Secondary metabolite profiling and genetic expression of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh)

Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Management, University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata

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Abstract

Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) has long been used across Asia, America, and Africa to treat diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcers, leprosy, and malaria. Like all plants, it synthesizes diverse secondary metabolites through pathways such as the phenylpropanoid pathway. Key enzymes include Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), which converts phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid, Chalcone synthase (CHS), which initiates flavonoid biosynthesis, and Dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR), which reduces dihydroflavonols to leucoanthocyanidins. These metabolites provide defense against biotic and abiotic stresses due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, contributing to the plant’s therapeutic value. This study profiles these metabolites and examines expression of phenylpropanoid genes using PCR. Metallothionein gene expression, linked to metal detoxification, was also analyzed, offering insights into the plant’s metabolism.