Biological Activities of Andrographolide and Some Semi-synthesis Nonbitter Andrographolides

Andrographis paniculata Nees, Acanthaceae, is known as the king of the bitter due to its main constituent, andrographolide. The activities of A. paniculata and andrographolide were antiviral, analgesics, antipyretics, antibacterials and anti-inflammatory [1 ]. Andrographolide is an ent-labdane containing an α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactone moiety; two double bonds Δ8(17), Δ12(13); and three hydroxyls at C-3 (a secondary), C-19 (a primary), and C-14 (an allylic). The functional group/s responsible for bitterness of the compound is not yet confirmed, however, esterification of the free hydroxyls of the compound with short chain and long chain fatty acids resulted in diminishing of the bitterness as well as improving those claimed activities of A. paniculata.