Andrographis Herb

Andrographis, like many herbs, has many traditional and anecdotal uses. A 2001 Original Internist journal article states that because of the variation and dissimilarity of its traditional uses, standardization and critical study of the active ingredients has attempted to differentiate between the uses that are folk and those that are clinically proven. There are interesting new in vitro and animal studies concerning the immune-boosting and liver-protecting properties of andrographis, but cold and flu prophylaxis is the most well-studied benefit of the herb. All herbs should be taken under the supervision of a medical professional.

About

Andrographis paniculata is an herb native to India but is widely cultivated in China and other East Asian countries. The herb grows between 1 and 3 feet high according to the Original Internist article and its active ingredients are known as andrographolides. The herb is bitter-tasting and aptly goes by the common name "King of bitters" according to the Physician's Desktop Reference.

Traditional Uses

The origin of this Indo-Asian herb is a part of the Ayurvedic system of traditional medicine. Herbalists Merrily A. Khun and David Winston note that andrographis has anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant properties. It also protects the liver and gallbladder. The herb was traditionally used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, heartburn, liver inflammation, malaria, kidney and tonsil inflammation as well as pneumonia. The Original Internist article also notes that andrographis has other traditional uses including snakebite treatment, therapy for diabetes, and abortion stimulation.

Cold and Flu

Standardized extracts of andrographis are most commonly used for the prevention and treatment of colds and flu. The herb is thought to boost the immune system. The andrographolides have direct antiviral and antiparasitic effects according to the Original Internist article. Khun additionally notes that Andrographis extract mildly inhibits a variety of bacteria commonly responsible for skin and upper respiratory tract infections as well as common gastrointestinal microbes, such as E. coli and Shigella dysenteriae.

Cold-related symptoms reduced during treatment with andrographis included headache, fatigue, earaches, sore throat, nasal and catarrh and cough. Khun and Winston note that the prophylactic effects of andrographis reduced the likelihood of coming down with a cold by half when taken for 3 months leading up to cold and flu season. Andrographis is recommended as a 5mg standardized extract of andrographolide and deoxyandrographolide, per 100mg tablet. Four tablets taken three times per day is the dosing schedule suggested by Khun, but discussion of the use of andrographis with your medical professional is advised before use.

Cancer

Preliminary studies of andrographis also reveal immune-boosting qualities that may fight cancer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering monograph elaborated on the extract's ability to inhibit angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels to supply cancer cells. Andrographis also inhibited abnormal cell growth by stimulating white blood cells to produce anti-tumor chemicals and the herb boasts a high antioxidant profile for reducing the effects of free radical damage. Andrographis should be taken under the supervision of your medical professional.

Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US. A surgical treatment known as angioplasty allows doctors to open up the blockage causing the heart attack. Restenosis, a condition associated with this surgery can lead to a rapid return of the blockage and cause a subsequent heart attack and even death. Animal model studies, note the Original Interest article, are finding andrographis to be a very promising treatment in preventing and reducing the incidence of this condition, as a result of its anti-clotting properties. Other drugs prescribed to treat atherosclerosis may interact with andrographis, so using this herb should be discussed with your medical professional.

Liver

Thistle is a well known liver-protectant. It appears that andrographis is as well. The 2001 Original Internist article notes that mice treated with liver toxins, were protected to a greater degree by andrographis than by milk thistle. Discuss andrographis with your medical professional before using.

Side Effects/Interactions

Because of its anti-fertility effects, certain people should not use andrographis. Men or women trying to conceive should not take this supplement. Khun suggests that it should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, and it should not be given to children. Sloan-Kettering monograph notes possible interactions with antiplatelet, anticoagulant, chemotherapy and hypertensive medications. They further note that common side effects of the herb include headache, fatigue, allergic symptoms, enlarged lymph nodes and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and altered taste.