Abstract
The latin name of Indian Echinacea is Andrographis paniculata’, and it is commonly known as ‘Kalmegh’. Kalmegh is also known as “Green Chiretta” and the King of Bitters. Because of its bitter taste, it can aid in blood purification, and it also exhibits promising hepatoprotective effects, protecting the liver from damage caused by various toxic agents, infections, and oxidative stress. Andrographis’ active compounds, including andrographolide, have been investigated for their ability to improve liver function, reduce inflammation, and prevent liver fibrosis. According to recent preclinical and clinical studies, andrographis may help modulate liver enzymes, promote liver regeneration, and lower the risk of chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Introduction
Andrographis paniculata, often referred to as Indian echinacea or Kalmegh, is a medicinal herb native to South Asia. It has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, infections, and digestive issues. One of its most notable medicinal properties is its potential for hepatoprotection, which has received increased attention in recent years. Toxins, alcohol consumption, viral infections, and oxidative stress can all cause damage to the liver, which is an important organ responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and protein synthesis. Liver damage can cause a variety of conditions, such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatitis. Andrographis paniculata has been shown to have strong antioxidant, inflammation-fighting, and immune-boosting properties that help protect and restore liver function.
Distribution: It is an erect annual herb found throughout the hotter and tropical parts of India from UP to MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, etc.
Morphological Features Of Andrographis Paniculata
- Stem: Height 30 to 110 cm, slender, angular, and often green to purplish in color.
- Leaves: opposite, linear lanceolate, with sharp tip and pointed base, measure between 5 and 12 cm in length. Smooth, and they emit a bitter odor when crushed.
- Flowers: small, four petals, generally funnel-shaped or tubular, white to pale purple flowers and are arranged in terminal spikes or panicles.
- Fruit: is made up of small, dark brown to black seeds. The fruit is capsulated and can be either linear or oval in shape.
- Roots: fibrous, with a strong tap root. Shallow and spread widely.
Nutrient Composition
Andrographis paniculata, also known as Indian Echinacea, contains a variety of phytochemicals that contribute to its medicinal properties. This includes a variety of essential nutrients, minerals, and bioactive compounds that are beneficial for human health.
Bioactive Compounds Of Andrographis Paniculata
Andrographolide is the most active compound in the diterpene lactones group. The most is found in the bitter-tasting leaves. Other diterpene lactones found in the leaves include neoandrographolide and andrographiside, as well as flavonoids such as oroxylin and wogonin. Dihydroandrographolide, a derivative of andrographolide, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The flavonoids found in kalmegh include quercetin and rutin. Polyphenols are well-known for their antioxidant activity, which helps to reduce oxidative stress and promote liver health. Saponins are also present and exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.
Furthermore, kalmegh contains essential oils and volatile compounds that contribute to its distinct bitter flavor and medicinal qualities. Because of its unique chemical composition, the plant is a valuable herb in traditional medicine and a growing area of research for its therapeutic potential.
Benefits Of Indian Echinacea Or Andrographis Paniculata
1. Effect of Kalmegh on liver
- Kalmegh is especially effective at protecting the liver from damage caused by toxic substances like alcohol, drugs, environmental toxins, and free radicals. Kalmegh has been shown in studies to lower the levels of liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST), which are elevated when liver cells are injured.
- Kalmegh also promotes regeneration of liver cells (hepatocytes). This regenerative effect is particularly useful in liver injury or in damaged liver cells, such as hepatitis or drug-induced liver toxicity. Kalmegh promotes liver cell proliferation and repair, which helps to restore liver health.
- Also, the liver plays an important role in detoxification by metabolizing and eliminating toxins. Kalmegh promotes liver detoxification by accelerating the development of enzymes that contribute to the digestion and removal of toxic compounds.
- Kalmegh aids in the prevention of liver fibrosis, a condition defined by excessive scarring of liver tissue that can lead to cirrhosis. Kalmegh has been shown in studies to hinder the development of collagen as well as additional matrix molecules that trigger liver scarring. Thus, Kalmegh is advantageous because it prevents the long-term effects of chronic liver injury.
2. Effect of Kalmegh on cholesterol and lipid regulation
- Kalmegh has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), which is a type of cholesterol that can accumulate in the walls of arteries, leading to cardiovascular problems and atherosclerosis. As the high levels of LDL cholesterol contribute to the development of fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Kalmegh helps to prevent fat buildup in the liver, which reduces the risk of developing fatty liver.
- Kalmegh has also been shown to reduce triglyceride levels, which are another type of fat that can build up in the liver and blood vessels when present in excess.
- This also aids in the improvement of lipid metabolism by allowing the body to process and use fats more efficiently. It can aid in the regulation of lipid synthesis and breakdown, ensuring that fat is used efficiently rather than stored in liver cells.
- Kalmegh also supports the fight against lipotoxicity, which is a condition in which excess lipids in the liver damage cells. As a result, by controlling lipid levels and preventing fat buildup, we can reduce lipotoxicity and protect the liver from further damage.
3. Blood Purification
Kalmegh is commonly used as a blood purifier, which helps to rid the bloodstream of toxins and waste products. It is commonly used to treat skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis, which are believed to be caused by blood impurities. It is also effective at reducing cutaneous inflammation and detoxifying the body internally.
4. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief
Kalmegh is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and is commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in various conditions. It is especially effective for treating arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation, improving mobility in cases of joint disorders, and is often included in formulations for rheumatic conditions.
Ayurvedic Properties Of Kalmegh
The medicinal properties of Kalmegh, as per Ayurveda, are as follows:
- Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)
- Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light for digestion) and Ruksha (dry in nature); vipaka (katu): undergoes pungent taste after digestion.
- Veerya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
- Karma (Actions) – Kapha Pitta Shamak (reduces vitiated kapha and Pitta dosha).
Practical Uses Of Kalmegh In Ayurveda
- In cases of fatty liver, the liver gets inflamed, while Kalmegh helps to manage this condition due to its deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion).
- An ayurvedic decoction of Kalmegh has digestive benefits and liver-protective properties, which may support healthy weight management by improving digestion and metabolism.
- The cold infusion of this plant is given at a dose of 40–50 mL to treat impurities in blood and can be used as a blood purifier.
- It can be taken in the form of powder at a given dose of 2–3 g with black pepper to treat malaria and fever.
- The dosage of 20–30 ml is given to treat fever, increase immunity, inflammation of the liver, and jaundice.
Parts Used
Whole plant
Conclusion
This article concludes the importance of the Kalmegh plant. This herb is known for its liver-protective properties, immune properties and several antioxidant properties. In the market, kalmegh is available in the form of tablets, swaras, and powder that help in the better treatment of disorders and cure diseases without any side effects. Also, recent studies show the great impact of kalmegh in fatty liver; this has reduced the inflammation of the liver. one must change the lifestyle and make dietary changes; this will promote liver health.