Botany of Andrographis Wall. ex Nees (Andrographinae: Acanthaceae)

Preview this chapter:

Botany of Andrographis Wall. ex Nees (Andrographinae: Acanthaceae), Page 1 of 1

< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/9789815256567/chapter-2-1.gif

The genus Andrographis Wall. ex Nees is recognized for its potential medicinal properties, playing a vital role in traditional and indigenous medicinal systems, particularly in India. It is used for treating various common ailments such as cold, fever, diarrhea, jaundice, cancer, and tumor. In addition, Andrographis is valued as a health tonic for fever and cardiovascular health as an antioxidant. Its applications extend to improving sexual dysfunctions and acting as a contraceptive. The therapeutic properties of Andrographis are primarily attributed to the major phytochemical andrographolide, although the composition of phytoconstituents can vary significantly among different species. These phytochemical variations are significantly influenced by geographical location, soil types, seasonal changes, and the specific time of harvest. The diversity in chemical composition highlights the importance of understanding the specific context and conditions under which Andrographis species are grown and harvested to optimize their medicinal efficacy. This chapter deals with the botany of andrographolide-yielding Andrographis species and their taxonomy, identification key, citation, description, and distribution for their availability and conservation.