Abstract

REVIEW ON PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF KARIYAT

Sachin Annasaheb Nitave* and Dr. Kailasam Koumaravelou

ABSTRACT

Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) used in ancient oriental and ayurvedic medicine, commonly called as Kariyat belongs to the Acanthaceae family comprises of about 40 species. Only a few are popular for their use in folk medicine for assorted health concerns. Of these few, A. paniculata is the most important and it is extensively used in several medicinal systems such as Ayurvedha, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Amchi, Modern, Unani and Siddha. In this review, various aspects of Kariyat such as morphology, cultivation & collection, phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities, safety and toxicity etc. are covered.

Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, traditional uses, pharmacology.