Bitterroot Restoration

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (Synonymes: Andrographis subspathulata C.B. Clarke) is an erect annual herb (Family: Acanthaceae), chiefly found throughout the Indian plains from Himachal Pradesh to Assam and Mizoram and all over South India. This herb is the well-known drug kalmegh or 'green chiretta', and forms the principal ingredient of a reputed household medicine, used as a bitter tonic and febrifuge. The herb is reported to possess astringent, anodyne, tonic and alexipharmic properties and is helpful in dysentery, cholera, diabetes, consumption, influenza, bronchitis, swellings and itches, piles and gonorrhea. It is also used as a cure for torpid liver and jaundice. It is also used as curative or preventive in snake venom poisoning.

A constituent of number of Ayurvedic formulations used for curing debility, chronic malaria, jaundice, anemia and loss of appetite. It is used in loss of appetite in infants and also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic etc. It is chiefly used in viral hepatitis, diminished appetite and drug induced liver damage.

Common names: Bhunimba, Kirata (Sanskrit); Kalmegh, Kirayat, Mahatita(Hindi); The Creat, Green chireta (English); Kalimegh (Bengali); Kariyatu (Gujarati); Bhuilimb (Gondi); Nelaberu (Kanada); Kiriyattu,Nelaveppu (Malayalam); Olikiryata (Marathi); Bhuinim (Mundari); Bhuinimba (Oriya); Nilavembu (Tamil); Neelaveemu (Telagu); Kalmegh (Bangali); The Creat (Bhunimba); Hempedu bumi (Malay); Kalmegha (Sanskrit).

Parts used: The crude drug consists of dried or fresh leaves or the aerial portions of the plant. Sometimes, the whole plant, including the roots, is used. The drug is sometimes mixed with the genuine chirata (Swertia chirayita Karst.) but can be distinguished from the latter easily by the green colour of its stems, numerous erect, slender, opposite branches and its lanceolate, green leaves. It is also adultrated with Andrographis echioides Nees. Found in Rajasthan, Maharashtra , Tamil Nadu. However, A. chioides and Swertia chirayita are devoid of andrographolide, which is trhe major bioactive constituent of Kalmegh.