Andrographis paniculatta / CHUAN XIN LIAN / Chiretta Herb Cut

Description

Botanical Name – Andrographis paniculatta

Chinese Name – Chuan Xin Lian

English Name – Chiretta

Andrographis is an annual herbaceous plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is used in Siddha and Ayurvedic medicine. The leaves are scentless. The shrub’s small flowers are tubular-shaped and white with pale violet streaks. The seeds are known to drop quickly if not harvested. The whole plant has a bitter taste due to the pungent diterpenoid lactones.

It is native to India and Sri Lanka, but is distributed in other tropical Asian countries, often in isolated patches. It can be found in a variety of habitats, such as plains, hillsides, coastlines, and disturbed and cultivated areas such as roadsides, farms, and wastelands.It  grows to a height of 30–110 cm.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Antiviral – It shows anti-viral properties against herpes simplex virus. It has also been used as  treatment for malaria, as a replacement for quinine.

Bitter – Andrographis Paniculata, known as ‘The King of Bitters.’

Hepatic – Andrographis is believed to be effective in the treatment of liver and gall bladder conditions such as viral hepatitis, jaundice, drug-induced liver damage, liver congestion and sluggish liver.

Immunostimulant – This bitter shrub has shown immunity-boosting capabilities by stimulating the body’s natural immune systems. Japanese researchers have reported that the plant is effective in preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Andrographolides in the plant are thought to enhance immune function such as in the production of white blood cells, to support the release of interferon, and to promote the healthy activity of the lymphatic system.

Respiratory – Historically, the herb has been widely used as a treatment for the common cold, flu, upper respiratory infections. This is mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Packaging

Product is supplied in Resealable Foil Bags.