Andrographis paniculata, also known as King of Bitters or Kalmegh, serves as a highly effective antioxidant. It is a significant medicinal herb originating from India and Sri Lanka. Andrographis is used as a tonic for liver health, helping to regenerate and detoxify the liver after viral infections while promoting bile production.
Andrographis paniculata has been clinically studied and has similar effects to Echinacea, including its use as a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic. It has a bitter taste and contains bitter principles such as deoxyandrographolides, andrographolides, and neoandrographolides.
Origin of Andrographis paniculata
As mentioned, it originates from India and Sri Lanka, where it remains a part of local folk medicine. In China, it is even listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China and is widely used in Scandinavian countries as an immune-stimulating preparation. Andrographis paniculata is also found in Asian countries, especially in flat areas where it is most cultivated today. Additionally, it can be found in Java, India, America, Thailand, and Malaysia.