# Kalmegh

> Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Andrographolide is lipophilic but has limited aqueous solubility (50 μg/mL). Enhancement strategies: (1) Solid dispersion with PVP or HPMC improves dissolution 4-6x; (2) Self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEDDS) enhance bioavailability 3-4x; (3) Phospholipid complexation (phytosome); (4) Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes; (5) Nanoparticle formulations.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Andrographis paniculata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kalmegh |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Standardized extract, Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 400-600mg standardized extract twice daily; 10-20ml fresh juice; 30-60ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Andrographis paniculata contains [andrographolide](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#andrographolide) (primary bioactive diterpene lactone) with moderate oral bioavailability (~2.67% in rats, higher in humans ~21%). Andrographolide is lipophilic but has limited aqueous solubility (50 μg/mL). Enhancement strategies: (1) Solid dispersion with PVP or HPMC improves dissolution 4-6x; (2) Self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEDDS) enhance bioavailability 3-4x; (3) Phospholipid complexation (phytosome); (4) Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes; (5) Nanoparticle formulations. Andrographolide undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and glucuronidation.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water; for acute conditions (colds/flu): start at first symptom, 3 times daily for 5-7 days

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized extract at 10% andrographolide (most common commercial grade); premium extract at 30% andrographolide; 50% andrographolide (highly purified, for specific formulations)

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (standardized extract tablet/capsule); 1 year (syrup); 3 months (fresh juice)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Andrographolide is relatively stable in solid form but degrades in solution. Amber containers for liquid preparations.

**Marker Compounds:** Andrographolide, [Neoandrographolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#neoandrographolide), 14-Deoxyandrographolide, 14-Deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, [Andrograpanin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#andrograpanin), Isoandrographolide

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20 ethanol:water) for andrographolide-rich extract
- Aqueous extraction (lower andrographolide yield but traditional)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Methanol extraction followed by column chromatography for pure andrographolide
- Standardized extract via ethanol extraction and spray drying

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune modulation and fever
- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for respiratory infection support
- With [Katuki](/herb/katuki/) (Picrorhiza) for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) synergy
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory action
- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) for [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) effect

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kalmegh/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- AgeAyurveda Product Catalog
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.