Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata is a plant species in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to South Asia and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world for its medicinal properties. The plant is commonly known as King of Bitters due to its extremely bitter taste.

Description

Andrographis paniculata is an annual herbaceous plant that grows up to 1 meter in height. The plant has slender stems and lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Andrographis paniculata is native to South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is also found in other parts of Asia, including China and Southeast Asia. The plant prefers open, sunny locations and is often found in grasslands and open woodlands.

Uses

Andrographis paniculata has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The leaves and roots of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and digestive problems. The plant is also used in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Pharmacology

The primary active compound in Andrographis paniculata is andrographolide, a diterpenoid lactone. This compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Other compounds found in the plant include flavonoids and polyphenols, which also have medicinal properties.

Cultivation

Andrographis paniculata is easy to cultivate and grows well in a variety of soil types. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is propagated by seeds, which are sown in the spring.

Conservation Status

Andrographis paniculata is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, overharvesting for medicinal use has led to a decline in wild populations in some areas.

See Also

• Acanthaceae
• Ayurvedic medicine
• Traditional Chinese Medicine