Andrographis paniculata Syn.: Justicia paniculata (Common Name: Bitterweed, King of Bitters, Creat, Green Chireta, Kalmegh, Indian Echinachea) –
Acanthaceae, an erect annual herb extremely bitter in taste in all parts of the plant. Since ancient times, Kariyat is used as a wonder drug in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications. The plant extract exhibits antityphoid and antifungal activities. This common weed in the tropics and subtropics grows well in most soil types in semi-shade. Its white flowers have purple streaks and can self-pollinate.
Reference
Surendra Parihar
Ex.Professor and Head.
Deptt. of Seed , Science and Technology.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute,
Pusa,
New Delhi,
India 110012
