OPTIMIZATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF ANDROGRAPHOLIDE YIELD IN ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA: IMPACT OF SOIL TYPES AND EXTRACTION CONDITIONS

Andrographis paniculata has been recognized for centuries for its effectiveness in treating respiratory infections, fevers, herpes, sore throats, gastrointestinal issues, and various chronic infectious diseases. The main bioactive compounds found in this plant include diterpenoid andrographolides, neo-andrographolide, deoxy- andrographolide, and -19ß-D-glucoside, which are extracted from its aerial parts. The primary aim of the current study was to assess how cultural conditions affect the bioactive constituents in both sodic and normal soils. Additionally, the research sought to optimize extraction parameters (such as solvent type and duration) to enhance the yield of andrographolides and to evaluate the concentrations of key phytochemicals in different parts of the plant (leaves, stems, and roots). The highest levels of andrographolide, neo-andrographolide, and deoxy- andrographolide were found in 60-day-old plants cultivated in normal soil, with a noticeable decline as the plants matured under consistent cultural conditions. Methanol was identified as the most effective extraction solvent when using Soxhlet extraction for five hours. In plants grown in normal soil, andrographolide concentrations ranged from 30.41 mg/g to 22.53 mg/g; conversely, those in sodic soil exhibited lower levels and a narrower range (8.63–8.00 mg/g). The findings indicated that the concentration of andrographolide was highest in leaves, followed by stems and roots.