📝 Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Shelton
🔍 Last updated February 25, 2024
📚 12 citations
📖 5 minute read
About the Author: Dr. Patricia Shelton, MD, has been a medical communicator and educator since 2014. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree as well as a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, both from the University of Washington in Seattle.
–
Originating from the plains of India and southern China, the Andrographis paniculata plant has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Also referred to as green chiretta, the leaves and flowers of this Southeastern Asian botanical have been shown to have a number of immune-supporting properties.‡
Jump To:
- Overview: What Is Andrographis?
- Potential Andrographis Benefits & Uses
- How To Use Andrographis
- Final Thoughts
- References
From traditional herbal teas to modern-day health supplements, Andrographis may be able to stimulate and support your immune system.‡ The power of Andrographis comes from the active component andrographolide, which is often used to create Andrographis extracts and supplements.
Keep reading, and we'll share the details about Andrographis for health.
Overview: What Is Andrographis?
Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous plant that is native to India, southern China, and Taiwan. It's also commonly found in tropical locations like Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean islands.
This therapeutic botanical is often referred to as “Indian echinacea” in Western cultures because of its use as a natural natural way tp support immune health.‡
The stem and leaves of this plant have been used in herbal medicine for centuries, helping to maintain proper digestive and immune function. Research shows that the Andrographis paniculata plant is rich in andrographolide, an active component that may help regulate the body's natural adaptive immune responses.‡
History Of Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata has extensive roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine and has been used in folk medicine for centuries. Because of its sharp and very bitter taste, this herb has earned the title of "king of bitters."
As more people turn towards medicinal herbs and botanicals to meet their healthcare needs, plants like Andrographis paniculata are becoming increasingly researched, studied, and used.
The whole plant is a popular ingredient in traditional medicine and experimental and clinical pharmacology alike and has been used for hundreds of years.
Potential Andrographis Benefits & Uses
Andrographis is full of countless bioactive ingredients, such as andrographolide. It's important to note that while there is an abundance of scientific evidence supporting the potential immune-boosting properties of Andrographis, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
Regulates immune system health
An open-label study found that Andrographis may stimulate the activity of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which are essential components of the immune system. This may help to support healthy immune function. ⁵ ‡
Andrographis also possesses certain antioxidant properties. Antioxidants may help neutralize free radicals in the body, which, when left unchecked, can contribute to oxidative stress. Antioxidants may help to protect cells from oxidative damage, thereby supporting overall immune function and health.‡
Supports healthy inflammatory responses
Inflammation is your body's natural defensive response to harmful stimuli and marks the beginning of the natural healing process. Andrographolide is known to help enhance a healthy inflammatory response, which may help support your body's natural defense mechanisms.‡
Research has suggested that Andrographis may have an inhibitory effect on inflammation by targeting the signaling protein PPAR-gamma, which inhibits the formation of NF-kappaB. This may also inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species. ¹⁰ ‡
How To Use Andrographis
Historically, Andrographis was often infused into teas and herbal tonics. In today's modern world, it's easy to indulge in the benefits of Andrographis extract through natural supplements.
A clean and natural way to take Andrographis
Our Premium Andrographis Extract is a multi-award-winning dietary supplement that has 1,200 mg of premium standardized Andrographis paniculata extract per serving, including 100 mg of Andrographolides. It's USA blended, bottled, and formulated, and is third-party ISO 17025 lab tested.
"Natural Cure Labs has awards for creating proven supplements. This andrographis extract will probably win one too."
- BlackPink (Oct 08, 2023)
"This is the best out there, way better than just the leaves and stems! Get it on subscribe and save so you do not run out and save a few bucks while doing so."
- KahluaKozKaneKeg (Oct 25, 2023)
Natural Cure Labs focuses on providing research-backed supplements that come with a clean label; meaning our products are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Since 2015, our commitment to safety, transparency, and quality has earned us the trust of over 90,000 customers looking to enhance their daily wellness routine.
