Abstract

Kalmegh is an ayurvedic herb that has several medicinal purposes, such as its brilliant use in the treatment of liver disorders, skin diseases, lack of appetite, fever and the purification of blood. Fatty liver is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive fats in liver cells. Nowadays, fatty liver is the major liver disorder that everyone is facing. So, Kalmegh is beneficial.

Introduction

Kalmegh  is also known as “Green Chiretta” and the King of Bitters. Due to its bitter taste, this can help in purifying blood, and it is mainly used for liver problems. Kalmegh is a versatile herb that helps care for the liver , gallbladder, stomach, and intestines.

Morphological Features

  • Stem: it is an erect, annual herb that has a height of about 30 to 110 cm. The upper part of the stem is quandrangular, while the lower part is a nearly rounded stem. 
  • Leaves: opposite, sessile, linear - lanceolate, 3–8 cm long , acute and cuneate.
  • Flowers: white flowers with rose- purple spots on the petals. Fruit: this is in capsule form and measures about 2 cm in length.
  • Seeds: the flower part consists of many yellow-brown seeds. These are subquadrate, rugose and glarose.

Systemic Classification

  • Botanical name: Andrographis paniculata
  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Genus: Andrographis
  • Species: A. paniculata

Synonyms

  • Bhuineem
  • Bhunimba
  • Yavatikta
  • Kalamegha
  • Shankini
  • Mahatikta

Parts Used

Whole plant

Chemical Constituents

The plant contains a bitter crystalline diterpene lactone named Kalmeghin. Many of the phytochemical tests have shown that kalmegh possesses alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, and proteins that have bioactive properties. The important active principle of Kalmegh is found in the aerial parts, i.e., andrographolide.  

The bitterness in the leaves of the Kalmegh plant is due to andrographidines , deoxyandrographolide and neoandrographolide. The root part contains apigenin, panicolin, and andrographin. 

Importance of Kalmegh in Liver Diesease

  • Kalmegh is effective against liver toxicity as it produces the cleaning solvent and inhibits the production of free radicals that destroy the cellular membranes that surround the liver cells.
  • Kalmegh is mostly known to treat fatty liver, as it contains certain constituents that have lipid lowering activity. These help in lowering serum lipid levels, which prevents the accumulation of lipids in liver cells. The plant extracts of kalmegh are bitter in taste, which helps to digest the food, detoxifies the body, activates the functions  of the liver, and cleanses the liver cells. 
  • It helps improve digestion due to its laxative properties; it aids in the elimination of feces.
  • The decoction of kalmegh promotes proper functioning of the liver and spleen.
  • Study also shows that the decoction obtained from the kalmegh plant can cure jaundice.
  • It has also been studied that the aqueous extract of kalmegh can prevent chemically induced acute liver injury. 
  • Kalmegh, as used for medicinal purposes, is an effective anti-helminthic liver tonic and is used in liver or spleen derangement.

Ayurvedic Overview of Kalmegh

The medicinal properties of kalmegh, as per Ayurveda, are as follows:

  • Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (bitter).
  • Guna (Qualities) - Laghu (light for digestion) and ruksha (dry in nature).
  • Vipaka (Katu) - Undergoes pungent taste after digestion. 
  • Veerya (Potency) - Ushna (hot), and
  • Karma (Actions)- Kaphapitta shamaka (reduces vitiated kapha and pitta dosha).

Ayurvedic Importance of Kalmegh

  • In cases of  fatty liver, the liver gets inflamed, while the kalmegh helps to manage this condition due to its deepan (appetizer) and pachan (digestion).
  • An ayurvedic decoction of kalmegh has digestive benefits and liver protective properties, which may support healthy weight management by improving digestion and metabolism.
  • The cold infusion of this plant is given at a dose of 40-50ml to treat impurities in blood and can be used as blood  purifier. 
  • It can be taken in the form of powder at a given dose of 2-3g with black pepper to treat malaria and fever.
  • The dosage of 20-30ml is given to treat fever, increase immunity,  inflammation of the liver, and jaundice.

Conclusion

This article concludes the importance of the Kalmegh plant. This herb is known for its liver protective properties, immune properties and several antioxidant properties. These ayurvedic herbal formulations help in the better treatment of disorders and cure diseases without any side effects. One must change the lifestyle and make dietary changes; this will promote liver health.