USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

Flower Name

ORIGIN

Kalomegh (Andrographis paniculata) is native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Thailand. It has been used in Ayurveda, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a potent herbal remedy for fever and liver disorders.

TAXONOMY

  • Kingdom: Plantae

  • Division: Angiosperms

  • Class: Eudicots

  • Order: Lamiales

  • Family: Acanthaceae

  • Genus: Andrographis

  • Species: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

EVOLUTION

  • Belongs to the Acanthaceae family, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.

  • Developed bitter secondary metabolites as a defense against herbivory.

  • Evolved adaptability to dry and semi-shaded habitats.

DESCRIPTION

  • Plant type: Erect annual herb

  • Height: 30–110 cm

  • Stem: Square, branched, green to purplish

  • Leaves: Opposite, lanceolate, simple, smooth margins

  • Flowers: Small, white, clustered in terminal spikes

  • Fruit: Narrow, elongated capsule with many seeds

  • Taste: Extremely bitter

ECOLOGY

  • Climate: Tropical and subtropical

  • Soil: Well-drained sandy loam

  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

  • Habitat: Cultivated and wild in wastelands, forest edges, and agricultural fields

CULTIVATION

  • Propagation: Seeds

  • Planting season: Monsoon (June–July)

  • Harvesting: 3–4 months after sowing (leaves and stems)

  • Care: Minimal; drought-tolerant but prefers moderate watering

TRADITIONAL USES

Ayurvedic Medicine

  • Liver tonic (hepatoprotective)

  • Treats fever (malarial and viral)

  • Improves digestion and appetite

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Immunostimulant

  • Respiratory infections

MEDICINAL USES

  • Leaves & stems: Rich in bioactive compounds

  • Hepatoprotective: Supports liver function

  • Antiviral & antibacterial: Effective against common infections

  • Immune booster: Reduces severity of colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections

  • Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties

RESEARCH

Major Bioactive Compounds

  • Andrographolide (main active diterpenoid)

  • Neoandrographolide

  • Flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols

Scientific Evidence

  • Andrographolide shows antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer activity

  • Shown to reduce liver toxicity in animal studies

  • Clinical trials indicate reduced duration and severity of common cold and flu

  • Strong immune-modulatory effects observed

BIOLOGY

  • Pollination: Insects, mainly bees

  • Chromosome number: 2n = 20

  • Life cycle: Annual

  • Reproduction: Seed propagation

TOXICITY

  • Generally safe at recommended doses

  • Mild side effects may include headache, fatigue, nausea

  • High doses may cause hypotension or digestive upset

  • Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation without medical supervision

CONCLUSION

Kalomegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a powerful medicinal herb with significant hepatoprotective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
It is widely used in traditional medicine and is increasingly validated by modern scientific research. Proper dosing is critical, as the plant contains potent bioactive compounds.

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