Andrographis paniculata – why is it worth using?

Andrographis is an herb that has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Andrographis, also known as ‘brodziuszka wiechowata’, is a bitter herb from Sri Lanka rich in active compounds called andrographolides. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties. What should you know about the use and properties of Andrographis, and for what purposes can we use its potential?

Andrographis paniculata - what is it?

Andrographis, whose scientific name is Andrographis paniculata, is an effective natural remedy - a plant native to South Asia, specifically India and Sri Lanka, with an extremely bitter taste. Due to its unique composition, it has been used since ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing systems.

In studies published in the journal Phytomedicine , scientists attributed its use to stopping the Indian flu epidemic of 1918. The results were positive, and the plant gained the name of a medicinal herb that effectively affects the immune system.

Herbal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine use the above-ground parts of the plant to treat various ailments. Currently, Andrographis is the subject of scientific research aimed at verifying its positive effect on certain conditions. As things stand, it appears that Andrographis paniculata is able to stimulate the immune system and also has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Properties and effects of Andrographis paniculata

Due to its composition, the plant is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Although some of its benefits are still being studied, there is ample evidence to support many of its valuable properties. What effect does andrographis have on the human body?

• Prevention of colds – a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that people taking up to 200 mg of andrographis extract per day were half as likely to catch a cold as those taking a placebo;
• Upper respiratory tract infection – andrographis alone or in combination with other agents is extremely effective in treating upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis without further complications;
• Liver protection - there is evidence to suggest that Andrographis may have a hepatoprotective effect, protecting the liver from toxins;
• Multiple sclerosis – Andrographis may help reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. It also reduces inflammation and frequent episodes of chronic pain;
• Antidiabetic effect - studies suggest that Andrographis may help regulate blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for people with diabetes;
• Heart disease – the plant stimulates the circulatory system, and its rich antioxidant content prevents the production of free radicals, thus protecting the heart and the entire circulatory system;
• Ulcers – andrographis-based preparations are effective in treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

In addition, andrographis appears to stimulate appetite, digestive system and bile duct function, and also helps with joint inflammation and other digestive system ailments. It also eliminates accumulated toxins in the urinary tract, throat and lungs. It relieves the respiratory tract, being extremely useful in cases of flu, sore throat and even frequent colds. It is also extremely effective in combating Lyme disease (it reduces the neurological aspects of Lyme disease).

Andrographis paniculata - active ingredients of the plant

Andrographis contains a significant amount of substances (active ingredients) that give it valuable medicinal properties. These are primarily:

• Sesquiterpenes
• Flavonoids
• Iridoids
• Chinic acid
• Lactones

Among them, andrographolide, which is found exclusively in andrographis and is its main active ingredient, deserves special mention.

Andrographis dietary supplement – how to use it?

To date, no exact doses for Andrographis paniculata have been established.

For example, in studies evaluating the effect of the herb on the common cold, preparations containing 4 to 5 mg of andrographolide have shown extremely high efficacy. So, how long should you use andrographis? To relieve a sore throat, a daily dose of 3 to 6 grams of Andrographis is taken in the morning and evening for two weeks. For other ailments, the recommended dosage is 1200 to 1800 mg twice daily for eight weeks.

However, the correct dosage depends on many factors, such as age, gender and medical history of the individual. To select the best dosage of the preparation, it is worth consulting a doctor who will provide personalised advice.

Andrographis for children – can it be administered?

Andrographis cannot be used by children and adolescents without proper medical supervision. Despite this, the plant is as effective as conventional medicines in treating, for example, bacterial dysentery and acute diarrhoea in young children. A number of studies have also shown that the plant has a number of hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties.

However, it should be remembered that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of this plant, although helpful for children, cannot be realised without proper medical care. Like other herbal extracts, andrographis may cause adverse reactions and is therefore not recommended for use by children and adolescents under the age of 18 without a doctor's permission.

Andrographis – dietary supplements in drops

Andrographis paniculata in the form of drops is an effective treatment for colds. It can reduce the severity of symptoms. In addition, when used in doses of 2 to 5 drops, it is also a great way to strengthen the immune system. It has been shown to reduce fever, sore throat and diarrhoea. It can also help during severe flu.

