Andrographis

Andrographis is a medicinal plant used in Indian and Chinese medicine for respiratory infections. A-GRADE EVIDENCE for upper respiratory infection symptoms, cough reduction, and sore throat relief based on meta-analysis of 33 RCTs (n=7175). One of the best-evidenced herbal cold remedies. Active constituent andrographolide (>30% in standardized extracts) has anti-inflammatory effects via NF-kB inhibition. Also studied for rheumatoid arthritis (B-grade). Bitter taste. Generally safe; GI side effects most common.

Quick Answer

What it is

Key findings

Grade A: URTI Symptoms
Grade A: Cough
Grade A: Sore Throat

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Andrographis

Quick Facts: Andrographis

Best Evidence:Grade B
Conditions Studied:2
Research Outcomes:5
Grade A Findings:3
Grade B Findings:2
Key Effect:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Outcomes by grade:

2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

URTI Symptoms

Significantly improves overall ARTI symptoms vs placebo, usual care, and other herbal therapies (meta-analysis)

33 studies7175 participants

moderate↓Improves

Cough

Significant improvement in cough (SMD -0.39) compared to placebo

8 studies596 participants

moderate↓Improves

Sore Throat

Large effect on sore throat symptoms (SMD -1.13) vs placebo

5 studies314 participants

large↑Worsens

RA Markers

Reduced rheumatoid factor, IgA, and C4 levels

1 study60 participants

moderate↓Improves

CD4+ Count

Significant increase in CD4+ counts; enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity (45%)

1 study30 participants

moderate↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

BRheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Research Citations (7)

Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf (2021)

PMID: 33372366

Overview of pharmacological activities of Andrographis paniculata and its major compound andrographolide

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr (2019)

PMID: 30040451

Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS One (2017)

PMID: 28783743

Is there a future for andrographolide to be an anti-inflammatory drug? Deciphering its major mechanisms of action

Int Immunopharmacol (2017)

PMID: 28377280

Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytoconstituent Andrographolide

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2010)

PMID: 23634174

Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials

J Clin Pharm Ther (2004)

PMID: 14748896

Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy

Planta Med (2004)

PMID: 15095142

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