{"id":278,"date":"2020-07-01T11:03:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T10:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=278"},"modified":"2026-03-30T11:33:56","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T10:33:56","slug":"andrographis","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/andrographis\/","title":{"rendered":"Andrographis"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":304091,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"df61f371-c25e-413d-8c7a-27e1e0fd7da6","beyondwords_preview_token":"e905e0b6-523c-4aa6-a1b7-a19d9c9531b1","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[52,41,53,42,54,46,43],"conditions":[685,694,701,699,695,700],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,786],"western_action":[1008,988,989,991,992,993,994,996,1831,1001,1004,1006,1013,1014,1015],"chinese_action":[1168,1033,1031],"ayurvedic_action":[1057,1071,1072,1060,1105,1082,1066,1070,1087],"energetics_action":[1512,1498,1501,1505,1383,1533,1487,1554,1530,1543,1523,1552,1497,1539,1527,1529,1492,1549,1377],"writer":[],"region":[1897],"class_list":["post-278","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-andrographis","tag-bitter","tag-cold","tag-digestion","tag-flu","tag-hot","tag-indigestion","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","western_action-diuretic","western_action-adaptogen","western_action-alterative","western_action-anthelmintic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-antiviral","western_action-bitter","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-depurative","western_action-hepatic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","chinese_action-clear-heat-dry-damp","chinese_action-clear-heat-and-relieve-toxicity","chinese_action-drain-fire","ayurvedic_action-rakta-shodhana-rakta-prasadana","ayurvedic_action-cools-burning-daha-prasamana","ayurvedic_action-enkindle-digestion-dipaniya","ayurvedic_action-fever-alleviating-jwarahara","ayurvedic_action-help-breathing-swasahara","ayurvedic_action-scraping-wastes-lekhaniya","ayurvedic_action-strong-purgatives-bhedaniya","ayurvedic_action-tissue-scrubbing-chedana","ayurvedic_action-toxin-digester-pachana","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-chinese","energetics_action-cold-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cold","energetics_action-cooling","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-kapha-minus","energetics_action-large-intestine-channel-chinese","energetics_action-light-quality","energetics_action-lung-channel-chinese","energetics_action-pitta-minus","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-pungent-katu","energetics_action-small-intestine-channel-chinese","energetics_action-stomach-channel-chinese","energetics_action-toning","energetics_action-vata-plus","energetics_action-western","region-ayurvedic-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250918","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Andrographis is an Ayurvedic immunomodulator known as \u2018king of bitters\u2019","latin_name":"Andrographis paniculata<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Acanthaceae","herb_summary":"Andrographis is a bitter digestive tonic useful during convalescence, and with evidence for immunological activity, it is a herb that is invaluable for treating and preventing viral, bacterial and parasitic infections.","key_benefits":"Viral infections\r\nRespiratory infections\r\nDigestive conditions\r\nLiver disease\r\nSkin conditions\r\nUrinary infections\r\nRheumatic conditions","how_does_it_feel":"The intense bitterness of this herb is its overwhelming sensory property. The initial aroma of the fresh herb, tea or extract is rather animal-like. However, on tasting, there are waves of varying bitter flavours, and a bitter aftertaste that can linger for hours if no other food or drink is taken. Almost hidden after the initial taste impact however, is a slight but distinct cooling effect that spreads downwards throughout the digestive system.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":304090,"hdif_image_2":304092,"hdif_image_3":304091,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,786],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_304092\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"652\"]\"Andrographis Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis popular and traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine, known as the \u2018king of bitters\u2019 has a strong reputation as a <\/span>bitter<\/span><\/a> digestive tonic, used especially during convalescence, after infectious illnesses as well as in parasitic infestation. It is a potent herb that can be applied during and to aid recovery following a viral infection (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis is an <\/span>alterative<\/span><\/a> that clears toxins and other metabolic by-products from the blood, making it a great herb for skin conditions especially when they are caused by poor or sluggish liver detoxification. These skin conditions are often red, inflammatory, itching and hot such as <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a> or abscesses. Note: Consulting a medical herbalist for chronic skin conditions is often most effective as herbalists are trained to identify the unique causes of such conditions.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs an <\/span>immunomodulator<\/span><\/a>, it has also been shown to stimulate the immune system, especially white blood cell activity to aid in fighting infections. It can also counter the damaging effects of free radicals due to its <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a> properties and ability to detoxify the blood (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis is also an excellent choice for treating conditions of the respiratory system. It can be used for both bacterial and viral infections, including the common <\/span>cold<\/span><\/a> and pharyngotonsillitis. It can be used both prophylactically, acutely and to aid in recovery from a lingering respiratory infection. It helps to clear mucus and relieve congestion in the airways (1,2,3).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAs a bitter digestive there is likely to be additional benefit in the treatment of infections in the gut, including even parasitic infestation. It may help with gallbladder and bilious conditions as it both protects the liver from toxins and stimulates bile production and flow (1,2,3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt can also be considered for prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (5).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_304090\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"656\"]\"Andrographis Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nSince andrographis is energetically cold (meaning it reduces circulatory and heat-generating activity and enhances digestion and detoxification), it may be taken in combination with warming herbs such as <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zingiber officinale<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>astragalus<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Astragalus membranaceus<\/span><\/i>) , especially in a cold, debilitated constitution.