Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds in Andrographis paniculata (Chuanxinlian)

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (A. paniculata, Chuanxinlian), native to Taiwan, Mainland China and India, is a medicinal herb with an extremely bitter taste used to treat liver disorders, bowel complaints of children, colic pain, common cold and upper respiratory tract infection 123. The aerial part of A. paniculata is commonly used in Chinese medicine. According to Chinese medicine theory, A. paniculata 'cools' and relieves internal heat, inflammation and pain and is used for detoxication 456. The herb contains diterpenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols as the major bioactive components 78. This article reviews the constituents and pharmacological properties of A. paniculata, including its chemical components, biological activities and possible mechanisms. The literature search was conducted in Pubmed database (1984-2010), focused on language literature in English. The keywords used were selected from andrographolide, A. paniculata and its compounds with bioactivities. In comparison with other Chinese medicinal herbs, this well studied herb not only shows a wide variety of health benefits, but many bioactive compounds are also being identified. Furthermore, several derivatives have been semi-synthesized to enhance their bioactivity than original compounds, suggesting a potential for drug development. The authors read more than 200 full articles and a total of 124 peer-reviewed papers focused on anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, immunomodulation, anti-infection, anti-hepatotoxicity, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetes and anti-oxidation were selected for this review. © 2010 Chao and Lin; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.