Andrographis paniculata, Creat, Nilavembu, Green chireta, King of Bitters

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read

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বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Creat, Nilavembu, Green chireta, Chuan Xin Lian, Kirayat, King of Bitters, kalmegh, India echinacea, sambiloto, kiryat, is a small herbaceous and evergreen plant of the family Acanthaceae or subfamily Acanthoideae and is native to Sri Lanka and India. The plant is about 30-100 cm (12-43 inches) in height. King of Bitters Scientific Classification Scientific Name: Andrographis paniculata Rank Scientific Name &...

Key Takeaways

This article explains King of Bitters Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health benefits of King of Bitters in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

King of Bitters Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Andrographis paniculata

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plantes, Planta, Vegetal, plants)
Subkingdom	Viridiplantae
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (Land plants)
Superdivision	Embryophyta
Division	Tracheophyta (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
Sub division	Spermatophytina (Spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames)
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Asteranae
Order	Lamiales
Family	Acanthaceae (Acanthacées)
Genus	Andrographis Wall. ex Nees (False waterwillow)
Species	Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees
Synonyms	Andrographis subspathulata C. B. Cl. Justicia latebrosa Russ. Justicia latebrosa Russ. ex Wall. Justicia paniculata Burm. fil. Justicia stricta Lam. Justicia stricta Lam. ex Steud.

It is also used in traditional medicine. The study shows that this plant helps to counteract the diseases such as infections, cancer, heart attacks, blood clots, insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, herpes, cold, gall bladder ailments, flu and fever. It also helps to prevent the allergies.

History

It is sophisticated in Southeastern and Southern Asia. Traditionally, it is used as a treatment for diseases and infections. The roots and leaves are used for medicinal uses.

For centuries, King of Bitters is used in India, Thailand, China and Asian countries. It is used to eliminate toxins and fevers. Kan Jang is an immunostimulant preparation that contains Kalmegh as well as Eleutherococcus that was used for 20 years in Scandinavian countries. In United States, Kalmegh was marketed as well as manufacturing.

Plant

It is an annual, herbaceous, evergreen, deciduous plant which grows up to the height of 30-100 cm (12-43 inches). Leaves simple, opposite, egg-shaped, lance-shaped upto 8 cm (3.1 inch) long by 2.5 cm (0.98 inch). The white flowers turn into a capsule that is 2 cm (0.79 inch) long and few millimeters wide. The slender stems are dark green. The fruit bears yellow to brown seeds.

Health benefits of King of Bitters

The herb is used historically to treat the common cold, infections, flu, and various diseases. It treats various ailments and diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, swollen lymph nodes, pneumonia, leprosy, sore throats, bronchitis, tuberculosis, coughs, chickenpox, headaches, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, ear infection, mumps, and burns. This plant is bitter and possesses immunity-enhancing properties that stimulate the immune system of the body. The research made by the Japanese shows that it also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. The studies made in China helps to prevent the formation of blood clot. It is an effective treatment of heart attack and atherosclerosis. It has antioxidant properties which help to regulate insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes by lowering the content of blood sugar. It is used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive, urinary systems and cardiovascular problems.

Treat various ailments

The studies conducted on the various respiratory tract infections. Andrographis paniculata possess anticancer, antidiabetic, hepaprotective and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties. It has therapeutic agents which help to treat various health ailments. The researchers target on the plant multiplication to reconcile the demand of the study. (1)

Histamine level

The study shows that EAE, AEE and NBE along with AND, NAD and DDA rises the cell number and weight of PLNs. Moreover, monomers and various extract fractions rise the histamine level, cell degranulation and ammonia glycosidase. The extracts of King of Bitters have sensitizing capacity. (2)

Prevent infections

The experiment shows that it possesses infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective and antihypoglycemic properties. The presence of andrographolide lowers common cold, sinusitis, HIV symptoms and stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="rheumatoid arthritis" data-rx-definition="Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disease causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. সহজ বাংলা: রোগপ্রতিরোধ ব্যবস্থার ভুল আক্রমণে জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers believe that it will be able to use for the treatment of cancer as well as inflammation in near future. (3)

Prevents cancer

The extract of Andrographis paniculata prevents the formation of cancer. It interferes in the biomarker of the development of cancer which is caused due to the oxidative stress. It possesses antioxidant properties that act as a scavenger of free radicals. Moreover it regulates the epigenetic and genetic that displays the effect of chemoprotective. (4)

Anti-infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation

The extracts of Andrographis paniculata showed the results about the andrographolide compound as an infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory property. Its extracts is used to investigate on the benefits and demerits while using to treat the body inflammation. (5)

Treats diabetes

Diabetes has become the common disease in the world. The study shows that the extract of Indian plants helps to prevent disease and also used to treat cancer. It helps to manage Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, weight gain and suppression of immune. The extracts of the plant promote the uptake of glucose in the fat cells. (6)

Prevent malaria

The research shows that the herbal combinations could counteract with the malarial parasites effectively. The combination of herbal drug along with curcumin prevents the formation of malarial parasites. (7)

Anti-microbial

The study shows that the leaf extracts of A. paniculata, P.guajava and j.curcas possess the antimicrobial properties. It helps to manage the microbes by lowering the pH of preservative solution. The study shows the antimicrobial properties which requires test. The extracts of leaf acts as a biocides to manage the microbes. (8)

Anti-oxidant properties

The study shows that Andrographis paniculata helps to treat the health problems such as acute diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, skin inflammations, wound healing as well as the bacterial infections. Further studies are still going on to know the properties of isolated bioactive compounds. (9)

Reduce fatigue

The treatment using Andrographis paniculata helps to lower fatigue in the patients who are getting interferon beta treatment. The further study is required to determine the A. paniculata effect on the patients with fatigue. (10)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCP1Fx9SS8c

Traditional uses

It is used since ancient times in tribal medicine of India.
The plant of King of Bitters possesses febrifuge, alternative, tonic, stomachic, cholagogue and anthelmintic properties.
It treats the liver complaints, constipation, colic, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, diabetes, general debility, hyper acidity, hookworm infestation, bronchitis, influenza, piles, malaria, swellings, gonorrhea, itches, scabies, stomachache and stomach disorders.
It is an aid for jaundice and torpid liver.
It is a cure for poisons of snake venom.
The infusion of leaves provides relief from griping, loss of appetite and irregular bowels.
It helps to cure the respiratory infections such as sinusitis and common cold.
It treats influenza, bronchitis, fever and tonsillitis.
Traditionally, it was used to improve immune function, urinary infections and acute diarrhea.
It helps to enhance immunity and used to purify the blood purifier.
It is also used to treat cholera and leprosy.
It is the treatment for skin infection, boils, scabies and patches.
The leaf extract helps to eliminate the stomach worms.
It treats the scorpion and snake bite.
It is used against heart disease and reduces high blood sugar.

Precautions

The pregnant and breast feeding women should not use King of Bitters.
It might increase the auto-immune disease symptoms.
King of Bitters might slow down the clotting of blood. This increases the chances of bleeding.
It lowers the blood pressure. So it is not safe for the patients of low blood pressure.
It should not be used by the patients with gallbladder, kidney, cardiac, high blood pressure patients.
It could worsen the ulcers or lead to heartburn.
It could result to rashes or lose motions. In such cases, one should discontinue its use.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.