Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Andrographis paniculata
Anupsingh Vijaysingh Thakur
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
Sonu Ambwani *
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
Sudhir Kumar
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
Tanuj Kumar Ambwani
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Bioactive, molecules, therapeutic, immune system