Evaluation of phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of Andrographis paniculata nees (Acanthaceae) aerial parts

The present study has been designed with the objective to examine the petroleum ether, acetone, chloroform and methanol extracts of Andrographis paniculata leaves and stems, in order to evaluate the chemical composition, investigate its in vitro antimicrobial potential against strains of Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, phenols, tannins and saponins. The antibacterial act ivity is more significant against Gram positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis whereas the antifungal activity is more significant against Aspergillus flavus. These results may justify the popular use of this species as it has antimicrobial activity. However, in order to evaluate possible clin ical application in therapy of infectious diseases, further clinical trials are required. Key-Words: Chemical composition, Antimicrobial potential, Clinical application and infectious diseases. Introduction Andrographis paniculata Nees (Family Acanthaceae) is available abundantly in India, Pakistan and Srilanka, growing in hot and shade places. It is cultivated in certain parts of India, East and West Indies and Mauritius . Andrographis paniculata or kalmegh is one of the most widely used plants in Ayurvedic formulat ions 1 . A. paniculata was recommended in Charaka Samhita dating to 175 BC for treatment of jaundice along with other plants in multi plant preparations 2 . It has also been used traditionally for sluggish liver as antidote in case of colic dysentery and dyspepsia 3 . It is used as bitter tonic, antispasmodic, antiperistatic, stomachic and also an anthelmintic. It has been employed with benefit in case of general debility in convalescence after fever, disorders of liver and advanced stages of dysentery 4 .The juice of fresh leaves is a domestic remedy in the treatment of colic pain, loss of appetite, irregular stools and diarrhea 5 . * Corres ponding Author: E-mail: [email protected] Mob. +919791419156 Long known in traditional Asian medicine as an immune system booster, Andrographis has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu and upper respiratory infections 6-7 .The pharmacological studies suggest anti-inflammatory 8-9 , antipyretic 10 , anti-viral 11 , immunostimulatory 12 , potential cancer therapeutic agent 13 , antihyperglycemic 14 and antioxidant 15 properties. In recent years focus on use of non-traditional approaches to treat diseases has been revived world wide. The evidence collected till now shows immense potential of medicinal p lants used in traditional systems. The herb, Andrographis paniculata is the main source of the bitter princip le. The ext remely bitter and characteristic taste of A. paniculata of the Acanthaceae family, gives it the term “ kings of bitters”. Several recent studies have validated some of the medicinal properties of this plant and its use in traditional medicine, such properties include its antimicrobial act ivity 16 , hepatoprotective capacity 17 , antimalarial activ ity 18 and antidiarrhoeal potential 19 . Hence, in the present study, the phytochemical and antimicrobial activ ities of extracts of two parts of A. paniculata (stem and leaves) were evaluated. Research Article [Radha et al., 2(2):Feb., 2011]