Benefits and side effects of this herbal supplement
Andrographis paniculata is a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries.
It has become popular in Scandinavia for use during winter season for
immune support. It is also a popular herb in Chiinese
medicine. Side effects are minimal but little long term studies are
available to know for certain. It is a good idea to take breaks from use.
What's in andrographis herb or plant?
Some of the compounds or substances are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. Andrographis
contains andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide and neoandrographolide,
5,7, tetramethoxyflavanone and 5-hydroxy-7,
trimethoxyflavone, as well as several other flavonoids and polyphenols.
Potential benefit, what the studies say
Antioxidant benefit
found in chemicals in the plant
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant Andrographis
paniculata Nees.
Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2006. Amala Cancer Research
Centre, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Extract of Andrographis paniculata was
found to inhibit formation of oxygen derived free radicals such as
superoxide hydroxyl radicals lipid peroxidation and
nitric oxide in in vitro system. In vivo studies using mice
models also showed significant inhibition in PMA induced superoxide
and nitric oxide formation.
Andrographis paniculata treatment prevents BHC induced increase in the activities of enzymes y-Glutamyl transpeptidase, glutathione-S-transferase and lipid peroxidation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione were decreased following BHC effect. Administration of andrographis showed protective effects in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase as well the level of glutathione. The activity of lipid peroxidase was also decreased. The result indicate antioxidant and hepatoprotective action of andrographis.
Anti-inflammatory
Andrographis paniculata contains many flavonoids, which have
anti-inflammatory properties. Andrographolide, an active component, inhibits inflammatory responses by rat neutrophils.
Anti-inflammatory Activity of New Compounds from Andrographis
paniculata by NF-kappaB Transactivation Inhibition.
J Agric Food Chem. 2010.
Previous studies showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of Andrographis
paniculata possessed anti-inflammatory activity. This study further
isolated these active compounds from bioactivity-guided chromatographic
fractionation and identified eight pure compounds. Reporter gene assay
indicated that 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone,
5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavanone, a mix of
beta-sitosterol and
stigmasterol, ergosterol peroxide,
dehydroandrographolide, and a new compound,
didehydroandrographolide, significantly
inhibited the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB in LPS/IFN-gamma
stimulated macrophages. All of the compounds significantly decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6,
macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and nitric oxide (NO)
secretions from LPS/IFN-gamma stimulated cells.
Cancer prevention or treatment, anti-tumor
There is some laboratory
evidence that compounds in andrographis plant have potential benefits in vitro,
but it is too early to say whether taking an andrographis supplement will have
such an effect in humans. However, several studies need to be done in
humans that show it to be effective as an oral supplement. Plus, we have no idea of the appropriate dosage and
length of time of use.
Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2015 Jan 1. Andrographolide and analogues in cancer prevention. Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant traditionally used for treatment of cough and cold, fever, laryngitis, and several infectious diseases. Extracts of A. paniculata have shown versatile potency against various diseases including cancer. The active biomolecules of A. paniculata mainly are lactone and diterpene. Andrographolide induced both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathway in different cancer cells via expression of different anti-apoptotic protein like Bax, p53, and activated caspases. Andrographolide was successfully used as an antineoplastic drug in cancer chemotherapy. Andrographolide inhibited the growth of human breast, prostate, and hepatoma tumors. Andrographolide and analogues need to be subjected to further clinical and biomedical studies in cancer chemoprevention. Andrographolide could be potent anticancer agent when used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata induces cell cycle
arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in human leukemic HL-60 cells.
Planta Med. 2005. Department of Biology and Chemistry,
City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
The in vitro cytotoxicities of the ethanol extract of Andrographis
paniculata extract and its main diterpenoid components were evaluated in
various cancer cells. Andrographis paniculata extract was found to be
significantly growth inhibitory to human acute myeloid leukemic HL-60
cells. It is concluded that Andrographis extract and andrographolide induce
cell cycle arrest and affect an intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway
of apoptosis by regulating the expression of some pro-apoptotic markers in
HL-60 cells.
Anticancer and immunostimulatory compounds from Andrographis paniculata.
Discovery Research, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Miyapur, Hyderabad, India.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004.
In the present study, we
evaluated the anticancer and immunomodulatory activity andrographis paniculata
in human cancer and immune cells. Andrographolide showed anticancer activity
and significantly inhibits the proliferation of HT-29 (colon cancer)
cells and augments the proliferation human peripheral blood lymphocytes
at low concentrations.
