Therapeutic Potentials of Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata : a Review

Andrographolide, a bitter principle obtained from Andrographis paniculata (Family: Acanthaceae), is a diterpene lactone, responsible for various pharmacological activities. This is a well-known phytoconstituent from Indian System of Medicine, used in the management of different diseases since time immemorial. Research activities worldwide to exhibit the beneficial role of Andrographolide are continuously enriching the therapeutic arsenal of this important phytomolecule. In addition to the well known pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective, antioxidant, hypoglycemic etc., recent advances in the management of immune system and neoplastic diseases make andrographolide the phytomolecule of the hour. In this report an effort has been given to highlight the research findings related to therapeutic potentials and recent development in the pharmacological activities of andrographolide.