Andrographis paniculata Nees (Kalmegh): A Review on Its Antibacterial Activities and Phytocompounds

Aims: To study the number of researches performed in the area of antibacterial activities and phytocompounds of Andrographis paniculata.

Study Design: The present scenario of increasing rate of multi-drug resistance to pathogenic organisms has necessitated a search for antimicrobial substances from other sources especially from plants. Andrographis paniculata is a potent medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is known to exhibit significant antibacterial properties and commonly called as king of bitter (English), kalmegh (Hindi) and Chiretta (Urdu). The plant contains variety of chemical constituents but andrographolides is the major constituent of this plant which is believed to be responsible for the most biological activities.

Results: Studies showed that leaves are the most promising part as a source for antibacterial agents. Ethanol, chloroform and methanol were came out to be the most promising solvents to extract phytocompounds. 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-14-deoxyandrographolide and 14-deoxyandrographolide are the two compounds isolated from Andrographis paniculata showing broad spectrum antibacterial activities.

Conclusion: From this review it is clear that the studied plant can be used for developing drugs in order to fight with various infectious diseases.