Introduction
It is a principal herb in the domestic medicine called 'Alui',
which is given to infants. Both in Ayurveda and Unani, it is
confused with 'Chitetta' (Swertia chirata), but both are different
plants. It is widely available in Arabia. It is given for fever
along with several herbs. It was advertised in England as a
substitute for quinine.
For centuries, the Ayurvedic practitioners of India have used
the roots and leaves of the herb Andrographis paniculata to
treat ailments ranging from poor digestion to hepatitis. In
the Chinese medical tradition, the plant has been used to treat
everything from gastrointestinal complaints to throat infections.
Although some early scientific studies suggested that andrographis
has a direct antimicrobial action, the weight of clinical evidence
now shows that the real value of this ancient herb is as a stimulant
for the immune system.
Origin
It grows throughout India from Assam and Himachal Pradesh to
all over south India. Grows well in moist and shaded places,
but it prefers sunny situations. It is cultivated all over India.
| Chemical
composition /key active constituents |
 |
Bitter
diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide
and |
| |
ncoandrographolide
have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves. |
|
|
Diterpene
dimers |
|
|
Flavonoids
available in the roots. |
|
|
The
main active constituents and marker compounds are considered
to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts are often
standardized to these compounds. |
 |
Pharmacology
It increases biliary flow and liver weight in rat. Andrographolide
produces a significant dose dependent choleretic effect, as evidence
by increase in bile flow, bile salt and bile acids in conscious
rats and anaesthetised guinea pigs.
It
shows hepatoprotective action.
It
improves non-specific immune response. Although both andrographis
and beta glucan effective immune enhancers, Extracts of andrographis,have
been shown to stimulate powerful immune responses in living creatures.
The immune response may be specific directed at a microbial invader
already present in the body, or generally, strengthening the immune
system in preparation against future infections. Andrographis
strongly stimulates phagocytosis and the production of specific
antibodies.
Remedies
For
Digestive: Promotes digestion
Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall bladder.
Vermicidal: Kills intestinal worms & support intestine
Anti-acne: Protect skin from pimples
Analgesic: Pain killer
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from
capillaries
Antibacterial: Fights bacterial activity. Although Andrographis
appears to have weak direct antibacterial action, it has remarkably
beneficial effect in reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from
bacterial infections.
Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the respiratory system.
Hypoglycemic: Blood sugar reducer.
Immune Enhancement.
Laxative: Aids bowel elimination
Sedative: A relaxing herb, though not with the same effect as
the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots, hops, skullcap,
etc.
Dosage
Andrographis is generally available as capsules
with dried herb or as standardized extracts (containing 11.2 mg
andrographolides per 200 mg of extract). For dried herb, 500–3,000
mg is taken three times per day. In clinical trials, 100 mg of
a standardized extract were taken two times per day to treat the
common cold, for indigestion, andrographis may be taken as a tea.
A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day.
References:
1.
J. Sci. Ind. Res., 1964, 1, 14.
2. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1978, 16, 830.
3. Indian J. Med. Res., 1990, 92(B), 276-283.
4. CAS, IP, Ayurveda book etc.
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