Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), commonly known as "King of Bitters," is a medicinal plant extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine. It is renowned for its bitter taste and potent anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, and immunomodulatory effects. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is widely used in formulations aimed at treating fever, liver disorders, and infections.

Kalmegh Scientific Names

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Andrographis
Species: Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata Common Names

English: Green Chiretta, King of Bitters
Sanskrit: Kalmegha, Yavatikta
Hindi: Kalmegh
Tamil: Nilavembu
Telugu: Nelavemu
Malayalam: Kiriyath
Kannada: Nelabevu
Bengali: Kalmegh
Marathi: Kirayata

Andrographis paniculata Uses

Liver Health - Used as a hepatoprotective agent, treating jaundice, hepatitis, and fatty liver disorders.

Antipyretic Action - Traditionally used for reducing fevers, including those caused by malaria, dengue, and viral infections.

Immune System Support - Acts as an immunomodulator, enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms against infections.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant - Used in inflammatory conditions like arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Digestive Disorders - Aids in managing indigestion, intestinal worms, and appetite loss.

Antimicrobial Properties - Possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity effective in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Phytochemical Constituents

Kalmegh contains several bioactive constituents, primarily diterpenoid lactones and flavonoids, which are responsible for its therapeutic activities:

Diterpenoids: Andrographolide, Neoandrographolide, Deoxyandrographolide
Flavonoids: Apigenin, Luteolin
Xanthones: Andrographidine A, B
Polyphenols: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid
Others: Alkaloids, Saponins, Tannins

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Volume II, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Nadkarni, K.M. (1976). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. 1, Bombay Popular Prakashan.

Trivedi, P.C. (2006). Medicinal Plants: Ethnobotanical Approach, Agrobios.

Mishra, S.K., Sangwan, N.S., & Sangwan, R.S. (2007). "Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh): A review." Pharmacognosy Reviews, 1(2), 283–298.

Akbar, S. (2011). “Andrographis paniculata: A review of pharmacological activities and clinical effects.” Alternative Medicine Review, 16(1), 66–77.

World Health Organization (WHO). Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2, WHO, Geneva.

Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission (2015). Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.

European Medicines Agency (EMA). (2009). “Assessment report on Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, herba.” Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products.

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Kalmegh Scientific Names

Andrographis paniculata Common Names

Andrographis paniculata Uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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