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JBS Institute of Pharmacy, Malinpur R S Ghat, Barabanki 225409.
Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Kalmegh or the “King of Bitters,” is a well-known medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The plant contains several bioactive constituents, among which andrographolide is the major pharmacologically active compound. It exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. The present review highlights the botanical description, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, traditional and modern therapeutic applications, toxicity profile, and future research prospects of Andrographis paniculata. Numerous studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential in the management of liver disorders, infections, inflammation, metabolic diseases, and immune-related conditions. Furthermore, its favorable safety profile and growing scientific evidence support its use as a promising herbal therapeutic agent. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata continues to attract considerable attention for its potential role in integrative and evidence-based medicine
Medicinal plants continue to play a vital role in healthcare, especially in developing countries where traditional medicine forms the basis of primary treatment [WHO 2019]. A plant of great pharmacological significance among these is Andrographis paniculata Nees (family: Acanthaceae). Known as Chuan Xin Lian in China, Fah Talai Jone in Thailand, and Kalmegh in India, it is widely distributed throughout tropical Asia [Jarukamjorn and Nemoto 2008].
It has historically been used to treat digestive issues, respiratory infections, liver conditions, and fever [Mishra et al. 2017]. Modern pharmacological investigations attribute these therapeutic effects primarily to diterpenoid lactones, especially andrographolide [Pholphana et al. 2014]. Its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties are being supported by more and more data, making it a strong contender for the development of new medications [Wang et al. 2019].
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
TAXONOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom : Plantae, Plants;
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta, Vascular plants;
Super division : Spermatophyta, Seed plants;
Division : Angiosperma
Class : Dicotyledonae
Sub class : Gamopetalae
Series : Bicarpellatae
Order : Personales
Tribe : Justicieae
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Andrographis
Species : paniculata
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
The small, annual, branched herb Andrographis paniculata can reach a height of 30 to 110 cm. The stems are hairless, green, and quadrangular. The small, white flowers with purple markings are arranged in terminal racemes, while the dark green, lanceolate leaves are opposite one another [Kumar et al. 2012].
The plant is widely found in China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and other Southeast Asian nations, and it grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. In medicinal preparations, the entire plant is utilized, but the leaves and roots are particularly utilized [Akbar 2011]. It grows best in warm, humid climates with temperatures ranging from 25–35°C and annual rainfall between 1000–2000 mm. The plant thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Propagation is mainly achieved through seeds, and harvesting is generally carried out during the flowering stage when the concentration of andrographolide reaches its maximum level.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY
Diterpenoid lactones are the most important of the many phytoconstituents found in kalmegh. The most prevalent and pharmacologically significant of the more than 20 diterpenoids that have been identified is andrographolide [Mishra et al. 2017]. Other substances include flavonoids like andrographidine A–E, andrographiside, neoandrographolide, and dehydroandrographolide [Jarukamjorn and Nemoto 2008].
Andrographolide exhibits a variety of pharmacological mechanisms, such as the modification of the JAK-STAT, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways [Jayakumar et al. 2013]. Alkaloids and terpenes enhance the plant's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while flavonoids and phenolic acids support its antioxidant potential [Pholphana et al. 2014].
Table 1: Major Phytoconstituents of Andrographis paniculata
|
Phytoconstituent |
Chemical Class |
Pharmacological Activity |
|
Andrographolide |
Diterpenoid lactone |
Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective |
|
Neoandrographolide |
Diterpenoid lactone |
Antioxidant, immunomodulatory |
|
Dehydroandrographolide |
Diterpenoid lactone |
Antimicrobial |
|
Andrographiside |
Glycoside |
Antioxidant |
|
Flavonoids |
Polyphenols |
Free radical scavenging |
|
Phenolic acids |
Phenolics |
Antioxidant |
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
1. Hepatoprotective Activity
A. paniculata's hepatoprotective effect is one of its most researched characteristics. Hepatocytes have been demonstrated to be protected by andrographolide from toxicity caused by chemicals like alcohol, paracetamol, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). It decreases lipid peroxidation and raises levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) [Shen et al. 2002; Trivedi, Rawal, and Patel 2007]. Additionally, clinical research validates its function in restoring normal levels of serum liver enzymes like ALT, AST, and ALP [Mishra et al. 2017].
2. Anti-inflammatory Activity
Kalmegh has potent anti-inflammatory properties. A. paniculata extracts suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and prevent the production of nitric oxide [Jayakumar et al. 2013; Pholphana et al. 2014]. By reducing NF-κB activation, andrographolide suppresses the expression of COX-2 and iNOS, two important mediators of inflammation [Chao and Lin 2010].
3. Antimicrobial Activity
Kalmegh's ethanolic and aqueous extracts have broad-spectrum antibacterial qualities. It exhibits antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus [Singha et al. 2003]. There have also been reports of antiviral qualities against chikungunya, dengue, influenza, and HIV [Coon and Ernst 2004; Jayakumar et al. 2013]. Its antifungal properties include preventing the growth of Candida albicans [Akbar 2011].
