Antifungal properties of Andrographis paniculata extracts as potential biofungicides

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the king of bitters, has been studied for its potential as a natural fungicide due to its several bioactive compounds, including andrographolides. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the possible efficacy of A. paniculata against a wide range of fungal diseases in terms of the properties of A. paniculata extracts that could potentially be used as a bio-fungicide. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpene derivatives compounds, and other phytochemical constituents makes the A. paniculata extract more precise in its mode of action against the variety of phytopathogenic fungi. Various physiological and biochemical changes in crops result in unintended physiological issues, degradation, and subsequent financial losses during storage. Synthetic fungicides have been applied to control plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi. However, their application has drawn criticism because of adverse effects. Therefore, a possible solution would be to apply botanical fungicides, which have been proven to be generally non-phytotoxic, systemic, and rapidly disposable in nature. Botanical fungicides are endowed with benefits such as resistance inhibition, being eco- friendly, effective, elective, and more affordable than synthetic fungicides. Therefore, the medicinal herb, A. paniculata has been proven to be effective in controlling pathogens of agricultural crops and increased their shelf-life when used as a substitute for synthetic chemicals. Due to their antimicrobial capabilities against fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, various medicinal herbs have been investigated and employed for crude extraction globally. Andrographis paniculata extracts have broad-spectrum antifungal activity, indicating potential efficacy against a diverse variety of fungal infections.