Andrographis paniculata: A Review of its Anti-Cancer Potential

Abstract

Since the prehistoric period medicinal plants have been manoeuvred for disease cure. Cancer is a global problem which is widely affecting the world. Plant derived natural products have gained much importance in the field of cancer chemotherapy during the recent past and the search for new drugs for cancer treatment still continues. Andrographis paniculata (Brum. F) Nees, a highly recognized plant of traditional Chinese and Indian healthcare system has gained the consideration of researchers for cancer cure. A. paniculata has multiple possible pharmacological actions. This review reports detailed information on major phytochemicals, traditional applications, pharmacology, and methodology of phytochemical purification from A. paniculata. Its major active phytochemical Andrographolide have shown significant anticancer properties. These characteristics of A. paniculata make it a strong candidate as a prospective plant derived anticancer drug.