Andrographis paniculata
What's the taxonomical classification of Andrographis paniculata?
Andrographis paniculata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, eventually reaching the order Lamiales. This plant is a member of the family Acanthaceae, which contains the genus Andrographis, and is specifically identified by its species name, paniculata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Genus | Andrographis |
| Species | paniculata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Andrographis paniculata has an erect, herbaceous structure characterized by square stems that can reach heights of up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and possess an ovate or lanceolate shape with entire margins. Small, white flowers emerge from the axils, often featuring delicate purple spots on the lower petals. The plant produces elongated, slender capsules that contain numerous tiny, brownish seeds upon maturity. These morphological traits distinguish it from other species within the Acanthaceae family.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. It thrives in various environments ranging from open fields and forest edges to disturbed sites along roadsides. The species is commonly found in moist, shady areas where the soil remains relatively damp. Because of its hardy nature, it has naturalized in several other tropical climates outside of its original range. Its distribution is largely dictated by the availability of warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as king of bitters, thrives in tropical and subtropical climates when grown in well-drained, loamy soil with consistent moisture and partial shade.
It is typically cultivated from seeds sown during the onset of the rainy season to ensure adequate hydration for germination. Farmers must maintain a temperature range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius to promote vigorous vegetative growth. Regular weeding and minimal fertilization are usually sufficient since the species is naturally hardy.
Once the plant reaches maturity, the leaves and stems are harvested for their medicinal properties.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Andrographis paniculata utilizes its aerial parts, including the leaves, stem, and flowers, as the primary source for medicinal extraction. The green leaves contain the highest concentration of bioactive andrographolides used to treat inflammation and infections. While the stem provides structural support, it is often processed alongside the foliage for herbal preparations. The small flowers are occasionally included in traditional decoctions to enhance therapeutic properties. Although the roots are part of the plant, they are less commonly harvested than the above-ground components in commercial medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology", the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Andrographis paniculata Nees was tested for cardiovascular activity. Five labdane diterpenes, including 14-deoxy-12-hydroxyandrographolide (1), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (2), 14-deoxyandrographolide (3), andrographolide (4), and neoandrographolide (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of this medicinal plant. At a 3 mg dose, the extract significantly reduced coronary perfusion pressure by up to 24.5 ± 3.0 mm Hg and reduced heart rate by up to 49.5 ± 11.4 beats/minute. Compounds (2) and (3) were responsible for the coronary vasodilatation. Furthermore, andrographolide (4) was identified as the major labdane diterpene in this plant and has minimal effects on the heart.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- leaves
- stem
- flower
- roots
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Andrographis paniculata, has been utilized for centuries across diverse medical traditions including Ayurveda, Chinese folk medicine, Jamu, Kampo, and Unani to treat various ailments. In the Ayurvedic system, it is frequently employed to manage fevers and inflammatory conditions. Practitioners of Chinese folk medicine and the Japanese Kampo tradition often use the herb to address respiratory infections and digestive issues. Within the Indonesian Jamu tradition, the plant is a common ingredient in herbal tonics used to boost immunity. Furthermore, Unani practitioners have historically integrated this bitter herb into formulations designed to balance bodily humors and reduce heat.
According to a study published by "Genes & cancer", Andrographis paniculata is a traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal plant. From this plant, the diterpenoid lactone andrographolide was isolated. This substance inhibits IL-6 expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. It suppresses IL-6 autocrine loop- and paracrine loop-induced cell signaling, which includes Stat3 and Erk phosphorylation. Research also showed that andrographolide suppresses tumor growth in mice bearing castration-resistant DU145 human prostate tumors that express a constitutive IL-6 autocrine loop.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Chinese folk medicine
- Jamu
- Kampo
- Unani
What are the pharmacological activities of Andrographis paniculata?
