Andrographis paniculata
Andrographis paniculata -
Kalmegh ( Andrographis paniculata, Syn. Justicia paniculata Burm f ) is a plant from the family of Acanthaceae ( Acanthaceae ). The natural occurrence of this kind is India and Sri Lanka. Trivial names in other languages are Nepali कालमेघ kālamegha, also "King of Bitters ".
For centuries It belongs to Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Kalmegh is an adaptogenic medicinal plant. In India it is called because of its healing effect also "Indian Echinacea ".
Description
Andrographis paniculata is an erect, annual herbaceous plant with four-sided, in the upper part sharp winged stems. The leaves are sharp - lanceolate with scalloped edge and paler underside.
The small flowers are removed in axillary or terminal racemose or paniculate [ Inflorescences ] n with lanceolate bracts. The rose-colored corolla is two-lipped, with bidentate upper and lower lip zweilappiger.
The capsule is oblong- fruit cylindrical and pointed at the ends. It contains numerous yellowish brown seeds whose surface is rough with dents. In India, this species blooms in November and December.
Effects / use
Traditional use: In ayuvedischen medicine the plant is used to protect the liver and respiratory tract. Here are antipyretic and possibly cleansing effects to be added, which attenuate the disease process and hasten the resolution of the disease.
Study Location: Younger scientific studies on Andrographis prove positive effects in the treatment of colds. Rhinoviruses therefore bind to the receptor intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM- 1) on the Epithlium of the nasopharynx. Thus, infected cells release interleukin -8 ( IL-8), are released by inflammatory mediators. The presence of kinins and prostaglandins ( mediators of inflammation ) leading to the classic symptoms of a cold. The reasons are the extension of the vessels (swelling ), a greater permeability of the vessel walls ( removal ) and the increase of the exocrine glands activity ( flushing ). Andrographis is traditionally ascribed to an anti-inflammatory effect. In cell models was inhibition of inflammatory mediators lipoxygenase, prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B2, interleukin- 1β and other evidence. The effects on cough, sputum, nasal discomfort, headache, fever, sore throat, ear pain, fatigue and sleep disturbances were examined in several studies and positive results were found. One of the latest studies in the Phytomedicine 17 (2010) 178 - 185 published. A 1995 study in Thailand could demonstrate no effect on inflammation of the urinary tract. Studies, however, could be employed with the effect of bacterial diarrheal diseases show positive effects.
Experimental Pharmacology: In a study published in 1990 in Thailand, no effect was found after a possible antibacterial effect with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In one published in 1991 in India investigation was conducted in a mouse model of a non-specific immune response by measurement of the macrophage migration index, phagocytosis of ( 14C) leucine labeled E. coli and splenic lymphocytes detected. Another finding here is that the effect of an extract was stronger than alone of andrographolides or Neoandrographoliden. Other studies have dealt with the effect on the HI virus, Malaria Parasites, diarrheal pathogens and liver protection.
Caution is advised in pregnancy, lactation and known allergy to plants of the Acanthaceae family. Never preparations of Andrographis should be administered intravenously as a certain potential for anaphylactic shock is to be feared in this administration. Possible synergistic effects with Isoniaziden should also be respected.
The consumption of large quantities may cause irritation of the Verdauungsappartes and thus discomfort.
Tags:
- Strengthening of the heart and liver
- Against sinusitis
- Against the hepatitis B virus
- Anti-inflammatory
- Blood purifier
- Acute and chronic infections
- With weakened immune systems