Andographis paniculata (Kalmegh)
Andographis paniculata (Kalmegh)      It is commonly known as Kalmegh. The leaves of Andrographis paniculata, an annual herb, have been used widely as part of Indian folk medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. The Chinese and Thai herbal medicine systems have also incorporated this herb, renowned in these traditions mostly for its "bitter" properties as a treatment for digestive problems and for a variety of febrile illnesses. More recently, this herb, in its standardized extract form, has become popular in Scandinavia as a remedy for upper respiratory infections (URI) and influenza.      Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone compound, is believed to be the principal active agent of Andrographis paniculata. Other possibly active constituents include neoandrographolide, andrographiside, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, and arabinoglycan proteins.      Its well-known medicinal and pharmacological activities include:      Hepatoprotective effects: In mouse models of chemically-induced hepatotoxicity, andrographolide, neoandrographolide, and andrographiside all reduced levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and enzymatic leakage, possibly through antioxidant effects. A choleretic effect was seen in rats and guinea pigs with paracetamol-induced liver damage.      Immunomodulatory properties: Andrographolide alone and the standardized andrographis combination product Kan Jang® were found to increase the formation of TNF-alpha and Beta2MG in vitro; the fixed combination was more effective than the andrographolide alone. In vitro andrographolide also increased TNF-alpha production and cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes against certain cancer cell lines, as well as demonstrating potential direct anticancer activity by induction of cell-cycle inhibitory protein p27 and decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase. Safety Profile      To date, no adverse effects of short- or long-term use of soy proteins have been observed in adults. It should be use cautiously in diabetic patients in combination with hypoglycemic agents due to a possible additive hypoglycemic effect. When used in doses higher than 5mg/kg day of andrographolide component, due to a risk of significant adverse effects. Herb Drug interactions      Anticoagulants and anti-platelets : Use cautiously in patients taking anticoagulant agents such as warfarin or heparin or with anti-platelet agents such as ibuprofen, due to possible platelet aggregation inhibition by Andrographis      Fertility agents: Animal studies suggest that andrographis may have antifertility or contraceptive effects at high doses. Selected relevant published references • J.Exp.Ther.Oncol. 2003;3(3):147-158. • Planta Med. 1992;58(2):146-149. • Phytomedicine. 2002;9(7):598-605. • Biochem.Pharmacol. 7-6-1993;46(1):182-185.