HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA

Liver diseases remain a major global health concern and are often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, viral infections, drug toxicity, and metabolic disorders. Conventional therapies used for the management of liver diseases may produce adverse effects and are sometimes inadequate in preventing liver damage. Therefore, the search for safe and effective hepatoprotective agents from natural sources has gained significant attention. Among medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata (commonly known as Kalmegh or King of Bitters) has been widely used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for the treatment of various ailments, particularly liver disorders. The plant contains several bioactive phytochemicals, including diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids, and polyphenols, with andrographolide identified as the major active constituent responsible for many of its pharmacological activities. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that extracts of Andrographis paniculata exhibit significant hepatoprotective activity against chemically induced liver damage. The hepatoprotective effects are mainly attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free-radical scavenging properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage in liver tissues. Additionally, the plant has shown the ability to normalize liver enzyme levels and improve overall liver function in various experimental models. This review aims to summarize the botanical characteristics, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective activity of Andrographis paniculata. The compiled information highlights the therapeutic potential of this medicinal plant as a natural hepatoprotective agent and emphasizes the need for further clinical studies to validate its efficacy and safety in the treatment of liver diseases.