Comparing the Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. Varieties for High Yield and Andrographolide Content

Abstract

Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant which contains an important andrographolide substance that inhibits the multiplication of COVID-19 virus. The National List of Essential Medicines prescribes andrographolide treatments for respiratory symptoms and the digestive system disorder. The current problem of A. paniculate production is the inconsistency of yield and andrographolide content that varies with genetics and environmental conditions. This research was to compare and select A. paniculata varieties that possess high productivity and andrographolide content. The experiment was conducted in 3 locations: Phichit Agricultural Research and Development Center, Uttaradit Agricultural Research and Development Center and a farmer’s farm in Bang Krathum, Phitsanulok in the rainy season of 2021. Two selected A. paniculata lines Phitsanulok 5-4 and Phichit 4-4 were compared with cultivars Nakhon Pathom and Prachinburi using randomized complete block design with five replications. Results showed that at Phichit Agricultural Research and Development Center, Phitsanulok 5-4 line gave the highest fresh and dry yield of 3,013 and 1,006 kg/rai, followed by Phichit 4-4 line which gave the fresh and dry yield of 2,732 and 810 kg/rai. While at the Uttaradit Agricultural Research and Development Center and farmers field in Bang Krathum, Phitsanulok, Phichit 4-4 gave the highest fresh and dry yields. Planting at Phichit Agricultural Research and Development Center and Uttaradit Agricultural Research and Development Center, Phichit 4-4 line gave the highest andrographolide contents of 5.87 and 3.56 g/100 g dry weight, respectively.