardens/ Home: Gardening: History: Histories of Famous Gardens: Botanic Gardens (1)

SEKEM - Specialized in using biodynamic methods of agriculture, the land was used to produce a wide variety of crops and medicinal plants for local and export markets.
-- http://www.sekem.com/ Regional: Africa: Egypt: Business and Economy: Agriculture (1)

Chartreuse - Several liqueurs made from medicinal and aromatic plants and flowers. Features history, product information, and recipes.
-- http://www.chartreuse.fr/ Recreation: Food: Drink: Liquor: Liqueur (1)

Amazon - Academy Award nominated film follows the routes of the Amazon river and two 'medicine men' on the search for the medicinal qualities of native plants. Includes photos and quiz.
-- http://www.amazonthefilm.com/ Arts: Movies: Filmmaking: Film Formats: Large Format: Titles (1)

Greenfield Hydroponics Systems Inc. - Manufacturers of solar, 110/220 volt powered portable greenhouse to grow sprouts, herbs, leafy vegetables, medicinal plants, mushroom, seedlings for commercial crops and reforestation.
-- http://www.greenfield-hydroponics.com/ Science: Technology: Energy: Renewable: Solar: Solar Electric (1)

Al N'dee Al Apache' Imports - Wholesale/Retail Incense & Aromatherapy. Body Oils, Oil Burners, Natural/Medicinal/Spiritual Herbs and Plants, Incense Resins from around the world- Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal, Dragon's Blood, Loban... Amber and Ambergris!
-- http://www.alndeealapacheimports.7p.com/ Business: Consumer Goods and Services: Beauty: Fragrances: Aromatherapy: Incense (1)

Wagner, Richard - Stock photo collection specializing in raptors, birds, reptiles, venomous animals, medicinal plants, and the Sonoran Desert.
-- http://wildnaturephotos.com/ Business: Arts and Entertainment: Photography: Stock: Photographers: Nature (1)

United Plant Savers - Network of business, government and nonprofit groups trying to stop plant extinction and save native and medicinal plants of North America.
-- http://www.unitedplantsavers.org/ Society: Issues: Environment: Conservation and Endangered Species: Regional: North America (1)

A-Z About Medicinal Plants

Andrographis

Literature

Farmers told that....

Cultivation of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Andrographis paniculata in Ayurveda

What tribal people say?

Concept of common people...

Chinese medicine

Good material for research

Products

Some of the medicinal preparations / products based on Andrographis paniculata Nees

NA: Not Available

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Kan Jang

Kan Jang - Pubmed Search results

Botany

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

Systematic position

Cytology

Pharmacology

Phytochemistry

Distribution

Distribution of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Phytochemistry

Phytochemistry of Andrographis paniculata Nees

Pharmacology

Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata Nees

FAQ

How do I know whether it adversely affect?

Where can I find ....?

Why does it taste bitter....?

Who are cultivating....?

What is the market value....?

When is the harvesting....?

I want to know more about this species..

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Sitemap: Andrographis InfoBase

Related Sites

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