This document provides information about the Ayurvedic herb kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It discusses the historical use of kalmegh in Ayurveda to treat illnesses like the flu, outlines its chemical constituents and medical formulations, and summarizes recent research on its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and blood sugar regulating properties. The conclusion recommends kalmegh to shorten the duration of colds and flus based on its long history of safe use in Ayurveda and support from scientific studies.

1. Indian
By
SOMNATH SURAI
CHINA PHARMACEUTICAL UNIVERSITy

2. Objectives
• Introduction to Ayurveda
• Historical background
• kalmegh
• Reported benefits
• Reasons for caution
• Current Research
• Conclusions

3. WHAT IS THE AYURVEDA
• Comprehensive system that places equal
emphasis on the body, mind and spirit, and
it strives to restore the innate harmony of
the individual
• Ayurveda is the combination of two Sanskrit
words
– “ayu” meaning long life
– “ved” meaning knowledge
– “Knowledge or science of life”

4. • Covers all medical fields
• Diagnosis done by observation, touch, and
questioning
• Four components to
disease management
– Physician, Drug, Patient,
Attendant (such as
a nurse)

5. Historical background of
Ayurveda
It is said in "Ayurvedavatarana" that
Lord Brahma sung these life- giving slokas to
other deities who would together relieve human
race of severe suffering. Dhanvantari was one
among those deities who propagated Ayurveda
in the mortal sages; the elixir of life thus came
to be known as the divine science of
revelation .It equalizes the worth of deep
perception, inner vision and realization with
empirical observation. Ayurveda is hence,
crowned as the "Mother of all healing".

6. WHERE FROM AYURVEDA COMES?
Ayurveda was a divine system of medicine
5000 BC to 4000 BC
Comes from Sanskrit writings of mythic-
religious hymns related to the civilization in
Vedas
Rik veda refers to the cosmology known as
Sankhya - base of Ayurveda & Yoga
Atharva veda – details about Ayurveda

7. WHY AYURVEDA COMES
ON EARTH
PEOPLES START TO LIVE AGAINST
NATURE
EAT AGAINST NATURE
BECOMES LAZY

8. WHO THOUGHT FOR
AYURVEDA
ANICIENT SAINTS – STRESHED ABOUT
DISEASES
MEETING ON HIMALYAS
DICIDE TO SENT MAHARISHI
BHARDWAJ

9. SCHOOLS OF AYURVEDA
ATRYA
the school of physicians
DHANWANTRI
the school of surgeons

10. THREE MAIN TEXT BOOKS
OF AYURVEDA
Caraka Samhita (approximately 1500 BC)
Ashtang Hridyam (approximately 500 AD)
Sushrut Samhita(approximately300 - 400AD)

11. The Five Elements and Modern
Physics
• Space represents the Unified
Field
• Air represents to Motion and
Acceleration
• Fire represents Radiant Energy
and Heat
• Water represents Cohesive
Forces and Gravity
• Earth represents Mass
pancha mahavuta

12. AIMS OF AYURVEDA
TO ACHIEVE POSITIVE HEALTH FOR
THE INDIVIDUAL.
PROTECTION OF THE MASSES.
ULTIMATE LIBERATION.

13. kalmegh

14. About
• Scientific Name: Andrographis Paniculata
• English Name: Creat , Green Chirayta,
King of bitters.
• Chinese name :Chuan Xin Lian
• Common (Indian) Name:
• Hindi: Kalmegh, Kiryat, Mahatit,
• Family: Acanthaceae

15. Bile of the Earth
• A well known plant used in Ayurvedic Medicine -
Kalamegha “dark cloud”
• Leaves and Stems used for medicinal Purposes
• Used in the prevention and treatment of the
common cold
• Anticancer activity
• 28 species, A. Paniculata is most often used
medicinally

16. King of Bitters
• A small annual herb
• Cultivated in
India,Srilanka ,china and
Southeastern Asia
• Species vary in height,
30 cm -110 cm tall
• Grows in moist shady
places
• Very bitter flavor

17. Background/History
• Influenza epidemic broke out at the end of WW1,
killed more people than the war.
• Spread through North America, Europe, Asia,
Brazil, and South Pacific
• India had a very high Death rate. 50 adults out of
1000 between ages of 20-40
• Andrographis was credited with halting influenza
in India.
• Ayurveda practitioners have been using it since
1500 - 1800 BC

18. Chemistry
•Andrographolide is the major constituent extracted from
whole plant
•constituents are:
•14-Deoxy-11-oxoandrographolide
•Tetramethoxyflavone
•Andrographine, Panicoline, Paniculide-A,
•Paniculide-B,
•Paniculide-C

19. Traditional medicine
• Since ancient times, A. paniculata has been used in
traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as
well as in tribal medicine in India. This plant is a major
ingredient of the polyherbal formulation by the name
"Nilavembu kudineer choornam" in Siddha medicine.
• According to the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative
Medicine, "A specific product may shorten the duration
and lessen the symptoms of common cold." It also says,
"Pregnant women shouldn't use andrographis because it
could terminate pregnancy."

20. Medical formulation

21. Other Uses
• Anti-diarrhea
• treatment upper respiratory tract infections.
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-viral
• Hepatoprotective (protects the liver)

22. Anti-inflammatory & anti-
cancer
• NF-kB regulates the genes of cells to keep
proliferating and protects them from
conditions that cause the cells to die.
• Cancer cells secrete factors that activate
NF-kB to become active.
• Andrographis P inhibits NF-kB becoming
active.

23. Controlling Glucose levels
• Rats were given A. Paniculata orally
• Studies have shown activation of alpha 1A
adrenoceptors in the adrenal medulla might
enhance the secretion of beta-endorphins from the
rat adrenal gland.
• A.Paniculata can activate alpha 1A adrenoceptors
leading to an increase glucose uptake resulting in a
reduction of plasma glucose by 23%.

24. Influenza study continued
• The herbal group experienced a shorter
duration 6-7 days
• The control group experienced a longer
duration 9-10
• A second phase of the trial had 31 people
taking the herbal treatment while 35 were in
the control group.
• Comparable results were found.

25. Side effects/contraindications
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Headache
• Fatigue

26. contraindications
• Blood pressure medications
– A. Paniculata can lower blood pressure
• Immunosuppressant drugs
– A. Paniculata boosts immune function
Blood clotting medication

27. Conclusion
Scientific studies support the effectiveness of
Andrographis Paniculata in shortening the
duration of colds and flues.
Inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by inhibiting
NF-kB activation.
Reduces plasma glucose levels in rats.
It has been used safely for centuries by Ayurveda
practitioners to treat a variety of aliments.
The next time you have a cold, reach for the
Andrographis Paniculata.