Andrographolide, a bitter diterpene lactone found in areal parts, is more potent hepatoprotective than standard drug silymarin. Kālamegha is useful in infective hepatitis & protects from hepatic injury. It improves bile flow.
It is an important and integral part of Ayurvedic antipyretic formulations. Active constituents viz, andrographolide, neoandrographolide & de- hydroandrographolide are attributed with antipyretic and anti-infective properties.
It is a useful adjuvant in management of diabetes. Kālamegha significantly lowers blood sugar, increases plasma insulin, hepatic glycogen, and total haemoglobin. It decreases levels of glycosylated haemoglobin & reduces oxidative stress.
Kālamegha causes significant elevation of catalase, superoxide dismutase & glutathione-s-transferase activities. It inhibits the formation of oxygen derived free radicals, superoxide hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation & nitric oxide.