<\/span>\r\n\r\nKnown as <\/span>chuan xin lian<\/span><\/i> in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), andrographis was traditionally characterised as a bitter (or, in TCM terminology as a cooling and drying) remedy. It is used in modern Chinese medicine to eliminate toxins (heat), especially in disorders of the lungs, throat, urinary system, and skin. Heat patterns in Chinese medicine involve active inflammation, infection, swelling, and, often, burning pain.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBeing strongly bitter and cold in nature, and, therefore, robustly draining and cooling \u2014 andrographis is an important herb in TCM for treating what is known as <\/span>re du<\/span><\/i> (toxic heat) and is both taken internally and applied topically.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nToxic heat is an intense excess of heat in the body, often combined with dampness, which manifests in myriad ways, both internally and externally. Its typical features include infection, swellings, inflammation and pus.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nCommon examples of toxic heat conditions where andrographis<\/span> is utilised include acute febrile disease with cough and sore throat, lung abscesses, toxic heat type <\/span>diarrhoea<\/span><\/a> (i.e., diarrhoea with a foul odour and possibly pus), dysentery, <\/span>urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a> and a wide range of skin conditions including ulcers, toxic heat type eczema (i.e., <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> that is inflamed and oozing). Examples in which andrographis showed most benefit include raw sore throats, influenza, <\/span>bronchitis<\/span><\/a>, lung infections and fever. Andrographis is believed to have particular benefit with \u2018damp heat\u2019 patterns affecting excretory functions, particularly those relating to the liver, bile and kidneys. Externally, andrographis was used in TCM to treat oozing wounds, sores, carbuncles, scalds, boils, burns, eczema, and snakebites (4).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Western herbal medicine, andrographis would be considered \u2018cold in the first degree\u2019. An extremely bitter herb that is able to clear heat through the liver and through blood detoxification, thus reducing heat and inflammation throughout the body (1).\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_582\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"652\"]\"Andrographis Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe bitter taste of the herb indicates its <\/span>choleretic <\/span><\/a>action, and as such it was traditionally applied for liver problems in both Ayurvedic and TCM (4,5).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn Ayurveda, the ancient healing system of India, andrographis was used as a bitter tonic, a remedy against intestinal parasites, and a general stomach tonic. It was said to increase appetite, strengthen digestion, and diminish flatulence, hyperacidity, and biliousness (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was also used in the management of many more complex conditions, including diabetes, hepatitis, and general debility.\u00a0 It was specifically used for feverish stomach complaints in young children and to help weak, convalescing individuals regain appetite and strength after illness (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nKalamegha<\/span><\/i>, as andrographis is known in Ayurveda,\u00a0 literally means \u2018black cloud\u2019 perhaps attesting to andrographis being traditionally harvested just before winter. Andrographis is also known as <\/span>bhunimba<\/span><\/i> meaning \u2018neem of the earth\u2019 referring to its bitter neem-like taste and effects.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"ImmuneImmune system<\/h3>\r\nAndrographis is a wonderful herb to use in the treatment of different types of viral infections. It has broad spectrum antiviral activity against both RNA and DNA viruses including herpes simplex, influenza, hepatitis, dengue and coronavirus (6,7). Coupled with its immunomodulatory effects which stimulate natural killer cells and phagocytes as well as modulate inflammatory pathways, andrographis is a key herb to use to aid recovery from infections (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis is indicated where there is lowered immunity in both acute and chronic infections. It is an immune stimulant rather than solely being antibacterial and increases the proliferation of T cells and modulates cytokines to balance immune activation without triggering excessive inflammation (9). As such, it can be used to reduce symptoms in influenza, upper respiratory tract infections such as common cold, <\/span>coughs<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>sinusitis<\/span><\/a>, sore throats, otitis media, and also for urinary infections and vaginitis (1,9). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe active constituent andrographolide was found to be effective as an antimicrobial agent against a variety of bacteria including <\/span>Escherichia coli<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>Klebsiella pneumoniae<\/span><\/i>, and <\/span>Staphylococcus aureus <\/span><\/i>through its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms (10). This mechanism can also be applied to respiratory tract infections, and andrographis can be considered an important herb to use as a herbal antibiotic in the face of antimicrobial resistance (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis is additionally used to inhibit histamine release and mast cell degranulation which may be useful for use in mild <\/span>allergies<\/span><\/a> (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nAndrographis is both a <\/span>hepatoprotective<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>hepatic<\/span><\/a>, meaning it improves liver function and protects hepatocytes from damage (1). It works by increasing bile flow and reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Coupled with its bitter and cooling qualities, it is well suited to liver infections and inflammation. As andrographis has very effective hepatoprotective as well as antiviral activity, it should be considered in hepatitis and all forms of sluggish liver where there is a reduced ability to digest fats or alcohol (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis is an excellent herb of choice where there is a complete loss of appetite due to its stimulating effect on the digestive system. This can indicate it in the treatment of anorexia, or loss of appetite following an infection (1). In these instances, it can be combined with warming aromatic herbs such as <\/span>cardamom<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Elettaria cardamomum<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>cinnamon<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Cinnamon zeylanicum<\/span><\/i>).