Family: Acanthaceae
Other known names: Fa thalaai, Fa thalaai joan, Yaa kannguu, Khee-panghee
Botanical description:
These plants which grow all year round have a height ranging from 30 cm to 100 cm and have vertical stems with many branches. The leaves are elliptically lance-shaped and grow opposite each other, have a length of 2.5 cm to 8 cm, are covered in hairs and are divided into five linear segments.
This evergreen plant thrives on all soil types. It is cultivated but in its wild state it can be found in pine forests, virgin jungle and on roadsides.
Uses in Ethnic Medicine:
All parts of the plant:
As an expectorant (freeing of phlegm - viscid mucus secreted in abnormal quantity in the respiratory passages).
Leaves:
As a prophylactic (preventative) for maintaining good health, treatment of lesions, herpes zoster (girdle herpes - shingles), herpes simplex (all types), reduction of fever, infection inhibitor, diarrhoea and infections of the colon (large intestine).
Traditional Thai Prescriptions:
For the treatment of lesions, a handful of leaves is mixed with salt in half a glass of water. The contents are decanted and taken orally. For the treatment of intestinal disorders the leaves are dried, pulverised and administered in 250 mg capsules which are taken twice daily.
Ingredients:
In the leaves which can be used are: andrographolides, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, dehydoandrograholide, deoxyandrographolide-19-ß-D-glucopyranoside, 14-deoxy-11,12- didehydroandrographolides, 3,5 dicaffeoyl-d-quinic-acid, neoandrographoloids, ninandrographololdes, paniculide A, B und C, 2-trans-6-trans-farneosol.
Pharmacognistic study and clinical trials:
Antibacterial activity against the following genera : Staphylococcus aureus, proteus vulgaris, ß-streptokokki type A, Shigella, escheria coli.
In dental and oral cavity therapy against streptococcus mutans KPSK2, GS-5 and bacteroides, gingivitis.
Andrographis is also effective against salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae (bacilliary dysentery) und Vibrio cholera 01.
Andrographis paniculata has had a series of spectacular effects against common ailments such as influenza. Evidence has shown that hardly any other product is as effective when used correctly. At the first signs of a common cold, andrographis should be taken immediately in a high dosage - 1,200 -1,600 mg - (four capsules) and at a continuing frequency of four to six hours during which the dosage can be slightly reduced. An infection which is just beginning can be cured in 80 - 90% of cases.
And this is not all of which andrographis is capable. It will work against heartburn (acid indigestion - dyspepsia), paradontosis, which in chronic cases are almost always an indication of heart conditions. This has been conclusively substantiated by research into lipids. It inhibits infection, reduces fever - where a reduction of temperature is appropriate, antispasmodic, and has an anti tumour action against sarcoma (Yoshida).
Recent research in Sweden has shown that the unusually high rate of child absenteeism in schools due to chills and influenza can be drastically reduced with andrographis. Andrographis was compared with paracetamol, a common analgesic (pain killer) and infection inhibitor. Compared to paracetamol, the effect of andrographis was far superior and was free of side effects.
Paracetamol: see ‘Bittere Pillen’. Andrographis should be combined with vitamin C, as recent research has shown that it influences the oxidation of erythrocytes (red blood corpuscles).
Andrographis is now taking an ever increasing role in oral cavity and dental medicine.
It is an excellent natural gift to health from the Asian tropics and should be available in every home and travel first-aid pack. |
