Andrographis paniculata (AP) annual shrub (family Acanthaceae,
Maha-tita, literally king of bitters or known as an Ayurveda herb
Kalamegha) grows abundantly in India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan [1] and
is cultivated extensively in China and Thailand. A. paniculata Nees
is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an antidote for snakebite
and poisonous stings of some insects, and to treat dyspepsia,
influenza, dysentery, malaria and respiratory infections [1]. Extensive
research of the last few decades has revealed that the AP herbal
extract is active in cytotoxic tests, e.g., against cancer cell lines [2].
In Europe this plant is added to many dietary supplements available
in the stores without prescription, hence the composition of
the AP should be studied and evaluated more thoroughly.