Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegha)
For centuries, Andrographis paniculata, a plant within the Acanthaceae family, has held a prominent place in traditional Asian medicine. Its historical use is rooted in the concept of 'blood purification,' leading to its application in treating various conditions linked to perceived blood abnormalities, such as skin ailments (boils, scabies, eruptions) and persistent fevers.
Botanically, A. paniculata is classified as follows:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Andrographis
- Species: A. paniculata
The plant's therapeutic potential is attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. Key constituents identified in its aerial parts include andrographolide, andrographosterin, andrograpanin, α-sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Andrographolide, a bitter, crystalline diterpene lactone, is considered a major active compound, alongside other related diterpenoids like 14-deoxy-11-oxoandrographolide, didehydroandrographolide, 14-deoxyandrographolide, neoandrographolide, and homoandrographolide.
A. paniculata has been documented to possess a range of pharmacological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, choleretic, adaptogenic, emollient, astringent, diuretic, carminative, anthelmintic, antipyretic, and liver and gastric tonic properties. Traditional uses extend to conditions like leprosy, gonorrhea, and irregular bowel habits in infants, further emphasizing its historical application in managing fevers and skin disorders.
Clinical studies have explored the plant's effects on platelet function. For instance, extracts of A. paniculata demonstrated significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with enhanced effects observed after prolonged administration. Additionally, the extract significantly reduced serotonin release from platelets without altering plasma serotonin levels.
Commercially, Andrographis paniculata extracts are often standardized based on andrographolide content, with grades available at concentrations such as 10% and 20%.