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Information about the herb Andrographis Paniculata
Andrographis paniculata, also known as Chiretta is part of the Acanthaceae plant family. An annual plant common throughout the plains of India.
Botanical Name: Andrographis paniculata
Common Name: Chiretta, Kalmegh (Bengali), King of Bitters, Kirata (Sanskrit), Andrographis, Chuan Xin Lian, Kan Jang (Chinese)
Plant Family: Acanthaceae
History: Andrographis is used in Ayurvedic Medicine.
Plant Constituents of Andrographis
Contains:
- bitter diterpenoid lactones including
- andrographolides
- halmeghin
- diterpene glucosides
- diterpene dimers
- flavonoids including
- TFA
Action:
- abortifacient [an agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus (abortion)]
- adaptogen [normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs, e.g. it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antipyretic [an agent which prevents or reduces fevers; febrifuge]
- bitter tonic [applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase appetite and promote digestion]
- choleretic
- hepatoprotective [a n agent that protects the liver]
- immunostimulant [stimulates the immune system]
Andrographis is also used in traditional Chinese Medicine and was originally imported into China.
Medicinal Part used: Herb
Andrographis is commonly used for:
Cardiovascular Conditions
- cardiovascular disease
Immune System Conditions
- acute and chronic infections
- weakened immunity
Liver Conditions
- toxic liver damage
- liver infections
- poor liver function
Other Conditions
- malaria (traditionally considered to be superior to quinine in malaria)
- worm infestation
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 1.5-6g/day dried herb
- 3-12mL/day of 1:2 fluid extract
Caution:
High doses may cause:
- gastric discomfort
- anorexia
- emesis
- Large oral doses are reported to cause gastric discomfort and loss of appetite
Generally, however, there are few side effects and it is non-toxic
Contraindicated in:
-
pregnancy
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Andrographis paniculata without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
- Extracts of A. paniculata may have a synergistic effect with Isoniazid
Global Herbal Supplies has Andrographis paniculata available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
