Andrographis paniculata is popular in Sweden as an immune supporter during the winter season. It's also popular in India and Asia, and often utilized in Chinese medicine for supporting the cardiovascular, digestive and urinary systems. Laboratory research shows the plant produces a number of effects that have potential benefits. However, human research is lacking, so more information on possible health benefits as well as side effects is needed before it can be recommended for use, advises nationally known physician and medical writer Dr. Ray Sahelian. If you want to give andrographis a try, it's best to consult a health care provider first.
Immune-Boosting Effect
People often take andrographis to fight or prevent colds, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The plant's immune-boosting effect makes it valuable for this use, according to "Mind Boosters" author Sahelian, of Los Angeles, California. Studies do back this use for andrographis, though research is needed to form firm conclusions. For example, a 2004 report published in the journal "Planta Medica" reveals that seven controlled, double blind trials provide evidence that andrographis can help alleviate upper respiratory tract infections. Report authors J.T. Coon and E. Ernst also note evidence of a preventive effect.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Andrographis has an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to its many flavonoids, Sahelian reports. In fact, a study published in the March 20, 2010, "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" that studied the herb's use for allergy and inflammatory diseases concludes that andrographis is a "potent" anti-inflammatory. The herb, however, does not inhibit histamine release, which occurs during allergic reactions, notes lead study author C.V. Chandrasekaran.
Anti-Malarial Effect
Andrographis may have an anti-malarial effect, according to a December 2004 study published in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." The effect is due to four xanthones isolated from the plant's roots, notes lead study author V.K. Dua. A xanthone is a plant chemical called a phenol that is biologically active, according to Xanthones Research.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Colds and Flu and CAM
- RaySahelian.com: Andrographis Paniculata Herbal Supplement Benefits and Side Effects
- PubMed.gov: "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effect of an Extract of Andrographis Paniculata Leaves on Inflammatory and Allergic Mediators in Vitro; C.V. Chandrasekaran, et al.; March 20, 2010
- PubMed.gov: "Planta Medica"; Andrographis Paniculata in the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy; J.T. Coon and E. Ernst; 2004
- PubMed.gov: "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-Malarial Activity of Some Xanthones Isolated From the Roots of Andrographis Paniculata; V.K. Dua, et al.; December, 2004
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