Drops based on Andrographis paniculata should be taken up to twice a day as a preventive measure for the immune system. It is worth remembering that certified extracts containing andrographolide in the form of drops should contain between 6 and 30% of the active substance. The safety of higher doses has not been established.

Andrographis and Lyme disease – does it really work?

In addition to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties mentioned above, Andrographis paniculata is also useful in the treatment of Lyme disease. It is one of the most effective natural medicines for treating Lyme disease. This is all thanks to its specific action against Lyme disease spirochetes. Namely, andrographis destroys the bacteria responsible for the infection. This explains the antiviral, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties of Andrographis paniculata. It also has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that the active ingredients of the plant allow it to enter the brain and remove Borrelia spirochetes from there. However, the plant's effect is rather short-lived, so it is recommended to take plant-based extracts at least three times a day.

Contraindications and side effects of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis may cause side effects when taken in excessive doses. These include pain and headaches, fatigue, allergic reactions, nausea and diarrhoea.

However, the use of andrographis is not recommended in the following cases:

• During pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• In people undergoing treatment with blood thinners, high blood pressure medication or chemotherapy;
• In children under 18 years of age.

Under no circumstances should the plant or its extracts be administered intravenously, as this may cause permanent kidney damage. Consumption in excessive doses may cause, for example, inflammation of the lymph nodes or an increase in liver enzymes.

Remember that before starting to use any dietary supplement or medicinal herb, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or a specialist to avoid unwanted interactions or side effects.

Bibliography

‘Andrographis: The Natural Answer to Disease’ – T. Lemerond, A. Panossian, 2021.

‘Discover Andrographis’ – A. Panossian, 2019.

‘Pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in rats and humans’ – A. Panossian, A. Hovhannisyan, G. Mamikonyan, H. Abrahamian, E. Hambardzumyan, E. Gabrielian, G. Goukasova, G. Wikman, H. Wagner, scientific journal Phytomedicine, Elsevier Science, 2000. ‘Discover Andrographis’ – A. Panossian, 2019. ‘Pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in rats and human’ – A. Panossian, A. Hovhannisyan, G. Mamikonyan, H. Abrahamian, E. Hambardzumyan, E. Gabrielian, G. Goukasova, G. Wikman, H. Wagner, scientific journal Phytomedicine, Elsevier Science, 2000. ‘High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic analysis of hepatoprotective diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata’ – S. Saxena, D. C. Jain, M ‘High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatographic analysis of hepatoprotective diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata’ – S. Saxena, D. C. Jain, M. M. Gupta, R. S. Bhakuni, H. O. Mishra, R. P. Sharma, scientific journal Phytochemical Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, 2000.

‘Phytochemicals from Andrographis paniculata’ – S. Saxena, D. C. Jain, scientific journal ChemInform, John Wiley & Sons, 2004.

‘Flavonoids and andrographolides from Andrographis paniculata’ – Y. K. Rao, G. Vimalamma, C. V. Rao, Y-M. Tzeng, Phytochemistry scientific journal, Elsevier Science, 2004.

Constituents of Andrographis paniculata Nees – R. J. C. Kleipool, Nature scientific journal, Nature Publishing Group, 1952.

‘A phase I clinical study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang versus ginseng and valerian on the semen quality of healthy male subjects’ – A. Mkrtchyan, V. Panosyan, A. Panossian, G. Wilkman, H. Wagner, Phytomedicine scientific journal, Elsevier Science, 2005.

‘In vitro cytogenetic effects of Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) on arsenic’ – G. Avani, M.V. Rao, Phytomedicine scientific journal, Elsevier Science, 2008.

‘Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot and Phase III study of activity of standardised Andrographis paniculata Herba Nees extract fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infection’ – J. Melchior, A. A. Spasov, O. V. Ostrovskij, A. E. Bulanov, G. Wilkman, Phytomedicine scientific journal, Elsevier Science, 2000.