Final Thoughts
Andrographis paniculata may be able to provide certain health benefits and support healthy immune function.‡ Though further research is needed to confirm the mechanics behind Andrographis' various properties and characteristics, it's been used for centuries as a natural herbal remedy and continues to be used as a dietary supplement to this day.
__
References
- Wang, W., Wang, J., Dong, S., Liu, C., Italiani, P., Sun, S., Xu, J., Boraschi, D., Ma, S., & Qu, D. (2010). Immunomodulatory activity of andrographolide on macrophage activation and specific antibody response. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 31(2): 191–201. doi: 10.1038/aps.2009.205
- Okhuarobo, A., Falodun, J.E., Erharuyi, O., Imieje, V., Falodun, A., Langer, P. (2014). Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 4(3): 213-222. doi: 10.1016/S2222-1808(14)60509-0
- Hossain, S. MD., Urbi, Z., Sule, A., & Hafizur Rahman, K. M. (2014). Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: A Review of Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014: 274905. doi: 10.1155/2014/274905
- Panossian, A., Davtyan, T., Gukassyan, N., Gukasova, G., Mamikonyan, G., Gabrielian, E., & Wikman, G. (2002). Effect of andrographolide and Kan Jang--fixed combination of extract SHA-10 and extract SHE-3--on proliferation of human lymphocytes, production of cytokines and immune activation markers in the whole blood cells culture. Phytomedicine. 2002; 9: 598–605. doi: 10.1078/094471102321616409.
- Rajanna, M., Bharathi, B., Shivakumar, B. R., Deepak, M., Prashanth, D., Prabakaran, D., Vijayabhaskar, T., & Arun, B. (2021). Immunomodulatory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract in healthy adults – An open-label study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 12(3): 529–534. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2021.06.004
- Akowuah, G. A., Zhari, I., Norhayati, I., & Mariam, A. (2006). HPLC and HPTLC densitometric determination of andrographolides and antioxidant potential of Andrographis paniculata. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. 2006; 19: 118–126. doi: 10.1016/j.jfca.2005.04.007
- Saxena, R. C., Singh, R., Kumar, P., Yadav, S. C., Negi, M. P. S., Saxena, V. S., Joshua, A. J., Vijayabalaji, V., Goudar, K. S., Venkateshwarlu, K., & Amit, A. (2010). A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2010; 17(3-4): 178-185. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.12.001
- Vetvicka, V., & Vannucci, L. (2021). Biological properties of andrographolide, an active ingredient of Andrographis Paniculata: a narrative review. Ann Transl Med. 9(14): 1186-1196. doi: 10.21037/atm-20-7830
- V., Lobo, A., Patil, A., Phatak, & N., Chandra. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 4(8): 118–126. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902
- Burgos, R.A., Alarcón, P., Quiroga, J., Manosalva, C., & Hancke, J. (2020). Andrographolide, an Anti-Inflammatory Multitarget Drug: All Roads Lead to Cellular Metabolism. Molecules. 26(1): 5-21. doi: 10.3390/molecules26010005
- Kim, N., Lertnimitphun, P., Jiang, Y., Hongsheng, T., Zhou, H., Lu, Y., & Xu, H. (2019). Andrographolide inhibits inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated macrophages and murine acute colitis through activating AMPK. Biochemical Pharmacology. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113646
- Shu, J., Huang, R., Tian, Y., Liu, Y., Zhu, R., & Shi, G. (2020). Andrographolide protects against endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory response in rats with coronary heart disease by regulating PPAR and NF-κB signaling pathways. Ann Palliat Med. 9(4): 1965-1975. doi: 10.21037/apm-20-960
‡ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
--
Natural Cure Labs provides dietary supplements made from naturally derived ingredients. Our research-backed products contain premium botanicals and antioxidants that encourage healthy living and holistic wellness. Each high-quality product comes with a Clean Label that certifies our commitment to quality, transparency, and research. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
