Andrographis Paniculata in Depression: A Review of its Pharmacological and Antidepressant-Like Effects

Author

Charumathi S, Karthika S, Deepika V, Eniyavan S, Vimalya S


Abstract

 Depression is a common mental health disorder that can affect mood, interest, motivation, sleep, appetite, cognition and daily functioning. Its development involves several interacting biological processes, including changes in neurotransmission, stress responses, inflammation, oxidative balance and neuroplasticity. Although antidepressant medicines are available, continued research into medicinal plants has increased because many plants contain several biologically active compounds. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Acanthaceae and is commonly known as Kalmegh or the king of bitters. It contains several phytochemical groups, with diterpenoid lactones such as andrographolide being among its best-studied constituents. Previous experimental studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and other pharmacological activities of A. paniculata and its constituents. Studies related to depression have also reported antidepressant-like effects in experimental animals, particularly with andrographolide and leaf preparations. These findings have been associated with behavioral changes as well as biological pathways involving BDNF signaling, neurogenesis, inflammation and autophagy. This review presents the basic features of depression, the botanical and phytochemical profile of A. paniculata, its major pharmacological activities relevant to depression, and the published preclinical evidence for its antidepressant-like activity. Together, the available findings provide a useful overview of the pharmacological basis for continued interest in A. paniculata in depression research.



Keywords

Depression; Andrographis paniculata; Kalmegh; andrographolide; antidepressant-like activity; pharmacological activity; phytochemistry; preclinical evidence.



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References


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