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MEDICINAL PLANT & BOTANICAL REFERENCE PROFILE CODE: [BOT-12] ID: TIP-MED-000591

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Active Ingredient / Scientific Identity: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees • Class: Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry • Acanthaceae (Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering))

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THE INDIAN PHARMACIST — Educational Reference Sheet
Profile: Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) ([BOT-12] | ID: TIP-MED-000591) • Last Reviewed: 2026-11-10
Source URL: https://theindianpharmacist.com/medicine/bot-12-kalmegh/
Generic / Entity NameKalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) ([BOT-12])
Verified Indian Brands / RefStandardised Pharmacopoeial Crude Drug / Extract (IP / API Reference)
Pharmacological ClassPharmacognosy & Phytochemistry • Acanthaceae (Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harveste
Available Dosage FormsOfficial Plant Part: Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering) | Marker Compounds: Diterpene
Regulatory ClassificationIndian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Herbal Monograph and API Part I Vol VIII.
Key Warning & Review DateCan cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition o
Reviewed: 2026-11-10
Safety Matrix:⚖️ Regulatory Framework: Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Herbal Monograph and API P✔️ Standard Clinical Dispensing Precautions

1. Clinical & Scientific Overview

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) (TIP-MED-000591, Reference Code [BOT-12]) is classified under Medicinal Plants, Botanicals & Phytopharmaceuticals as a Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry • Acanthaceae (Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering)). Within the Indian regulatory and compendial framework, it is governed under Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Herbal Monograph and API Part I Vol VIII..

Verified Indian Market Examples / Compendial Status:
Standardised Pharmacopoeial Crude Drug / Extract (IP / API Reference)
Botanical Standardisation Note: Authenticate by macroscopic, microscopic, and HPTLC/HPLC marker assay (Diterpene lactones — Andrographolide (IP marker >=1.0% w/w in raw herb, >=10–30% in standardized extract), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, and neoandrographolide) per Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API).
Dosage Forms & Available Strengths:
Official Plant Part: Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering) | Marker Compounds: Diterpene lactones — Andrographolide (IP marker >=1.0% w/w in raw herb, >=10–30% in standardized extract), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, and neoandrographolide
Routes: Oral / Topical as specified by classical API or standardized extract monograph

Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry & Botanical Standardisation

Accepted Botanical Binomial & Authority: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees

Botanical Family: Acanthaceae

Official Authenticated Plant Part: Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering)

Major Phytochemical Constituents & IP/API Marker Compounds: Diterpene lactones — Andrographolide (IP marker >=1.0% w/w in raw herb, >=10–30% in standardized extract), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, and neoandrographolide

Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) Botanical Reference Illustration

Traditional / Classical Ayurvedic Context: 'King of Bitters' in Ayurveda and Siddha (Nilavembu Kudineer component) used for acute febrile illnesses and upper respiratory infections.

Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment (Clearly Distinguished from Traditional Use): Meta-analyses of RCTs support standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (KalmCold / SHA-10, 60–180 mg andrographolide/day for 5–7 days) for reducing symptom severity and duration in uncomplicated acute viral pharyngotonsillitis and common cold.

Quality Control, Adulteration & Contaminant Limits: Authenticate via HPTLC/HPLC marker assay; screen for heavy metals (Lead <=10 ppm, Arsenic <=3 ppm, Cadmium <=0.3 ppm, Mercury <=1 ppm), microbial load, and aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2 per IP/API.

Indian Regulatory Classification (ASU vs Phytopharmaceutical vs FSSAI): Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) Herbal Monograph and API Part I Vol VIII.

3. Mechanism of Action & Pharmacodynamics

Major Phytochemical Constituents & Pharmacological Actions: Diterpene lactones — Andrographolide (IP marker >=1.0% w/w in raw herb, >=10–30% in standardized extract), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, and neoandrographolide. Meta-analyses of RCTs support standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (KalmCold / SHA-10, 60–180 mg andrographolide/day for 5–7 days) for reducing symptom severity and duration in uncomplicated acute viral pharyngotonsillitis and common cold.

4. Therapeutic Indications & Evidence-Supported Uses

  • Traditional / Classical Context: 'King of Bitters' in Ayurveda and Siddha (Nilavembu Kudineer component) used for acute febrile illnesses and upper respiratory infections.
  • Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment: Meta-analyses of RCTs support standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (KalmCold / SHA-10, 60–180 mg andrographolide/day for 5–7 days) for reducing symptom severity and duration in uncomplicated acute viral pharyngotonsillitis and common cold.

🇮🇳 Jurisdiction & Indication Note: Indications and schedules reflect Indian compendial and regulatory records (CDSCO / Indian Pharmacopoeia & NFI / NLEM 2022). Where international reference labels (US FDA DailyMed / NCBI StatPearls) are cited for pharmacokinetic or mechanistic parameters, international approvals do not automatically imply CDSCO approval in India.

5. Educational Dosage Context, Formulations & Administration

Educational Dosing & Regimen Summary: Pharmacognostic & Clinical Evidence Summary: Meta-analyses of RCTs support standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (KalmCold / SHA-10, 60–180 mg andrographolide/day for 5–7 days) for reducing symptom severity and duration in uncomplicated acute viral pharyngotonsillitis and common cold.

Administration & Meal Timing: Authenticated Plant Part Used: Dried Aerial Parts (Stem and Leaves harvested at flowering). Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).

6. Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism & Renal/Hepatic Adjustment

Absorption & Disposition:
Complex multicomponent phytoconstituent disposition involving intestinal deglycosylation by gut microbiota, hepatic Phase II glucuronidation/sulfation, and potential modulation of CYP450 and P-gp efflux pumps.
Metabolism & Biotransformation:
Intestinal microbial hydrolysis and hepatic Phase I/II biotransformation of secondary metabolites.
Elimination & Renal Adjustment:
Avoid unstandardised herbal extracts in Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease (risk of hyperkalaemia or nephrotoxic adulterants).
Hepatic Impairment Considerations:
Avoid high-dose concentrated botanical extracts in pre-existing hepatic disease; discontinue immediately if jaundice or transaminase elevation occurs.

7. Contraindications, Precautions & High-Risk Warnings

Contraindications & Red-Flag Precautions:
  • Hypersensitivity to Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees or other members of the Acanthaceae family
  • Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).

Key Clinical Precautions: Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).

8. Adverse Effects Profile

Common & Mechanism-Related Adverse Effects:
  • Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).
Serious / Dose-Limiting Adverse Effects:
  • Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).

9. Major Drug–Drug, Drug–Food & Drug–Herb Interactions

  • Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).

10. Clinical Monitoring, Patient Counselling & Storage

Clinical & Laboratory Monitoring: Verify botanical binomial authenticity (exclude adulterants/substitutes), HPTLC marker content, heavy metal limits (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), aflatoxins, and pesticide residues per IP/API standards.

Pharmacist Patient Counselling Points:

  • Natural or herbal origin does NOT automatically mean risk-free; always disclose botanical supplements to your doctor and pharmacist.
  • Can cause reversible urticaria/anaphylactic hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset, metallic bitter dysgeusia, and inhibition of CYP2C9/CYP3A4 and platelet aggregation; contraindicated in pregnancy (embryotoxic/abortifacient in animal models).
  • Never discontinue prescribed allopathic chronic disease medicines (antihypertensives, antidiabetics, anticonvulsants, or antivirals) in favour of unverified herbal products.

Storage, Stability & Dispensing Safeguards: Store dried botanical material and extracts in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25°C protected from humidity and fungal/aflatoxin contamination.

11. Visual Pharmacology & Mechanism Diagram (svg-v339-01-adme-12-step-journey)

THE 12-STEP ORAL DRUG JOURNEY THROUGH THE HUMAN BODY (LADME) Note: IV bolus enters Step 6 directly (F = 100%); Sublingual & Transdermal routes bypass Step 4–5 Portal First-Pass Metabolism 1. Oral Administration • Tablet / Capsule swallowed • Gastric emptying to duodenum pH 1.5–3.5 (Stomach) 2. Disintegration & Dissolution • Tablet breaks into granules • API dissolves in GI fluid Noyes-Whitney Dissolution Rate 3. GI Epithelial Absorption • Crosses intestinal villi • Passive / Active / P-gp efflux Small Intestine (Large Surface Area) 4. Portal Circulation • Mesenteric veins → Portal vein • Delivers blood to liver sinusoids Pre-systemic Venous Conduit 5. First-Pass Metabolism • Gut & hepatic CYP450 extraction • High: GTN, Propranolol, Morphine Determines Bioavailability (F = f_a × (1-E_H)) 6. Systemic Circulation • Hepatic vein → IVC → Heart • Unbound vs Albumin-bound drug Only FREE drug is active 7–8. Tissue Distribution (Vd) • Capillary permeation to organs • Blood-Brain & Placental barriers Vd = Dose / C_0 (L or L/kg) 9. Target Site of Action • Receptors (GPCR, Ion channel) • Enzymes & Carrier Transporters Pharmacodynamic Effect (E_max, EC50) 10. Hepatic Biotransformation • Phase I (CYP450 Oxidation/Hydrolysis) • Phase II (Glucuronidation/Sulfation) Converts lipophilic drug → hydrophilic metabolite 11. Renal & Biliary Elimination • Nephron: Filtration + Secretion − Reabsorption • Biliary excretion & Enterohepatic recycling Total Clearance CL_tot = CL_renal + CL_hepatic 12. Excretion from the Body • Urine (Primary polar metabolite route) • Bile/Faeces, Expired Air, Sweat, Milk Elimination Half-Life t1/2 = (0.693 × Vd) / CL
svg-v339-01-adme-12-step-journey — 8.1 Complete 12-Step Journey of an Orally Administered Drug (ADME): Figure 8.1: The 12-step physiological journey of a typical orally administered solid dosage form through Liberation, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (LADME). Note: Parenteral (IV), sublingual, and inhalational routes bypass gastrointestinal absorption and/or hepatic first-pass metabolism.

12. Authoritative References, Regulatory Sources & Editorial Disclaimer

Primary Compendial & Guideline Reference: Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP — Herbs and Herbal Products Addendum); Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API — Ministry of AYUSH); CDSCO Rule 122E Phytopharmaceutical Drug Guidelines.

Official Verification Portals: Ministry of AYUSH — Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) • Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Herbal Monographs • CDSCO — Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (ASU & Phytopharmaceuticals)

Last Medically & Pharmaceutically Reviewed: 2026-11-10 • Verification Status: VERIFIED_EDUCATIONAL_CONTENT

Educational & Clinical Disclaimer: This reference profile is published solely for pharmacy education, academic study, and professional clinical reference. It does not substitute for patient-specific clinical judgement, qualified specialist oncology/medical supervision, or official CDSCO/IP prescribing information. Never self-medicate with prescription, Schedule H/H1/X, NDPS, or oncology medicines.

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Educational Reference Notice: This printout from THE INDIAN PHARMACIST (https://theindianpharmacist.com/medicine/bot-12-kalmegh/, Last Reviewed: 2026-11-10) is an educational reference sheet for students and healthcare learners. It is NOT an official prescribing guideline or patient-specific treatment order.