Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
Immune-boosting herb with strong evidence for reducing cold/flu severity and duration.
Andrographis, known as 'King of Bitters' in Ayurveda, is one of the most well-researched herbs for immune support and respiratory infections. Clinical trials show it can significantly reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory infections when taken at first sign of symptoms. Also used for digestive issues and liver support.
Mechanisms of Action
Immune Modulation
Enhances immune cell activity
Anti-Inflammatory
Reduces inflammatory response
Antiviral Activity
Direct antiviral effects
Recommended Dose
400mg extract (standardized to 10-30% andrographolides), 3x daily for acute use
Loading: For acute infections: high dose (400mg 3x daily) for first 3-5 days
Optimal Timing
- At first sign of cold symptoms
- With meals
Take with food
Best Form
Standardized extract (10-30% andrographolides)
Alternatives: Kan Jang (fixed combination), SHA-10 extract
Kan Jang and SHA-10 are specific extracts used in clinical trials. Very bitter raw.
Duration
Minimum: 3 days
Optimal: 5 days
Cycling: Use for acute illness (3-10 days). Not intended for long-term daily use.
Note: Most effective when started at first sign of illness. Continue for 3-5 days.
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Reduced Cold Severity
Less severe symptoms
Faster Recovery
Shorter illness duration
Symptom Relief
Less sore throat, fatigue, runny nose
Avoid — may have anti-fertility effects
Avoid — may stimulate immune system
Who Should NOT Take This
- Pregnancy (may have anti-fertility effects)
- Autoimmune conditions (may stimulate immune system)
Drug Interactions
May increase bleeding risk
May counteract immunosuppression
May lower blood pressure
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Take with food; very bitter
Tip: Usually resolves
Tip: May be part of immune response
Tip: Discontinue if rash occurs
Warnings
- Not for long-term use — use for acute infections only
- May affect fertility — avoid when trying to conceive
- Very bitter — capsules preferred over powder
Top studies from 35+ peer-reviewed papers
Iyengar P et al. • Nutrients (2024)
“Research with larger scale and well-designed RCTs, manufacturing regulations, and education are needed.”
Key Findings:
- In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for Indigo naturalis (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for Curcuma longa (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or Andrographis paniculata (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26).
- There was a significantly higher rate of clinical remission for CL (RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18-5.63), but not for AP (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.86-2.01).
- Higher rates of endoscopic response (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26) and remission (RR 19.37, 95% CI 2.71-138.42) were significant for CL.
Worakunphanich W et al. • Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety (2021)
“Like other medicine, Andrographis paniculata can cause some AEs.”
Key Findings:
- Incidence of serious AEs was very rare with the pooled incidence (95% CI) from RCTs of 0.02 per 1000 patients (0.0-0.5).
- However, the incidence of nonserious AEs was considered very common with the pooled incidence (95% CI) from RCTs of 102.6 per 1000 patients (10.7-256.1), and the pooled incidence (95% CI) from intensive monitoring of 34.2 per 1000 patients (0.0-229.6).
- Like other medicine, Andrographis paniculata can cause some AEs.
- However, it may be generally safe.
Hancke JL et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019)
“Overall, it can be concluded that ParActin® in 300 and 600 mg/day dosages were found to be effective and safe in reducing pain in individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
Key Findings:
- Patients treated with 300 or 600 mg/day of ParActin® showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group.
- WOMAC stiffness scores, physical function score, and the fatigue score showed a significant improvement in both ParActin®-treated groups compared with the placebo group.
- At the end of the study, the quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) scores showed significant improvements in both ParActin®-treated groups compared with the placebo group.
Dafur GS et al. • Journal of microbiology and biotechnology (2024)
“This review highlights the need for further research on andrographolide's antifungal activity, mechanisms of action, clinical safety, toxicity, and potential applications in antimicrobial resistance strategies.”
Key Findings:
- The quality assessment revealed low bias risk in 11 out of 16 studies (78.57% to 92.86%), while the remaining five had medium bias risk (57.14% to 64.29%), indicating an overall acceptable quality of the studies.
- Information on andrographolide's potential and effectiveness across various microorganisms is crucial.
- Therefore, the purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing data on andrographolide's antimicrobial activity and assess its potential in combating antimicrobial resistance.
- This review highlights the need for further research on andrographolide's antifungal activity, mechanisms of action, clinical safety, toxicity, and potential applications in antimicrobial resistance strategies.
Anis Amiera MA et al. • PeerJ (2024)
“These studies indicate that andrographolide can hinder the cell cycle, suppress cell proliferation, alleviate oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis by prompting gastric cancer cells to undergo self-destruction, which is a crucial mechanism for controlling and eliminating cancerous growths.”
Key Findings:
- These studies indicate that andrographolide can hinder the cell cycle, suppress cell proliferation, alleviate oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis by prompting gastric cancer cells to undergo self-destruction, which is a crucial mechanism for controlling and eliminating cancerous growths.
- Published in PeerJ (2024)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.