Local Name: Hempedu Bumi or Pokok cerita

Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata Nees

Characteristic:Grows wild in the open. Also now been cultivated for medicinal purposes.

Parts Used: Leaves or the entire plant

Traditional Use:

  • When the plant is boiled and drunk, it helps to lower hypertension.
  • Tastes very bitter but being used traditional as a tonic like drinking tea
  • Also used for treating tonsilities, flu,fever and chest pain
  • It further acts as a strong anti-oxidant, protecting the liver and digestive system;
  • It is effective in cases of cardiovascular diseases
  • Also used as a pain killer against snake bites
  • When combined with Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon grandiflorus), it is effective for treating diabetes
  • Laboratory and clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in cases of liver damage, poor liver function and hepatities. The primary active constituent, andrographolide, has been found to produce a stronger choleretic and hepatoprotective effect than silymarin from milk thistle
  • Also based on scientific study, the bitter taste is due to furanoditerpene which is andrographolide and neo andrographolide. It suppose to help protect the body from bacterial attack.
  • However, the consumption of Hempedu Bumi if consumed on a long term basis is believed to cause impotence.