Andrographis is a genus of flowering plants in the acanthus family. They may be known generally as the false waterwillows, and several are called periyanagai.Most species are native to Asia. Many are endemic to India. They may be herbs or shrubs.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. A. alata and A.