Andrographis
Andrographis, commonly known as King of Bitters, is a potent medicinal herb celebrated in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Renowned for its intense bitterness, it possesses powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. This versatile plant is widely used to support respiratory health and combat various systemic infections naturally.
- Scientific name: Andrographis
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Lamiales, it is further categorized under the family Acanthaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is found within 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 |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across several specific regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan provinces. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be found growing in the Assam region. Additionally, it is widely distributed throughout Bangladesh. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of the Andrographis species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
Chemicals
Andrographis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Andrographolide.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Andrographolide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Andrographis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Andrographis has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include viral disease, viral infections.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| viral disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| viral infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |