Andrographis paniculata

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.)

Common Name: Bitterweed
Family: Acanthaceae
Vernacular Names: King of Bitters – English., Nilavembu – Tamil., Kiriyathu – Malayalam
Synonyms: Hydrocotyle asiatica L., Centella coriaceae Nannf.
Plant Description: A. paniculata grows to a height of 30 110 cm, stem is dark green, quadrangular with longitudinal furrows and wings on the angles of the young parts, slightly enlarged at the nodes. Leaves are glabrous, lanceolate, pinnate with acute apex and entire margin. Flowers white with rose-purple spots on the petals, small in size with axillary and terminal racemes or panicles. Seeds are capsules with linear-oblong, acute at both ends.
Distribution and Habitat: A paniculata is distributed in tropical Asian countries, often in isolated patches.It can be found in a variety of habitats, such as plains, hillsides, coastlines and disturbed and cultivated areas such as roadsides and farms.
Uses:
This plant is recommended for the use in cases of leprosy, gonorrhea, scabies, boils, skin eruptions and chronic and seasonal fever for its high blood purifying properties.