Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees

Andrographis paniculata, also known as the King of Bitters, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy and Southeast Asian folk medicine. It is traditionally used for the treatment of viral fever, digestive disorders, skin diseases, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The main biologically active constituents of A. paniculata are alkaloids, diterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with andrographolide being the most extensively studied compound. Extracts and isolated compounds from the various parts of the plant were shown to exert anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects. The leaves of the plant that have superior antimicrobial activity are used in managing upper respiratory infectious diseases. Clinical studies reported that the A. paniculata is used in treating inflammations, liver diseases, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and autoimmune diseases. The prospects of A. paniculata in the pharmaceutical industry are promising, with ongoing research focusing on elucidating its mechanisms of action, exploring novel formulations for improved bioavailability, and investigating its potential in treating chronic diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders. With increasing interest in natural products and traditional medicine, A. paniculata holds promise also as a valuable source of new drug leads and therapeutic agents. This chapter summarizes phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and medicinal uses of A. paniculata, in order to narrow the expertise gap that suggests further investigation opportunities.