Distribution pattern of andrographolide and total lactones in different parts of Kalmegh plant

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata Nees. is an important medicinal herb, commonly known as kalmegh. It is extensively used in Indian system of medicine for curing various ailments including liver disorders, stomachic, general debility and colic disorders. It is also used as tonic, anthelminitic, cholagogue and antiinflammatory agent. The active principle of the plant is diterpene lactones of which andrographolide is the major constituent. In addition to it, A. paniculata has deoxyandrographolide, neoandrographolide, 14-deoxy- 12-methoxyandrographolide and andrographoinin andrographonoside (Handa et al., 3) and several other lactones derivatives in minor quantities.