The Study of Andrographolide Contents in Different Parts of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees at Different Harvesting Periods from Muak Lek, Saraburi

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (fa thalai chon in Thai) is a medicinal plant that naturally grows in Muak Lek district, Saraburi province. During the flowering stage (mature plant), its andrographolide contents in various parts, from high to low, namely leaves, aerial parts, stems and flowers are 5.11%, 4.90%, 0.68% and 1.90% w/w respectively; and in the pre-flowering stage (young plant) the contents are 3.65%, 2.95% and 1.03% w/w respectively. For the treatment of COVID-19 with Andrographis herbal drug, at the andrographolide dose of 180 mg daily for 5 days, 19.6 g of fresh leaves from the young plant or 14.0 g of fresh leaves from the mature plant should be taken. As for the decoction of aerial parts of the mature plant, 2.5 240-mL glasses should be taken per day. But tea from fresh leaves, which is drunk without the pulp, has a too low andrographolide content to achieve the conventional dose for COVID-19 treatment. The results of this study are useful for the public who want to use their own fresh Andrographis herb to treat COVID-19 by themselves. The proper amount has to be calculated based on the andrographolide content in the formula they use.