This plant has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-malarial, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its bioactive compounds work to suppress systemic inflammation and inhibit the growth of various bacterial pathogens. Researchers have also demonstrated its ability to combat viral infections and reduce the severity of malaria symptoms. Furthermore, the plant provides significant hepatoprotective benefits by shielding liver cells from chemical damage and oxidative stress. These diverse medicinal properties make it a highly valuable subject for modern drug development.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant possessing anti-inflammatory properties. A labdane-type diterpenoid identified from the plant, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (ddA), was found to inhibit human TRPV3 in stably expressing CHO and HaCaT keratinocytes. This compound acts selectively among other TRP channels implicated in itch and inflammation and does not show toxicity to HaCaT cells. In scratching behavior models on ICR mice, ddA suppressed itch induced by the TRPV3 activator carvacrol. Furthermore, ddA potently suppressed histamine-induced itch with an efficacy comparable to loratadine.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-cancer
- anti-viral
- anti-diabetic
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive diterpene lactones including andrographolide, neoandrographolide, andrographiside, bisandrographolide A, and deoxyandrographiside. These specific chemical constituents are primarily responsible for the plant's significant anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Andrographolide serves as the most prominent compound studied for its ability to modulate immune responses. Other derivatives like bisandrographolide A contribute to the complex pharmacological profile that characterizes the species. Together, these medicinal compounds provide the basis for various therapeutic applications in traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Journal, genetic engineering & biotechnology", the plant Andrographis paniculata contains andrographolide largely present in its leaf extracts. This compound is known to exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties and stabilizes Th1/Th2/Th17 responses. In silico docking results showed andrographolide has a very strong affinity for the RBD with a dock score of -10.3460. Additionally, the compound showed a dock score of -10.7313 for the NSP12 molecule. These properties suggest that the Andrographis paniculata extract can be tested as an anti-coronaviral drug.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Andrographolide
- Neoandrographolide
- Andrographiside
- Bisandrographolide A
- Andrographidine C
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating fever, inflammation, liver diseases, cancer, and managing symptoms related to COVID-19. Its bioactive compounds possess potent immunomodulatory properties that help the body fight various infections. Researchers have studied its potential to reduce systemic inflammation and protect hepatic cells from damage. Additionally, certain extracts are being investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of specific cancer cells. The plant also shows promise in supporting respiratory health during viral outbreaks like COVID-19.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", the plant Andrographis paniculata is used in the Jwarahara Kwatha Choornam formulation, which is traditionally used for managing chronic fever, cold, and malaria. This formulation offers therapeutic benefits such as enhancing digestion, stimulating appetite, detoxifying blood, modulating the immune response, and providing protection against common bacterial infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the formulation was reported to have a supportive role in treatment. The plant contains the bioactive marker Andrographolide (AG), which was quantified at 3.638 ± 0.0234 mg/g in the JKC preparation. The analytical method used to study these components achieved distinct Rf values for five markers, including an Rf of 0.563 ± 0.005 for AG.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- COVID-19
- Dengue virus
- Influenza
- Malaria
- SARS-CoV-2
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Andrographis paniculata, which is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations such as Andrographis Tablet, Fukeqianjin formula, Jwarahara Kwatha Choornam, Maoto-ka-senshinren, and concentrated granules. These diverse formulations are utilized across different traditional medicine systems to address various inflammatory and infectious conditions. The tablet form offers a convenient method for standardized dosing in modern clinical settings. Traditional decoctions and powders like the Fukeqianjin formula and Jwarahara Kwatha Choornam allow for specialized therapeutic applications. Additionally, concentrated granules provide a potent way to administer the plant's active compounds efficiently.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", researchers used TLCS, TLC, and HPLC to detect the effective contents of ingredients in Andrographis Tablet throughout every stage of its production. When handling the fresh Herba Andrographis according to current pharmacopeia's technology, it was shown that only dehvanidrographolide could be detected. The study indicated that the main factor leading to chemical change is the heating process used during production. To protect the effective ingredients, the main factor is avoiding heating treatment or reducing the heating treatment time.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Andrographis Tablet
- Fukeqianjin formula
- Jwarahara Kwatha Choornam
- Maoto-ka-senshinren
- concentrated granules
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health side effects including allergic type adverse events, anaphylactic reaction, hepatic toxicity, hypotension, and nephrotoxicity. Individuals may experience hypersensitivity symptoms ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. There are documented cases of hepatic toxicity where the liver becomes impaired due to ingestion. Patients might also suffer from hypotension, characterized by a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. Furthermore, the plant has been linked to nephrotoxicity, which involves damage to the kidneys' functional units.
According to a study published by "Toxicology reports", Andrographis paniculata extract and its major phytoactive, andrographolide, were evaluated for anaphylactic and anaphylactoid potential. In vivo studies using the active systemic anaphylaxis (ASA) assay in guinea pigs showed that Andrographis paniculata extract or andrographolide did not demonstrate any clinical signs of anaphylaxis following oral and intravenous administration. In vitro tests on IgE sensitized and non-IgE sensitized RBL-2H3 cell lines revealed that Andrographis paniculata extract did not induce the release of allergic mediators. However, RBL-2H3 cells treated with andrographolide demonstrated a mild to moderate release of allergic mediators. Ultimately, Andrographis paniculata extract showed no anaphylactic or anaphylactoid potential in these in vivo and in vitro studies.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- allergic type adverse events
- anaphylactic reaction
- hepatic toxicity
- hypotension
- nephrotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Andrographis paniculata?
This plant is commonly paired with ginger, honey, and licorice to balance its intense bitterness and enhance its systemic effects.
Ginger is frequently added to mitigate the digestive discomfort that can sometimes occur from the plant's potency. Honey serves as a natural sweetener that makes the decoction more palatable for regular consumption. Licorice root is often included to harmonize the formula and support the body's energy levels during treatment.
These combinations are traditionally used in herbal medicine to maximize the plant's ability to support immune function.