ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA

Information
Andrographis paniculata, also known as Chiretta is part of the Acanthaceae plant family. An annual plant common throughout the plains of India.

General Information
Botanical Name: Andrographis paniculata
Common Name: Chiretta, Kalmegh (Bengali), King of Bitters, Kirata (Sanskrit), Andrographis, Chuan Xin Lian, Kan Jang (Chinese)
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
History: Andrographis is used in Ayurvedic Medicine.

Plant Constituents of Andrographis
Contains:
-bitter diterpenoid lactones including
-andrographolides
-halmeghin
-diterpene glucosides
-diterpene dimers
-flavonoids including
-TFA

Action:
-abortifacient [an agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus (abortion)]
-adaptogen [normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs, e.g. it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure]
-anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
-antipyretic [an agent which prevents or reduces fevers; febrifuge]
-bitter tonic [applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase appetite and promote digestion]
-choleretic
-hepatoprotective [a n agent that protects the liver]
-immunostimulant [stimulates the immune system]

Usage of Andrographis
Andrographis is also used in traditional Chinese Medicine and was originally imported into China.
Medicinal Part used: Herb

Andrographis is commonly used for:
Cardiovascular Conditions
-cardiovascular disease

Immune System Conditions
-acute and chronic infections
-weakened immunity

Liver Conditions
-toxic liver damage
-liver infections
-poor liver function

Other Conditions
-malaria (traditionally considered to be superior to quinine in malaria)
-worm infestation

Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
-1.5-6g/day dried herb
-3-12mL/day of 1:2 fluid extract

Precautions
Caution:
High doses may cause:
-gastric discomfort
-anorexia
-emesis
-Large oral doses are reported to cause gastric discomfort and loss of appetite

Generally, however, there are few side effects and it is non-toxic

Contraindicated in:
-pregnancy

Drug Interactions:
Do not use Andrographis paniculata without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
-Extracts of A. paniculata may have a synergistic effect with Isoniazid

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