Andrographis alata
Andrographis alata, commonly known as king of bitters, is a potent medicinal herb native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its intense bitterness, it possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used to treat fevers and respiratory ailments, this plant serves as a vital natural remedy in herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Andrographis alata
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Andrographis alata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, specifically being a member of the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Andrographis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Acanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Andrographis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Andrographis alata, is referred to by different names depending on the language; in Tamil, it is commonly known as சிறியா நங்கை and is also identified as Andrographis alata.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ta | ''Andrographis alata'' | Wikidata |
| ta | சிறியா நங்கை | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Andrographis alata, exhibits a specific geographical range within the Asian continent. Its primary distribution is concentrated within the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found growing naturally throughout various regions of India. Additionally, the species extends its presence to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Therefore, its habitat is relatively localized to these two key South Asian territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
Chemicals
Andrographis alata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include neoandrographolide.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| neoandrographolide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Andrographis alata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetic complications.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diabetic complications | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |