Andrographis is a plant with a long history of traditional use for enhancing immune health, fighting infections, and gastrointestinal health.
Traditionally, andrographis has been used to treat the common cold, flu, fever, infections, and other ailments.
Modern research indicates that andrographis benefits the body by boosting the immune system, reducing arthritic symptoms, and more.
In this article, we’ll go over the health benefits of andrographis as well its safety, dosage, and history.
Table of Contents
What is Andrographis?
Andrographis, known scientifically as Andrographis paniculata, is an annual plant. It’s native to India and Sri Lanka, and it is also found in many areas throughout Asia, such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
It’s also known as king of the bitters, kalmegh, creat, and green chiretta, among other names depending on the region it’s found in.
It is a branched, erect plant that produces small pink or white flowers that have brown or purple spots. Generally, it prefers shady, moist areas.
Andrographis is rich in a number of bioactive components, with andrographolide being the most well-known and researched one by far.
Andrographolide is a diterpenoid compound isolated from the stem and leaves of andrographis. Lab research has shown that this compound has various anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipathogenic, and immunostimulating medicinal properties, among other actions.
Beyond andrographolide, andrographis is rich in:
- Diterpenoids
- Flavonoids
- Polyphenols
- Lactones
- Quinic Acid
- Xanthones
- Noridoids
- Calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and other minerals
Health Benefits of Andrographis:
There have been numerous studies on andrographis and its main constituent, andrographolide, with many showing promising health benefits.
In particular, Andrographis paniculata benefits the body in the following ways:
1. May Support the Immune System
One of the main reported benefits of andrographis is improved both immune health and the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold. This has been shown in numerous studies, many of which are clinical trials.
In one open-label study involving 30 participants, Andrographis paniculata extract led to increases in T-cells and other immune cells, while also improving various inflammatory markers. This suggests that andrographis benefits the immune system.
Next, in a placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) showed a 52% greater improvement in symptoms of the common cold when taking KalmCold (a trademarked Andrographis paniculata extract) compared to placebo.
Additionally, a double-blind study found that taking andrographis extract lead to significantly fewer sore throats, and other common cold symptoms in the andrographis group as compared to placebo. The researchers also noted a high degree of effectiveness in reducing common cold symptoms.
A small study involving 20 healthy people found that andrographis extract was able to increase white blood cell and neutrophil counts, which are important for immune health.
Lastly, a placebo-controlled study in 185 people looked into the effects of Kan Jang® (a trademarked extract of andrographis and other herbs) on URTIs including sinusitis. They found that Kan Jang® significantly reduced headache, cough, nasal symptoms, and temperature compared to the control group.
Summary:
Several clinical human studies show evidence of Andrographis paniculata being able to improve immune health.
2. May Reduce Arthritis
It is also likely that andrographis benefits arthritis. A few clinical trials and other studies have shown these possibilities.
In a placebo-controlled study in 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, supplementation with ParActin (an Andrographis paniculata extract) led to significant decreases in swollen and tender joints compared to placebo. There was also a trend towards decreased joint pain.
The same study design above was used in another study in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The researchers noted that ParActin users had significantly lower pain, stiffness, and fatigue, alongside higher physical function and quality of life compared to placebo.
An in vitro study found that andrographolide may significantly reduce arthritis and joint dysfunction, primarily by reducing various inflammatory markers. Andrographolide also seemed to inhibit certain autoimmune pathways that are relevant to rheumatoid arthritis progression.
Next, an in vitro and in vivo combination study found that andrographolide reduced inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and TNF-a. It also suppresses key signaling pathways related to inflammatory cytokines. Essentially, andrographolide helps to reduce a variety of inflammatory factors that have relevance to arthritis.
Finally, a study showed that andrographolide suppressed various inflammatory mediators and markers, including nitric oxide. Also, it reduced overall cell toxicity.
Summary:
Clinical trials indicate that andrographis may benefit arthritis by reducing joint pain and inflammation, however, additional human research should be conducted to confirm these findings.
3. Anti-Cancer Properties
Another intriguing potential benefit of Andrographis paniculata is its anti-cancer effec