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis was used historically in bacillary dysentery and enteritis, and in modern herbal medicine it is often used in the treatment of parasitic, protozoal or fungal gastric infections. It helps to strengthen the intestinal barrier by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and downregulating harmful bacteria (13).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of andrographis make it helpful in treating haemorrhoids as it can help to prevent infection, and assists in local tissue healing and regeneration (14).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Skin health<\/a><\/h3>\r\nHot, inflammatory skin conditions such as sores and eczema can be effectively treated with andrographis. It can also be used externally as a wash or in a cream where there are signs of infection (1,2).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_304749\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"653\"]\"Andrographis Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Exploring the clinical effects of Andrographis paniculata<\/i>-derived compounds, its extract, or derivatives for the treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/h3>\r\nThis study examined six clinical trials involving a total of 228 participants with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) including Covid-19. Dosages varied across the studies, but usually a standardised extract of <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> was used for durations between 3\u201314 days. Results showed andrographis reduced inflammatory biomarkers including serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and provided symptomatic relief by reducing fever and cough duration. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn some trials, andrographis was found to be a statistically significant symptom resolution when compared to antivirals or conventional care (p < 0.01). It concluded that <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> safely accelerates symptom resolution and can be an effective adjunctive or alternative treatment for ARTIs (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Andrographis paniculata<\/i> in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review of safety and efficacy<\/h3>\r\nA systematic review of two reviews and eight clinical trials concluded that there was qualified evidence that andrographis was useful in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Adverse effects were mild, infrequent and reversible (15).<\/span>\r\n\r\nAndrographis paniculata<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>chu\u0101n x\u012bn li\u00e1n<\/span><\/i>) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span>\r\n\r\nA later systematic review and meta-analysis explored 33 randomised controlled trials involving 7,175 participants with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Dosages varied across the studies, but on average participants were given 1200 mg per day, with treatment durations ranging from 3\u201310 days. Statistically significant improvements were seen compared to placebo for overall symptoms of ARTIs, cough and sore throat. It was shown to reduce the duration of symptoms with no major adverse effects reported (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata<\/i> standardized extract (ParActin\u00ae) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis<\/h3>\r\nA randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a standardised dried extract of andrographis called ParActin\u00ae, which is standardised to 150 mg of andrographolide per 300 mg dose. Patients were given 300 and 600 mg daily for pain reduction in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study concluded that both 300 and 600 mg\/day dosages were found to be effective and safe in reducing pain, joint stiffness and physical function. Whilst also demonstrating significant improvements in the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire and a fatigue scale, in individuals suffering from mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (17).<\/span>\r\n

Andrographis paniculata extract (HMPL-004) for active ulcerative colitis<\/h3>\r\nA randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> extract in 224 adults with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Patients were randomised to receive either <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> extract (HMPL-004) 1,200\u2009mg or 1,800\u2009mg daily or placebo for eight weeks. The results showed that up to 60% of patients taking either dose of andrographis were in clinical response at week eight compared with 40% of placebo, whilst 38% of patients in clinical remission at week eight compared with 25% of those in the placebo group. It concluded that patients were more likely to achieve a significant improvement in active ulcerative colitis in the andrographis group than placebo (18).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Andrographis paniculata<\/i> decreases fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study<\/h3>\r\nThis study investigated the effect of <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> on relapse rate and fatigue in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) (RRMS) patients receiving interferon beta. Using 170 mg of <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> dried extract tablet, twenty-five patients were enrolled, and twenty-two patients were ultimately analysed and randomised to the active or placebo group. This study found that <\/span>A. paniculata<\/span><\/i> significantly reduces fatigue in patients with RRMS receiving interferon beta in comparison to placebo and only interferon beta treatment (19).<\/span>","did_you_know":"The government of Thailand approved trials using andrographis to treat COVID-19 after it was shown to be effective for prison inmates that had mild or asymptomatic cases. The government claims that out of 11,800 inmates who took it to treat coronavirus, 99.02% recovered (20).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":269763},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Andrographis is a small green, shade loving annual shrub that can be found growing throughout India. It can grow up to 1 m in height with shiny leaves that grow up to 8 cm in length. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIts branches are square-stemmed, often narrowly winged towards the top. The flowers are particularly beautiful but incredibly small; they are white or pale pink with brown or purple blotches in loose spreading axillary and terminal panicles. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIts seed pods are yellow-brown, smooth and oblong in shape, approximately 2 cm long (24).<\/span>","common_names":"