Andrographis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. They may be generally known as the false waterwillows,[2] and several are called periyanagai.[3]
The species are native to the Indian subcontinent (including Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the West Himalaya region).[1][4] Many are endemic to India.[5] They may be herbs or shrubs.[3] They are introduced and/or cultivated in Southeast Asia and some areas around the Caribbean.[1]
Some species are used medicinally. The best known is Andrographis paniculata, which is valued in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine. It is used to treat a very long list of illnesses and conditions.[4] A. alata and A. lineata are used in human and veterinary medicine.[3] Food use has also been recorded.[6]