Cholesterol or high triglyceride levels
J Med Assoc Thai. 2015. Effect of Andrographis paniculata Extract on
Triglyceride Levels of the Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: A
Randomized Controlled Trial. Andrographolide, a main active compound of
Andrographispaniculata has been shown to possess hypolipidemic effects
in animals. In patients with modest high triglyceride levels,
andrographis extract reduced triglyceride levels comparable to the
effect of gemfibrozil 300 mg/day. Andrographis paniculata might be used
as an alternative medicine in treating patients with high triglycerides.
Colds and flu, upper respiratory infection, URI
Long known in traditional Asian medicine as an immune
system booster, Andrographis paniculata has demonstrated significant activity in
fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Two
randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical
trials were performed to investigate the effect of a standardized
extract (SHA-10) fixed combination (Kan jang)
in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infections. In both studies,
throat symptoms were found to show the most significant improvement.
I was thinking of adding
it to my daily routine for the winter, but then I saw where you site said take
no more than 14 days.
I prefer immune stimulating herbs, such as andrographis paniculata, not to be used all the time without breaks, and that is my
personal opinion, another doctor may have a different viewpoint. There is a risk
of overstimulating the immune system with certain herbs, perhaps in rare cases
leading to or aggravating autoimmune conditions. Hence, the cautious approach of
taking breaks. When it is mentioned that it is used in the winter season, this
does not mean it is used every day of the winter season.
Andrographis paniculata in the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract
Infections: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy.
Planta Med. 2004.
The leaves of Andrographis paniculata
are used as a medicinal herb in the treatment of infectious diseases. Data suggest that
it is
superior to placebo in alleviating the subjective symptoms of uncomplicated
upper respiratory tract infection. There is also preliminary evidence of a
preventative effect.
Q. Can andrographis pill be taken with an antibiotic?
A. I have not seen studies regarding its use with antibiotics.
Diabetes, blood sugar control
The ethanolic extract of andrographis possesses antidiabetic
property. Its antidiabetic effect may be attributed at least in part to increased glucose
metabolism.
Familial Mediterranean Fever. FMF
Andrographis, in combination with other herbs,
may be helpful.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled,
randomized, pilot clinical trial of ImmunoGuard -- a standardized fixed
combination of Andrographis paniculata Nees, with Eleutherococcus senticosus
Maxim, Schizandra chinensis Bail. and Glycyrrhiza glabra extracts in patients
with Familial Mediterranean Fever.
Phytomedicine. 2003.
Graves disease
I
have had Graves disease, had radiation tablet which destroyed my thyroid 12
years ago. I think andrographis can be beneficial to me, and would appreciate
more information regarding this.
We have not seen any studies evaluating its role
in the treatment of post radiation thyroid problems.
Herpes Simplex,
and HIV
Andrographolide may inhibit HIV-induced cell cycle dysregulation,
leading to a rise in CD4(+) lymphocyte levels in HIV-1 infected individuals.
Andrographis paniculata inhibits herpes simplex I activity in vitro.
Immune system
Most flavonoids have anti-microbial activity and have a positive effect
on the immune system. Andrographis has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common
cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections.
Malaria
Anti-malarial activity of some xanthones isolated
from the roots of Andrographis paniculata.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004.
Mind and mental effect
Andrographis extract exhibited a significant
alteration in behavior pattern and a reduction in spontaneous motility in animals. The
extract also produced a prolongation of the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and
lowered the body temperature in different experimental animal models.
Multiple sclerosis and fatigue
BMC Neurol. 2016. Andrographis paniculata decreases fatigue in patients
with relapsing-remitting
multiple
sclerosis: a 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study.
Andrographis, a medicinal plant, has shown anti-inflammatory,
neuroprotective and antifibrotic effects in animal models as well as
clinical efficacy in different studies, including an anti-fatigue effect
in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In multiple
sclerosis (MS), fatigue is rated as one of the most common and disabling
symptoms. In the present trial, we investigated the effect of A.
paniculata on relapse rate and fatigue in relapsing-remitting MS
patients receiving interferon beta. A randomised double-blind
placebo-controlled trial assessed the effects of 170 mg of A. paniculata
dried extract tablet b.i.d. p.o. on relapse rate and fatigue. Patients
treated with Andrographis showed a significant reduction in fatigue. No
statistically significant differences were observed for relapse rate or
inflammatory parameters, with a trend in reducing new lesions among the
A. paniculata group. One patient in the A. paniculata group presented
with a mild and transient skin rash, which was alleviated with
anti-histamine treatment for three weeks.The herb was well tolerated in
patients and no changes in clinical parameters were observed.
