Garima Pandey and ChV Rao
Andrographis paniculata Wall. ex Nees (Kalmegh) (AP) belongs to the family Acanthaceae and has a wide range of medicinal and pharmacological applications. It is one of the nineteen species of the genus Andrographis, which is indigenous to India. Various studies have covered the pharmacological aspects of the plant, however a wholesome review integrating the phytochemistry, pharmacology, secondary metabolite production and related challenges, patents and commercial products developed and their impact on the price of andrographolides has not been written so far. The increase in the andrographolide content of AP still needs to be handled using more economical methods. Rhizosphere microbe interventions can offer an economical solution. Our comprehensive review throws light on each of these aspects and will be very helpful in designing further research and product development