Immune Boosting

One of the most common traditional uses of Andrographis is to strengthen and support the immune system. Research has found that the andrographolide content of this herb is mainly responsible for its immune boosting capabilities.

A 2010 study investigating the immunomodulatory effects of andrographolide concluded that: "Andrographolide can modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses by regulating macrophage phenotypic polarization and Ag-specific antibody production. MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways may participate in the mechanisms of andrographolide regulating macrophage activation and polarization."  ¹ What that means in layman’s terms is that it enhances immune cells ability to remove cellular debris and repair tissue. Macrophages are powerful effector cells of the innate immune system and andrographolide demonstrates an ability to regulate and adapt immune responses to bacterial and viral attacks.

Other studies have found Andrographis to be effective in reducing cold and flu symptoms, sore throats and lung infections. Todd Nelson MD of Denver, Colorado reports 70 – 80 percent effectiveness of Andrographis on his flu patients. It reduces the intensity of symptoms if taken within 24 hours of onset. "The combination of echinacea and Andrographis, together with vitamin C and bioflavonoids, is very effective (for severe flu symptoms)," Nelson says. Furthermore, he has never observed adverse effects, and once more research is published on Andrographis, he says, "it could become the next big immune booster." ²

Respiratory Health

Andrographis is one of the most widely used botanicals for promoting healthy respiration. A meta-analysis published in 2004 found seven double-blind, controlled trials with a total of 896 participants, that evaluated the use of a proprietary Andrographis extract for the treatment of acute respiratory infections. The combined results indicate that this Andrographis extract is statistically more effective than placebo for reducing symptoms. 

One four day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 158 adults with colds found that treatment with Andrographis significantly reduced cold symptoms. Fourteen participants were given either placebo or 1,200 mg daily of an Andrographis extract standardised to contain 5 percent andrographolide. The results showed that by day 2 of treatment, and even more by day 4, individuals who were given the actual treatment experienced significant improvements in symptoms compared to participants in the placebo group. The greatest response was seen in earache, sleeplessness, nasal drainage, and sore throat, but other cold symptoms improved as well.³⁴⁵⁶

Liver Health

The hepatoprotective action of Andrographis is mainly credited to its star compound, andrographolide. It is particularly effective against alcohol induced liver toxicity and supports high levels of glutathione in the liver, one of the liver’s main mechanisms for self-protection. The bitter compounds stimulate bile flow which promotes healthy liver function.

Andrographis paniculata enhances gall bladder function, increases bile flow, and has been found to be as effective as milk thistle in protecting the liver. Andrograholides have demonstrated protection to the liver in many studies, and effectiveness against infective hepatitis. In one study, Andrographis paniculata was given to patients with infective hepatitis and a statistically highly significant decrease was noted in various subsequent liver function tests.