Andrographis, I.C.A. Andrographis.
Related entry: Chiretta
Synonyms.—Kreat; Kiryat; Creyat.
Andrographis is the dried plant of Andrographis paniculata, Nees. (N.O. Acanthaceae), which is indigenous to India, Ceylon, and Java. The plant is an annual, and grows from 3 decimetres to 1 metre in height. The stem is 3 to 6 millimetres thick, smooth, and dark green, quadrangular in shape, with longitudinal furrows, and knotted at the points from which the branches spring. The leaves are opposite and decussate, lanceolate in shape, and have an entire margin and short petiole. The root is woody, simple and fusiform. The drug has no odour, but a very bitter taste. Andrographis is sanctioned for use in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as an equivalent of chiretta.
Constituent.—The chief constituent of the drug is an indifferent, non-basic, bitter principle, which gives a precipitate with tannic acid, but has not yet been thoroughly investigated.
Action and Uses.—The preparations of this drug are used for their bitter properties, a description of the action of which will be found under Gentianae Radix.
PREPARATIONS.
- Infusum Andrographidis, I.C.A.—INFUSION OF ANDROGRAPHIS.
- Andrographis, cut small, 5; distilled water, boiling, 100. Infusion of andrographis is official in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as a bitter and stomachic. It has also been stated to be a useful remedy for renal calculus. Dose.—15 to 30 mils (½ to 1 fluid ounce).
- Liquor Andrographidis Concentratus, I.C.A.—CONCENTRATED SOLUTION OF ANDROGRAPHIS.
- Andrographis, in No. 40 powder, 50; alcohol (20 per cent.), sufficient to produce 100. This preparation is official in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as a stomachic and bitter. Dose.—2 to 4 mils (½ to 1 fluid drachm).
- Tinctura Andrographidis, I.C.A.—TINCTURE OF ANDROGRAPHIS.
- Andrographis, in No. 40 powder, 10; alcohol (60 per cent.), sufficient to produce 100. Tincture of andrographis is official in India and the Eastern Colonies, where it is used as a bitter. Dose.—2 to 4 mils (½ to 1 fluid drachm).
