The genus Andrographis is usually bitter and is the source of several
diterpenoids, of which water-soluble labdane diterpenoid is andrographolide. Among
the various diterpene lactones reported from most of the species of Andrographis,
andrographolide is considered one of the major bioactive secondary metabolites. The
genus Andrographis possesses diverse phytochemical constituents with significantly
interesting biological potentials. Diterpenes, flavonoids, xanthoflavones, iridoids, and
other groups of miscellaneous compounds have been characterized from the various
species of Andrographis. Andrographolide has been isolated as a notable major
phytochemical compound among the andrographolides, which is a common diterpene
flavonoid with phytochemical constituents and therapeutic activities.
Keywords: Andrographolide, Andrographis, Anticancer, Ethnobotany, Pharmacology, Propagation.