Family

Acanthaceae

Genus

Andrographis

Common Name

Kalmegh

Plant Figure

Description

Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) of the family Acanthaceae, distributed in China, India, and other Southeast Asian countries. Both India and Sri Lanka are considered as the center of origin of kalmegh. The kalmegh exhibited an extensive range of medicinal, pharmacological, and therapeutically applications. It is recommended as a blood purifier, anti-diabetic, immune stimulant, anti-snake venom, anti-pyretic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-malarial, anti-typhoid, anti-HIV, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-thrombotic, analgesic, and vermicidal. The active components of kalmegh are andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, dideoxyandrographolide, dehydro-andrographolide, neo-andrographolide, andrographane, etc.