Photo Frederick FN Noronha. Creative Commons. 3.0. Non-commercial. Attribution. May be reproduced for non-commercial purposes. For other purposes contact fn at goa-india dot org
Botanical Name: Andrographis Paniculata
Common Name: Creat, Kariyat, Indian Echinacea.
Part Used: Whole Plant, Leaves
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India.
Uses: Andrographis has been found to be an effective anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and immune system stimulant. It is used in viral hepatitis, children’s bowel complaints, gastric acidity, liver congestion, flatulence. It is being increasingly used as treatment for colds. Reasonably good evidence tells us that it can reduce the severity of cold symptoms. It may also help prevent colds. Preliminary evidence suggests that it stimulate immunity, potentially making it useful for general immune support. Interestingly, the ingredient of Andrographis used for standardization purposes, andrographolide, does not appear to affect the immune system as much as the whole plant extract. Preliminary studies in animals also suggest that andrographis may offer benefits for preventing heart disease. In addition, highly preliminary studies suggest that andrographis may help protect the liver from toxic injury, perhaps more successfully than the more famous liver-protective herb milk thistle. Decoction of the plant is blood purifier and is used for cure of torbid liver. Tincture of roots is tonic, stimulant and aperient.
Courtesy Asit K. Ghosh
Posted by fredericknoronha on 2009-10-12 22:47:51
Tagged: , kodu kiraitem , medicinal plants , anti-biotic, anti-viral, anti-parasitic and immune system stimulant