Kalmegh (200 gm)

Research

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

A wide array of studies has been conducted by researchers, especially in Asia, following reports about the medicinal properties possessed by A. paniculata mostly according to traditional medical practitioners in ayurvedic medical system. Phytochemical studies have revealed that this plant contains diverse compounds including labdane diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids, and miscellaneous compounds. It has been shown to possess wide spectrum of pharmacological properties.

The aerial parts, roots and whole plant of A. paniculata have been used for centuries in Asia as traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. It has been used by traditional medical practitioners for stomachaches, inflammation, pyrexia, and intermittent fevers. The whole plant has been used for several applications such as anti-dote for snake-bite and poisonous stings of some insects, and to treat dyspepsia, influenza, dysentery, malaria and respiratory infections. The leaf extract is a traditional remedy for the treatment of infectious disease, fever-causing diseases, colic pain, loss of appetite, irregular stools and diarrhea. In Malaysia, a decoction of the aerial parts is used to treat common cold, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, malaria and snakebite.

Several studies showed that this plant exhibited various biological activities such as anti-microbial, cytotoxicity, anti-protozoan, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunostimulant, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, anti-angiogenic, hepato-renal protective, sex hormone modulatory, liver enzymes modulatory and insecticidal and toxicity activities (1).

1. Okhuarobo A, Falodun JE, Erharuyi O, Imieje V, Falodun A, Langer P. Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014;4(3):213-22.