Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees. - A potent herb with immense pharmacological potential

Abstract

Medicinalplants,asautochthonoussourcesofmedications,havebeenutilizedsinceprimevaltimes.Andrographis paniculata (AP) is considered one of the most potent herbs around the world. Otherwise known as Kalmegh, the herbhastraditionallybeenusedasacureforthecommoncold,diarrhoea,jaundice,andfeverowingtonumerous causes.Apartfromthis,theherbalpartscanactasliverintoxicantsaswellascardiovascular(CVD)vigorandare also considered to possess free radical scavenging activity. Habitation, season, and harvesting time of the crop have an effect on phytochemical composition that extensively differ from one part to another. In this review, we discussedtheethnobotanyofthisplantbriefly.Apartfromthesevariouspharmacologicalactivitieswithaspecific focus on anticancer properties of the herb are also proposed.