bhunimba :

Flowering plant, growing amongst weeds in Thailand Photograph by: Tony Rodd

Substitute:

Bhunimba is accepted as a synonym of kiratatikta (chirayita – Swertia species)

and Andrographis paniculata which is sold in the market as its substitute or adulterant or by the name of Deshi-chirayita and kalamegha also.

Adultrants:

Andrographis echioides Nees. where in andrographolide is not present

Controversy:

According to Bapalal Vaidya, while explaining the controversy of Kalamegha, the Green variety like Chirayata was found in Gujarat which is known as Kalamegha . Bhunimba is accepted as a synonym of kiratatikta (chirayita – Swertia species) and Andrographis paniculata which is sold in the market as its substitute or adulterant or by the name of Deshi-chirayita and kalamegha also. Andrographis paniculata is locally known as bhunimba in Madhya Pradesh and bhunimo in Orissa. In high himalayan regions so called kiratatikta is Swertiachirayita;here other bitter species of swertia are also used as Kiratatikta,but commonly called as Deshi chirayita is Kalmegha.

Commercial value:

Andrographis paniculata Wall (family Acanthaceae) is one of the most popular medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of array of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcer, leprosy, bronchitis, skin diseases, flatulence, colic, influenza, dysentery, dyspepsia and malaria for centuries

Kotakkal Ayurveda - Mother land of modern ayurveda

bhunimba - Andrographis paniculata Nees - Acanthaceae

bhunimba :

Substitute:

Adultrants:

Controversy:

Commercial value:

Medicinal Plants