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State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) Kerala

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Vernacular names: Kiriyath, Nilavepu, കിരിയാത്ത്, നിലവേപ്പ് (Malayalam), Andrographis (English), Kalmegh (Sanskrit), Kirayat (Hindi), Nilavembu (Tamil)
  • Distribution: Peninsular India and Sri Lanka
  • Description: Slender woody herbs; branches glabrous. Leaves elliptic, acuminate at apex, decussate. Panicle terminal and upper axillary. Flowers many, white with pale pink. Capsule oblong, acute, hairy; retinacula spoon shaped; seeds 8.
  • Habit: Herb
  • Habitat: Scrub jungles, also in the plains
  • Flowering & Fruiting: March-December

  • Parts used: Whole plant
  • Properties & Uses: Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antioxidant, anthelmintic. The whole plant is used for the treatment of ulcers, worms, acidity, liver complaints and dysentery.
  • Systems of Medicines: Ayurveda, Folk, Unani, Homeo, Modern,
  • Traditional Uses:Whole plant boiled with water and the decoction is taken internally against snake bite. The decoction is also used to clean the bite mouth. Leaves crushed and the juice take orally is used to treat Jaundice. Roots are made in to paste and mixed with water and taken internally to cure asthma. Root powder with black pepper and honey is a remedy for cough (Aranadans).
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