Home | About Us | Natural Essential Oils | Natural Herbal Extracts | CO2 Extraction | Contact Us
|
KALMEGH |
|
Names | |
 |
Indian Name : Kalmegh | ||
|
|
Botanical Name : Andrographis Paniculata | ||
|
|
Other Names :Kalmegh, Andrographis, Kiryat, senshinren,kirata. | ||
Introduction
It is a principal herb in the
domestic medicine called 'Alui', which is given to infants.
Both in Ayurveda and Unani, it is confused with 'Chitetta'
(Swertia chirata), but both are different plants. It is widely
available in Arabia. It is given for fever along with several
herbs. It was advertised in England as a substitute for
quinine.
For centuries, the Ayurvedic practitioners of
India have used the roots and leaves of the herb Andrographis
paniculata to treat ailments ranging from poor digestion to
hepatitis. In the Chinese medical tradition, the plant has
been used to treat everything from gastrointestinal complaints
to throat infections. Although some early scientific studies
suggested that andrographis has a direct antimicrobial action,
the weight of clinical evidence now shows that the real value
of this ancient herb is as a stimulant for the immune
system.
Origin
It grows throughout India from
Assam and Himachal Pradesh to all over south India. Grows well
in moist and shaded places, but it prefers sunny situations.
It is cultivated all over India.
| Chemical composition /key active constituents | |
 |
Bitter diterpenoid lactones, especially deoxy-andrographolide, andrographolide and |
| ncoandrographolide have been isolated from the whole plant and leaves. | |
|
|
Diterpene dimers |
|
|
Flavonoids available in the roots. |
|
|
The main active constituents and marker compounds are considered to be the andrographolides and andrographis extracts are often standardized to these compounds. |
 |
Pharmacology
It increases biliary flow and
liver weight in rat. Andrographolide produces a significant
dose dependent choleretic effect, as evidence by increase in
bile flow, bile salt and bile acids in conscious rats and
anaesthetised guinea pigs.
It shows hepatoprotective
action.
It improves non-specific immune response. Although
both andrographis and beta glucan effective immune enhancers,
Extracts of andrographis,have been shown to stimulate powerful
immune responses in living creatures. The immune response may
be specific directed at a microbial invader already present in
the body, or generally, strengthening the immune system in
preparation against future infections. Andrographis strongly
stimulates phagocytosis and the production of specific
antibodies.
Remedies For Digestive: Promotes
digestion
Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver and gall
bladder.
Vermicidal: Kills intestinal worms & support
intestine
Anti-acne: Protect skin from
pimples
Analgesic: Pain killer
Anti-inflammatory:
Reduces swelling and cuts down exudation from
capillaries
Antibacterial: Fights bacterial activity.
Although Andrographis appears to have weak direct
antibacterial action, it has remarkably beneficial effect in
reducing diarrhea and symptoms arising from bacterial
infections.
Expectorant: Promotes mucus discharge from the
respiratory system.
Hypoglycemic: Blood sugar
reducer.
Immune Enhancement.
Laxative: Aids bowel
elimination
Sedative: A relaxing herb, though not with the
same effect as the accepted herbal sedatives, valerian roots,
hops, skullcap, etc.
Dosage Andrographis is generally available as
capsules with dried herb or as standardized extracts
(containing 11.2 mg andrographolides per 200 mg of extract).
For dried herb, 500–3,000 mg is taken three times per day. In
clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract were taken
two times per day to treat the common cold, for indigestion,
andrographis may be taken as a tea. A typical dosage of
andrographis is 400 mg 3 times a day.
References:
1. J. Sci.
Ind. Res., 1964, 1, 14.
2. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1978, 16,
830.
3. Indian J. Med. Res., 1990, 92(B), 276-283.
4.
CAS, IP, Ayurveda book etc.
Copyright © 2004-2008 101Herbs.Com All rights reserved info@101herbs.com . A Unit of SAT Group