Andrographis significantly reduces fatigue in patients with MS receiving
interferon beta in comparison to placebo and only interferon beta
treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of
rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized
placebo-controlled trial.
Clin Rheumatol. 2009. Burgos RA, Hancke JL, Bertoglio JC. Institute of Pharmacology
and Morphophysiology, Universidad
Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
Andrographis paniculata possesses
anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to the main constituent andrographolide proposed as alternative in the treatment of autoimmune
disease. A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was performed. Tablets (Paractin)
made of an extract of A. paniculata (30% total andrographolides) were
administered three times a day for 14 weeks, after a 2-week washout
period to 60 patients with active RA. The intensity of joint pain
decreased in the active vs placebo group at the end of treatment,
although these differences were not statistically significant. A
significant diminishing in tender joint, number of swollen joints, total
grade of swollen joint, number of tender joints, total grade of swollen
joints was observed within the group with the active drug. Moreover, it
was associated to a reduction of rheumatoid factor, IgA, and C4. These
findings suggest that this herb could be a useful natural
complement in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; however, a larger
trial and a more extended period of treatment is necessary in order to
corroborate these results.
Sperm health research
I read a study about andrographis showing some
cellular damage to rat's testicles. I was told by an herbalist, that the herb
does inhibit sperm production, temporarily. I was using the herb for Lyme
disease. Why doesn't some one do a complete study on this herb? What do you
think about the dangers of the herb?
A. Research funding for herbal supplements such as andrographis is
limited. The effect of an herb or medication in rodents may not be similar in
humans particularly since the dosages given in rodents during a study is often
many times higher than what humans would ingest. One human study
does not show harm to sperm production.
A phase I clinical study of Andrographis paniculata
fixed combination Kan Jang versus ginseng and valerian on the semen
quality of healthy male subjects.
Phytomedicine. 2005. Mkrtchyan A, Panosyan V, Panossian A. Republican Medical Scientific Centre of Dermatology
and Diseases Disseminated by Sexual Contacts, Yerevan, Armenia.
The safety of different doses of Kan Jang--a fixed combination of
Andrographis paniculata special extract (SHA-10) and Acanthopanax
senticosus--compared to two extensively used medicinal plants, Valeriana
officinalis and Panax ginseng in the form of standardized extracts, has
been examined. Our results indicate that Andrographis paniculata special extract
(SHA-10) and Acanthopanax senticosus, ginseng and valerian are safe with
respect to effects on human male sterility when administered at dose
levels corresponding to approximately 3 times the human daily dose.
Summary and review
Andrographis paniculata has been evaluated in the laboratory and has shown
potential in a number of conditions, however, since human research is
lacking, the potential health benefits and side effects are,
at this time, not fully known. If you do plan to use it, take at least 2 days off a week and one week off
a month. It is also not clear how andrographis herb would interact with
other herbs that influence the immune system such as
astragalus root herb, echinacea, goldenseal herb, and others.
Andrographis side effects,
safety, risks
Thus far no major andrographis side effects have been reported in the
medical literature.
Other products sold online
Planetary Herbals, Full Spectrum Andrographis, 400 mg, 60 Tablets
| Supplement Facts | ||
| Serving Size: 1 Tablet | ||
| Amount Per Serving | % DV | |
| Calcium | 43 mg | 4% |
| Andrographis Aerial Parts Extract (standardized to 10% andrographolides) |
300 mg | † |
| Andrographis Aerial Parts (Andrographis paniculata) |
100 mg | † |
| † Daily Value not established. | ||
Dosage, how much to take: Take one pill a few times a week a few minutes before
any meal.
Supplement Facts
Andrographis Standardized 300 mg Extract (10% andrographolides)
Andrographis paniculata herb 100 mg
Other products sold online
Nature's Way, Andrographis, Standardized, 60 Vcaps
Purchase Andrographis supplement pill or other immune herbs.
Purchase Andrographis paniculata supplement
400 mg, where to buy
This herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in
subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the
fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In
traditional Chinese herbalism, it is used to support healthy
digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, it has been
used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune
support.