An Analytical Study of Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata) and Kiratikta (Swertia Chirayita): An Economic Substitution for Metro Cities in Global Pandemic with Healthcare 4.0
Authors: R Rastogi 
Published: January 2024

Ayurveda has always been a treasure of knowledge. During Covid pandemic when humans were forced to suffer and no cure seemed to exist to end this suffering, the Ayurvedic medicine system once again proved its viability and brought our sufferings to the end. Many Ayurvedic herbs showed a wondrous effect in the treatment of Covid. One of those is S. chirayita, It is famous formulation Sudarshan Ghan Vati and AYUSH-64 were found very effective in Covid treatment. It is very unfortunate for us that such a potent herb has now become endangered. In this manuscript the core idea is to substantiate that the Andrographis paniculata, another indigenous herb, can be a wellfounded substitute for Swertia chirayita. The authentic quality of A. paniculata can be fetched from the market with economic prices having the substitutable pharmacological effect as compared with S. chirayita, however the authenticity of S. chirayita is doubtful due to the endangered status of this herb. In this work, authors have made a comparative study between both drugs. For this, a systematic review of literature and a pharmacogonostical study was done. On investigation, it was found that both drugs are almost similar in qualitative phytochemical analysis and qualities as par Ayurvedic pharmacology. It was also observed that most of the therapeutic actions of both drugs are similar. Graphical and tabular representation of the different parameters gives more insight to the readers. Use of pictures has also been done to heighten the interest of readers. Background: Along with the abundant erudition of medicines Ayurveda also provides to us vast fields for research purposes. Kiratatikta i.e. Swertia chirayita found in the Himalayan regions had been frequently described in the Ayurvedic literature because of it is unique viability as a medicinal herb. On the other hand Andrographis paniculata commonly known as kalmegh is found in the plain regions of the Indian subcontinent. The respective drug had been used therapeutically for ages by the indigenous people of Asian and European countries. Swertia chirayita (Kiratatikta) and Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegha) both are widely used herbs with high medicinal value. These are being used by Ayurvedic physicians in different diseases, such as (jvara) fever, (Krimi) worm infestation, (Vrana) wound, and (Kushtha) skin diseases. Modern studies have also explicitly revealed that both these herbs have a wide range of pharmacological actions such as antipyretic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and immune stimulator. Sudarshan Ghan Vati and AYUSH-64 which were found very effective in Covid-19 treatment are famous formulations of S. chirayita. Recently A. paniculata also has been very popular among pharmaceuticals. During the pandemic, it has been found effective in the treatment of Covid-19. The aim of this work is to compare both the drugs through literary review and pharmacogonostical analysis so that we can assess whether A. paniculata can be used as a substituent drug to S. chirayita or not. Because S. chirayita is not only very costly but also an endangered species making its availability harder for common use. On the other hand, Kalmegh i.e. A. paniculata not only is cheap and cost- effective but can also be grown anywhere easily just like a weed making it much more feasible. A detailed study is provided in the manuscript, describing elaborate analysis. Organization of the Paper: This study, first of all, gives a general idea of global health in today's time and the adverse effects of modern medicine to manage covid-19 pandemic. The author team explained about Ayurveda and its holistic approach. For the endorsement of the study, the author team initially did a literary survey and reviewed research papers of concerned drugs and various Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtang Samgrah, Raj Nighantu, Bhavprakash nighantu, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Priya nighantu, Adarsh nighantu, Dravyaguna Vigyan, etc. This literary survey provides deep knowledge about both drugs i.e. Kiratatikta and Kalmegha. The author team has described the methodology in which they have represented the methods used for the study. This study has been divided into two sections, the first was a literature review and the second was a pharmacogonostical screening of both plant samples. After critical analysis of pharmacognostical screening results were presented. The manuscript presents all data in graphical and tabular form as well. In the recommendation section, which is one of the most important parts of the research studies, suggestions for specific interventions to address the issues and constraints identified in the assessment have been presented. The novelty section refers to elements that are new in the research. In the last, the conclusion section represents the final assessment and describes the overall findings of the study. Motivation of the Study: In the terrifying time of COVID pandemic, when the whole of mankind was looking for a miracle, Ayurveda proved to be a boon for our survival. Formulations like Sudarshan Ghan Vati and AYUSH-64, gave positive results against Covid-19. The main ingredient of this formulation is Kiratatikta i.e. S. chirayita. The main motivation of this study is to find an economical substitute for S. chirayita and as well as preservation of S. chirayita, as it is a critically endangered medicinal herb now.