Andrographis
paniculata is well known plant by the name ‘kalamegha’ Kalamegha, meaning is "dark
cloud" because of its appearance from a distance like a black cloud in the
blue sky. It is also known as Bhui-neem, meaning "neem of the ground,Andrographis
and Kirayat.It is an Ayurvedic herb, used for the treatment of diseases of
Kushta (skin diseases), Kandu (itching), Shopha(swelling), Yakrutroga (liver
diseases), Krimi(worms), Jwara (fever).
Adulterants
Hepatoprotective activity: The aqueous extract of the leaves
of this plant has traditionally been used for treatment of various liver
disorders and jaundice . Andrographolide i.e. main constituent of A. paniculata
were found to be effective in preventing carbon tetrachloride induced liver
damage (Rats and mice).Androgrpholide also show noteworthy hepatoprotective
effect against different types of liver damage which induced by paracetamole or
galactsamine, Antihepatotoxic action of
andrographolide was reported against Plasmodium berghei K173-induced hepatic
damage of Mastomys natalensis.
This is widely
cultivated in Southern Asia, is a herbaceous plant, commonly known as “King of
Bitters” belonging to the family of Acanthaceae. A. paniculata is an annual profusely
branched, erect herb extremely bitter in taste. It grows to a height of 30-110
cm in moist shady places with glabrous leaves and white flowers with rose
purple spots on the petal.The whole plant is used in medicinal purposes.
Andrographolide,
neoandrographolide, andrograpanin, 12-didehydroandrographolide, are the
principal chemical constituents found in the plant.
According to
ayurveda perspective following qualities can be seen in Bhunimba
Rasa
(Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)
Guna
(Qualities) – Laghu (Light for digestion), Ruksha (Dry in nature)
Vipaka – Katu (Undergoes Pungent taste after
digestion)
Veerya
(Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
Karma
(Actions) – Kaphapitta shamaka (reduces vitiated kapha and pitta dosha)
Contraindications
• The herb is contraindicated in bleeding disorders,
hypotension, as well as male and female sterility (exhibited infertility in
laboratory animals).
• According to botanical safety handbook, this plant falls
in class 2b “herb not to be taken during pregnancy”
Undesirable
effects might be occured in some intances. Anaphylactic shock, anphylactic
reactions , dizziness , palpation, skin rashes are the reported cases.
Overdose
may cause gastric discomfort, vomiting, loss of appetite when given orally
& may lower blood glucose level.
Adulterants
Kalmegha
is substitute of kiratatikta on account of bitterness & it is also an adulterant
of kiratatikta – Swertia chirata.
Uses of Kalamegha as per Ayurveda:
- Yakrut uttejaka – stimulates liver
- Pittasaraka – lets out Pitta from the body
- Recana – useful in expelling vitiated Pitta
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestation
- Svedajanana – stimulates sweating, useful in fever
- Kusthaghna – useful in skin disorders
- Jvaraghna – useful in fever
- Katupaustika – bitter pungent, yet nourishing
Research details
Hepatoprotective activity: The aqueous extract of the leaves
of this plant has traditionally been used for treatment of various liver
disorders and jaundice . Andrographolide i.e. main constituent of A. paniculata
were found to be effective in preventing carbon tetrachloride induced liver
damage (Rats and mice).Androgrpholide also show noteworthy hepatoprotective
effect against different types of liver damage which induced by paracetamole or
galactsamine, Antihepatotoxic action of
andrographolide was reported against Plasmodium berghei K173-induced hepatic
damage of Mastomys natalensis.
Immunological potential: Some recent research had indicated
that extract of A. paniculata may have the potential for interfering with the
viability of the human immune-deficiency virus (HIV)
Anti-cancer Potential of Andrographolide: Various
anti-cancer agents inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing
apoptosis, necrosis, cell-cycle arrest or cell differentiation; others might
involve immunomodulatory activity, by triggering body’s own immune system
against these cells. Andrographolide exhibits a dual property, acting both
directly and indirectly on the cancer cells.
Anti-malarial activity: Malaria is still prevalent disease
in many tropical and subtropical countries. A. paniculata was found to
considerably inhibit the multiplication of Plasmodium berghei, one of the
parasites which transmit the malaria. A. paniculata extracts effectively killed
filarial that obstruct lymph channels consequently leading to elephantiasis, in
dog. Recent research also reported Antmalarial effect of A. paniculata against
Plasmodium falciparum.
In respiratory system: A. paniculata is a good remedy as treatment
for common respiratory infections such as colds and flu.
Other than above actions
- Anti-inflammatory and Anti-angiogenic Activity
- Anti-Hyperglycemic and Renal Protective Activity
- Anti-fertility and pregnancy terminating effect
- Antibacterial and Antifungal activity
- Antipyretic activity
Uses of Kalamegha
In case of nausea and vomiting, the paste of Bhunimba is given
with honey.
The decoction of Andrographis paniculata is given in a dose of
20-30 ml to treat fever, inflammation of the liver and jaundice.
The cold infusion of the plant is given in a dose of 40-50 ml
to treat impurity of the blood and is used as blood purifier.
The paste of the plant is used to treat skin diseases like eczema,
depigmentation of skin etc.
The powder of the dried plant is given in a dose of 2- 3g with
hot water of juice of Shunti to improve the appetite and digestion.
The powder of Andrographis paniculata is given in a dose of 2-3
g with powder of black pepper to treat malaria and fever.
Comments
Post a Comment