Extracts of A. paniculata may have a synergistic effect with isoniazid. (ref ?)
Large oral doses are reported to cause gastric discomfort and loss of appetite.
Information on the relationship between substances and disease is provided for general information, in order to convey a balanced review of the scientific literature. In many cases the relationship between a substance and a disease is tentative and additional research is needed to confirm such a relationship.
Scientific Name: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f) Nees
Family: Acanthaceae
Other Common Name: Andrographis, Chuan Xin Lian, Kalmegh (Bengali, Hindi), King of Bitters.
Andrographis, is a shrub that is found throughout India and other Asian countries. It is sometimes referred to as “Indian echinacea”.
Andrographis contains, as its primary chemical constituents, diterpenoid lactones (andrographolides), paniculides, farnesols and flavonoids1.
Andrographis was used historically in the Indian flu epidemic in 1919, during which it was credited with reversing the spread of the disease.
Over the last decade, andrographis has become popular, particularly in Scandinavia, as a treatment for colds, and is now available in the United States.
Herb, leaves and roots are used in different traditional applications.
In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that andrographis has antiinfective, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic and analgesic activities. 1, 3
In addition, immunostimulant and antiinflammatory activities have been observed in mice. An ethanol extract of andrographis stimulated antibody production in mice and also enhanced nonspecific immune responses such as macrophage phagocytosis.
A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg, 3 times a day. Some studies have noted doses as high as 1,000 to 2,000 mg 3 times daily. Andrographis is usually standardized to its content of the active constituent, andrographolide, which is typically 4-6%. Products should be stored in airtight containers and protected from light and moisture.
In human studies, andrographis has not been associated with any major side effects.
In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants were monitored for changes in liver and kidney function, blood counts, and other laboratory measures. No problems were found in patients treated with 1200 mg/day of andrographis. 4
Taking large oral doses of andrographis may cause gastric discomfort, vomiting, and loss of appetite . 5
Side effects from andrographis are rare and minor. However, two cases of urticaria (a vascular reaction of the skin characterized by a sudden general eruption of pale evanescent wheals or papules, accompanied by severe itching) have been reported. 6
Preventing/treating colds and cold symptoms:
Three double-blind controlled studies have found that andrographis significantly reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms.
One 4-day trial in 158 adults with colds, found that treatment with andrographis significantly reduced cold symptoms. Participants in the study were given either 1200 mg of andrographis extract standardized to 5% andrographolide or a placebo. By second day of treatment, and even more so by fourth day, individuals receiving andrographis experienced significant improvements in symptoms as compared to the placebo group. Symptoms that greatly improved were earache, sleeplessness, nasal drainage, and sore throat, however, other cold symptoms improved as well. 10
In a study, 179 individuals with the common cold were given either a combination herbal therapy of andrographis and the herb eleutherococcus, or a placebo for 3 days. Results showed significant improvement in common symptoms of muscle soreness, cough and dry throat in the treated group as compared to the placebo group.
A 3-month trial involving 107 students, all 18 years of age, examined the preventative effect of andrographis against the common cold. By the end of the trial, only 30% of the people in the andrographis group (200 mg/day) experienced colds compared to 62% people in the placebo group. These results indicated that andrographis helps to reduce the incidence of the common cold compared to placebo. 3 HIV: A pilot study investigated the effects of andrographolide on 13 HIV-positive individuals over 6 weeks. The only medications patients were taking were sulfa antibiotics. Results of this trial found an improvement in lymphocytes (CD4+ cells), which are an important part of immune function. It was suggested that the positive effect from andrographolide, the component of andrographis measured in the study, was due to an improvement in immune function, rather than an antiviral effect against the HIV virus. It was noted from the results of this study that andrographolide can cause side effects if taken in high doses and the optimum dosage has yet to be determined. 12 The results of two clinical trials conducted in Russia during two influenza epidemics, between February 1999 and February 2000, have been reported. The effect of a standardized extract of A. paniculata fixed combination (Kan Jang) in the treatment of diagnosed influenza viral infections was assessed. Kan Jang treatment significantly reduced the clinical symptoms and sped up recovery of patients, while significantly decreasing the number of sick leave days lost and the number of cases with post-influenza complications: 30.1 and 31.4% of Kan Jang – treated patients vs 67.8 and 71.0% of controls, in the pilot and second study, respectively. 13
Andrographis is used for prophylactic and symptomatic treatment of upper respiratory infections such as the common cold, as well as for uncomplicated sinusitis, pharyngotonsillitis, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Although there are other, less commonly reported uses for andrographis, such as colic pain and eczema, there is little scientific data supporting claims regarding these conditions.
The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.
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