King of Bitters

Andrographis paniculata is an herb frequently used in traditional medicines to treat the common cold.

Quick Answer

What it is

Andrographis paniculata is an herb frequently used in traditional medicines to treat the common cold.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms (Common Cold)
  • Grade C: Sore Throat Symptoms (Common Cold)
  • Grade D: CD4 Lymphocytes (Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV))

Safety

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

ℹ️ Quick Facts: King of Bitters

Quick Facts: King of Bitters

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:6
  • Research Outcomes:12
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Common Cold
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C2
D2
6 conditions Β· 12 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Sore Throat Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
C
Sore Throat Symptoms
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk
↑Worsens
D
CD4 Lymphocytes
No effect
none
?
Early Virologic Response
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
D
CD4 Lymphocytes
No effect
none
?
Early Virologic Response
1 study
↑Improves
?
Liver Enzymes
1 study
↑Worsens
?
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
↓Improves

Related Supplements

Vitamin E

4 shared conditions Β· 274 outcomes

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.

Colostrum

4 shared conditions Β· 170 outcomes

Colostrum, also known as first milk, is a mammary secretion produced by cows and related animals. The results of supplementation are similar to supplementing whey protein, though colostrum may offer some unique benefits for the immune and digestive systems.

Zinc

3 shared conditions Β· 148 outcomes

Zinc is an essential mineral that is critical for the function of hundreds of enzymes. Consequently, it plays many roles, including in antioxidant enzymes, brain function, and the immune system. Zinc is most commonly taken to reduce the duration of respiratory infections and the common cold.

Vitamin D

3 shared conditions Β· 308 outcomes

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that our skin synthesizes when exposed to the sun. It benefits us in many ways, from bone health to mood.

Vitamin C

3 shared conditions Β· 262 outcomes

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

Umckaloabo

3 shared conditions Β· 42 outcomes

Umckaloabo is a common name for the root extract of Pelargonium sidoides, a member of the geranium family. The most frequently studied use for umckaloabo is in the treatment of respiratory infection symptoms.

Spirulina

3 shared conditions Β· 304 outcomes

Spirulina, commonly known as β€œblue-green algae”, is a nontoxic cyanobacterium that is rich in various nutrients and bioactive pigments and polyphenols. Spirulina contains many antioxidant compounds and could have beneficial cardiometabolic effects.

Fish Oil

3 shared conditions Β· 448 outcomes

Fish oil is a mix of mostly EPA and DHA derived from fatty fish. It reduces triglycerides, but does not seem to affect the rate of cardiovascular events. It appears to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve some painful, inflammatory conditions.