An overview on pharmacological actions of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.)

Authors

  • Renuka Devhare

Keywords:

Kalmegh, pharmacological actions

Abstract

As indigenous sources of medications, medicinal plants are used from the most primitive times. Out of these vastly used potential medicinal plants, Kalmegh having botanical name Andrographis paniculata (Nees), is an annual herbaceous plant of the family Acanthaceae, commonly known as “king of bitters”. All parts of this plant are used as medicine but the compositions of phytoconstituents widely differ from one part to another and with place, season, and time of harvest. According to Ayurved Granthas kalmegh has Tikta rasa with Katu Vipaka and Ushna Veerya. It is described in Priyanighantu in the ‘Shatpushpadi Varga’. It has kapha-pitta doshahara properties so it is used in Yakrutroga, Krimiroga, Kushtha, and Jwara. .This plant is by tradition used for the treatment of common cold, diarrhoea, fever, jaundice, as a health tonic for the liver and cardiovascular health by tradition and as an antioxidant. It is also used to improve sexual dysfunctions and function as a contraceptive. In this review we will describe the botanical distribution, phytochemical constitution, microscopy and various pharmacological actions.

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Published

2020-06-12

How to Cite

Devhare, R. . (2020). An overview on pharmacological actions of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) . Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine, 4(03). Retrieved from https://www.ayurline.in/index.php/ayurline/article/view/381