Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Andrographis paniculata

Abstract

Introduction: Medicinal plants serve as a crucial reservoir of natural bioactive molecules, widely harnessed in traditional therapeutic systems. Their ability to modulate the immune system plays a key role in maintaining homeostatic balance. Herbal remedies are also known to contribute to improved health outcomes and are often used to delay the onset of degenerative and age-associated ailments. Among these, Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, also known as the "King of Bitters", is a well-known medicinal herb native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, China, and Thailand, etc. It has a long-standing use in ethnomedicine, particularly for treating inflammatory disorders and dermatological infections. Aims: The current investigation focused on analyzing the phytochemical constituents of Andrographis paniculata leaf extract prepared using water solvent (APAE). Preliminary phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) of APAE were employed to profile its chemical composition. Additionally, the extract’s biological properties, immunomodulatory activities, were assessed in vitro using chicken lymphocytes culture. Results: APAE confirmed the presence of different tested classes of phytochemicals, including carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. GC-MS profiling of APAE revealed 12 bioactive compounds in the extract. The Maximum Non-Cytotoxic Dose (MNCD) of the extract in cultured chicken lymphocytes was determined via MTT assay and found to be 150 µg/mL. In lymphocytes proliferation assay (LPA), APAE revealed significant immunomodulatory property under mitogenic stimulation. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of Andrographis paniculata as a natural source for developing effective immunomodulatory agents. However, elaborate in vitro/ in vivo studies are needed to exploit this bioresource further for developing immunomodulatory preparation for specific usage.