Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), commonly known as Kalmegh is used both in Ayurvedic and Unani system of
medicines for a number of ailments related to digestion, hepatoprotection, hypoglycemic, and as anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory,
vermicidal and antiacene. Ten accessions of A. paniculata from different sources were screened to assess the yield and its components besides
andrographolides on three harvesting dates viz. 70, 100, 130 days after plantation corresponding to calendar months of September, October and
November. The results revealed its successful growth in the subtropical region of Jammu, with last week of October ideal for obtaining maximum
dry herbage (931.3 kg/ha) and total andrographolide yield (61.83 kg/ha), respectively. On the basis of leaf/stem ratio the relative estimates of total
andrographolide is higher in October (46%) than September (15%) or November (39%). Accession Acc.1 and Acc.9 have been identified as the best
sources for obtaining higher drug yield.