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

Abstract

Medicinal plants, as autochthonous sources of medications, have been utilized since primeval times. Andrographis paniculata (AP) is considered one of the most potent herbs around the world. Otherwise known as Kalmegh, the herb has traditionally been used as a cure for the common cold, diarrhoea, jaundice, and fever owing to numerous causes. Apart from this, the herbal parts can act as liver intoxicants as well as cardiovascular (CVD) vigor and are 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 discussed the ethnobotany of this plant briefly. Apart from these various pharmacological activities with a specific focus on anticancer properties of the herb are also proposed.