4. Anticancer Activity
Andrographolide exerts significant anticancer effects through induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of angiogenesis [Wang et al. 2019]. It suppresses cancer cell proliferation in breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancers [Rajagopal et al. 2003]. Mechanistically, it modulates apoptosis-regulating proteins (Bax, Bcl-2), inhibits STAT3 and NF-κB signaling, and enhances caspase activity [Zhou et al. 2012].
5. Antioxidant Activity
Extracts of A. paniculata have demonstrated potent free-radical scavenging activity. They increase endogenous antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and reduce oxidative stress in experimental models [Verma and Vinayak 2008]. This property complements its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects [Mishra et al. 2017].
6. Antidiabetic Activity
Several studies report that A. paniculata improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Andrographolide stimulates glucose uptake, inhibits α-glucosidase activity, and preserves pancreatic β-cell function [Yu et al. 2008]. Animal studies confirm its hypoglycemic effect in alloxan- and streptozotocin-induced diabetic models [Zhang and Tan 2000].
7. Immunomodulatory Activity
Kalmegh acts as an immune enhancer by stimulating lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage activation, and antibody production [Mishra et al. 2017]. Clinical studies show its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and common cold [Coon and Ernst 2004; Chandrasekaran et al. 2012]. This makes it a valuable candidate for immune-boosting formulations.
Table 2: Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms
|
Activity |
Bioactive Compound |
Mechanism |
|
Hepatoprotective |
Andrographolide |
Reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation |
|
Anti-inflammatory |
Andrographolide |
Inhibits NF-κB and COX-2 pathways |
|
Antimicrobial |
Diterpenoids |
Disrupts microbial growth |
|
Anticancer |
Andrographolide |
Induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest |
|
Antioxidant |
Flavonoids |
Scavenges reactive oxygen species |
|
Antidiabetic |
Andrographolide |
Enhances glucose uptake |
|
Immunomodulatory |
Andrographolide |
Stimulates lymphocyte proliferation |
TRADITIONAL & MODERN USES
In Ayurveda, A. paniculata is classified as a “pitta pacifying” herb and is used for treating fever, jaundice, diarrhea, and skin diseases [Kumar et al. 2012]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is prescribed for sore throat, cough, and upper respiratory infections [Jarukamjorn and Nemoto 2008]. Unani medicine recognizes it for its bitter tonic and liver-protective roles.
Standardized extracts and herbal capsules are examples of contemporary formulations that are promoted for infection control, immune system stimulation, and liver protection [Chandrasekaran et al. 2012]. It improves therapeutic efficacy against a variety of illnesses when added to polyherbal formulations.
CLINICAL STUDIES
Several clinical investigations have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of Andrographis paniculata in human subjects. Randomized controlled trials have shown that standardized extracts significantly reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold. A meta-analysis reported improvements in sore throat, cough, fatigue, and nasal symptoms when compared with placebo treatment. Clinical evidence also suggests hepatoprotective benefits through normalization of liver enzyme levels in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory activity of andrographolide has attracted attention for its potential role in supporting immune health[ Coon JT et al. 2004].
TOXICITY & SAFETY STUDIES
A. paniculata has a broad safety margin, according to toxicological research. Studies on acute toxicity in rodents showed that doses up to 2 g/kg had no discernible harmful effects [Akbar 2011].
A. paniculata has a broad safety margin, according to toxicological research. Studies on acute toxicity in rodents showed that doses up to 2 g/kg had no discernible harmful effects [Mishra et al. 2017]. Clinical trials confirm its safety in human use for up to 12 weeks [Coon and Ernst 2004]. However, because of the lack of sufficient evidence, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Despite extensive research, gaps remain in understanding the full pharmacological potential of A. paniculata. Future research should emphasize:
CONCLUSION
Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) is one of the most valuable medicinal plants widely utilized in traditional systems of medicine and increasingly recognized in modern healthcare. The plant possesses a diverse range of pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects, primarily attributed to its major bioactive constituent, andrographolide. Scientific studies have provided substantial evidence supporting its traditional therapeutic uses and demonstrated its potential in the prevention and management of various diseases. Furthermore, its favorable safety profile and broad therapeutic spectrum make it a promising candidate for the development of novel herbal formulations and phytopharmaceutical products. However, additional well-designed clinical trials, standardization of extracts, and advanced drug delivery approaches are required to establish its efficacy and safety on a global scale. Overall, Andrographis paniculata represents a promising natural therapeutic agent with significant potential for future applications in integrative and evidence-based medicine.
REFERENCES
Avinash kumar, Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh): A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Applications, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2026, Vol 4, Issue 7, 5443-4551, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21492174
10.5281/zenodo.21492174