Andrographis echioides

Andrographis echioides, commonly known as the "False Andrographis," is a medicinal herb native to tropical regions. Belonging to the Acanthaceae family, it is valued in traditional medicine for its potent bioactive compounds. Often used to address inflammatory conditions and respiratory ailments, this plant offers significant pharmacological potential.

  • Scientific name: Andrographis echioides
  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Acanthaceae. Finally, it is identified by its 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 echioides, is recognized by various local names depending on the region. In the Malayalam language, it is commonly referred to as ഗോപുരംതാങ്ങി.
Language Common Name Source
ml ഗോപുരംതാങ്ങി Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans multiple regions across different continents. Within the Indian Subcontinent, it can be found growing in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Its presence is also noted in the specific ecological zone of the West Himalaya. Moving away from Asia, the species has been documented in the Southeastern United States, specifically in Virginia. This wide-ranging habitat demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to diverse environments.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Virginia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the king of bitters, possesses therapeutic properties that can be derived from various components, most notably the whole plant and its leaf extracts. When the whole plant is utilized, all its botanical structures contribute to its potent medicinal profile, often used in traditional formulations to address inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, concentrated leaf extracts are frequently employed in modern herbal applications to isolate specific bioactive compounds, providing a more targeted approach to harnessing the plant's natural healing capabilities.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
whole plant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Andrographis echioides has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include androechin, decanoic acid, echioidinin 5-O-glucoside.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
androechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
decanoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
echioidinin 5-O-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Andrographis echioides has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiangiogenic, Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative, Antipyretic, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiangiogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Andrographis echioides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antipyretic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