Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae)
(A. paniculata, Chuanxinlian), is a medicinal herb
used in many regions such as Taiwan, Mainland China
and India to treat liver disorders, colic pain, common
cold, and respiratory infections[1-3]. Andrographolide
and its derivatives have been widely used for treating
respiratory infections in China and India for decades.
It contains diterpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols as
the major bioactive components[4]. Andrographolide is
the major diterpenoid in A. paniculata, making up about
4%, 0.8%~1.2% and 0.5%~6% in dried whole plant, stem
and leaf extracts respectively[5-7]. It is also used as a
wonder drug in traditional Sidha and Ayurvedic system of
medicine as well as tribal medicine in India for multiple
clinical applications, since ancient and also been shown
to be effective against certain cancers and is an effective
purgative.