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Andrographis paniculata - Kalmegh
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Kalmegh or Andrographis paniculata is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to India and Sri Lanka.
It is widely cultivated in Southern and Southeastern Asia, where it has been traditionally used to treat infections and some diseases. Mostly the leaves and roots were used for medicinal purposes. The whole plant is also used in some cases.
Traditional medicine
Since ancient times, A. paniculata has been used in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India. This plant is a major ingredient of the polyherbal formulation by the name "Nilavembu kudineer choornam" in Siddha medicine.
According to the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, "A specific product (andrographis combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus) may shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of common cold." It also says, "Pregnant women shouldn't use andrographis because it could terminate pregnancy.
Medical use
A review concluded that existing evidence from controlled clinical trials supports a role for A. paniculata in the treatment of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
There is no evidence of its effectiveness in cancer treatment.
