Andrographis

Andrographis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. It comprises about 40 to 50 described species native to South and Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. The best-known species is Andrographis paniculata, commonly called kalmegh or king of bitters, widely used in traditional medicine.

These are herbaceous plants, usually annuals or short-lived perennials, with opposite leaves and small flowers in terminal panicles. The fruit is a slender capsule.

They are native to the Indian subcontinent and East and Southeast Asia, and are now found in tropical regions worldwide. In the wild they grow in disturbed habitats, open woodlands, and grasslands.

Andrographis paniculata contains diterpenoid lactones such as andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, and neoandrographolide. It is used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat fever, infections, and inflammation. Modern studies have explored potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective effects, but evidence remains limited and variable in quality. Safety concerns include gastrointestinal upset and rare liver injury; there can be drug interactions; use in pregnancy is generally discouraged.

Within taxonomy, Andrographis is in the family Acanthaceae, order Lamiales. Beyond A. paniculata, other species exist but are less well studied medicinally.