Abstract

PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF KALMEGH (ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA) WHOLE PLANT

Dr. Piyusha V. Sarode* and Dr. Surekha T. Landge

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Abstract

The Ayurvedic system of medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago. This medicinal system incorporates the use of Dravya’s medicinal plants, which proved to be an effective means of human care. one among many such a plant is kalmegh. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall.ex Nees, generally known as “king of bitters,” is an herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae. This plant has been widely used in treating Ajirna, Atisara, Jvara, Kandu, Kamala. All parts of A paniculata are extremely bitter in taste. The present study was carried out to investigate the morphological, microscopical, and physicochemical screening of Andrographis paniculata (whole plant). Physicochemical properties, including loss on drying, total ash value, a water-soluble extractive, and alcohol-soluble extractive, were determined. The microscopic study of powdered Dravya was done. This observation could be considered a reference standard for future studies.

Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, Physicochemical investigation, Pharmacognostical standardization, kalmegh.