Andrographis paniculata

Detailed Description

A modest herb with remarkable properties.

Botanical Information

Andrographis paniculata is a perennial herb reaching a height of 30 to 110 cm. It features a slender, dark green stem with a square cross-section and longitudinal furrows. The lanceolate leaves measure approximately 8 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width. The small, pinkish flowers are simple and arranged in loose panicles and racemes, blooming from September to December. The fruit is a capsule measuring about 2 cm long and a few millimeters wide, containing many yellowish-brown, rough, and hairless seeds.

Origin and Distribution

Andrographis paniculata originates from India and Sri Lanka, where it is an integral part of traditional folk medicine. It is commonly found throughout the tropics of Asia, in lowland areas as well as elevations up to 500 meters above sea level. The plant flourishes in varied locations such as plains, slopes, coastal regions, and even cultivated spaces like roadsides and farms.

Today, Andrographis paniculata is widely cultivated in southern and southeastern Asia, including northern India, Java, Malaysia, Indonesia, and even in the Americas. It is now present in regions like the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, and other parts of Asia.

Usage / Dosage

Andrographis paniculata has been used for centuries in India, China, Thailand, and other Asian countries, and forms part of the traditional Ayurvedic medicinal system. It is also included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (1992 edition). In Scandinavian countries, an immune-stimulating preparation containing Andrographis paniculata and Eleutherococcus is commonly used, and the herb is also available in the United States.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, this herb is employed for the treatment of diarrhea, fever, and the common cold associated with infectious diseases. It is also used to manage jaundice symptoms, serve as a tonic and antioxidant for liver and cardiovascular tissues, improve sexual dysfunction, and as a natural contraceptive. In various countries’ folk medicine, Andrographis paniculata acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the herb is traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of cancer, although there is currently no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for this purpose. It also plays a role in managing jaundice, liver disorders, and fever as an anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory agent.

Anti-inflammatory and Immunostimulant Effects

The plant's compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies. In research involving mice, both andrograholide and ethanol extracts of the herb stimulated antigen-specific and nonspecific immune responses. All available animal data confirm the immunostimulant effects of the herb.

A systematic review of four clinical trials found that Andrographis paniculata, alone or in combination, was effective in reducing the severity of upper respiratory tract infections and related symptoms. Other clinical studies yielded similar results for respiratory infections.

Smaller clinical trials involving ulcerative colitis suggest that Andrographis paniculata extract can be as effective as mesalazine, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. Doses used in these studies ranged from 1,200 to 1,800 mg of extract daily, divided into three doses. In a study of 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 30 mg of andrograholides taken three times a day for 14 weeks led to improvement in symptoms, swelling, and tenderness. For multiple sclerosis, a study administering 170 mg of Andrographis paniculata extract twice daily to 25 patients documented reduced fatigue.

Antimicrobial Effects

Extracts and andrograholide derivatives have shown moderate in vitro activity and are studied as potential anti-HIV medications. Clinical research has evaluated the herb's role as an immunostimulant in upper respiratory tract and HIV infections. Extracts have been shown to block enterotoxin-induced secretion by Escherichia coli in experimental models of diarrhea in rabbits and guinea pigs. However, a study in HIV-positive patients found no effect on viral replication after six weeks, despite increases in CD4+ counts. For uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections, a 200 mg/day extract over five days showed benefits compared to placebo.

A 2018 meta-analysis including 33 clinical trials with over 7,175 patients found significant improvements in cough and sore throat compared to placebo. The herb had a statistically significant impact on improving overall symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection. Evidence also suggested shortened duration of cough, sore throat, and sick leave. No serious adverse effects were reported, with minor side effects mainly related to digestive discomfort.

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand approved the use of Andrographis paniculata extract in early stages of infection. The Thai Ministry of Health reported that the extract suppressed the virus and reduced the severity of inflammation. Traditionally, the herb is used in India and China for treating colds and influenza. A 2017 meta-analysis reviewed its application in acute respiratory infections and suggested possible support for both its efficacy and safety.

Anticancer Potential

In vivo and in vitro experiments using human cancer cell lines have explored Andrographis paniculata's anticancer effects. Andrograholide and related compounds are credited for these actions. The anticancer effect has been described in cell lines for prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, melanoma, and lymphocytic leukemia.

Other Effects

Extracts from Andrographis paniculata have shown hepatoprotective activity in animal studies. Plant extracts demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin and alloxan, supporting the herb’s traditional use for diabetes management. In a clinical trial of 60 patients with mild hypertriglyceridemia, 120 mg/day of andrograholide improved serum triglyceride levels.

Safety

While generally considered safe with few reported side effects, Andrographis paniculata is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential risk of miscarriage and other adverse effects, including headache, fatigue, rash, a bitter or metallic taste, diarrhea, itching, and decreased sexual desire, as noted in clinical studies using 10 mg/kg extract.

Active Compounds

All parts of the plant can be used to extract pharmacologically active compounds. The main active ingredient, andrographolide, is isolated from the leaves and is a chemically bicyclic diterpenoid lactone. Other significant components found in the aerial parts include 14-deoxy-11-dehydroandrographolide, 14-deoxy-11-oxoandrographolide, 5-hydroxy-7,8,2',3'-tetramethoxyflavone, neoandrographolide, paniculate-A, B, and C, and in the roots, panicolin.

Traditional Dosage

Pour 250 ml of boiling water over one teaspoon of the herb, cover, and let steep until the temperature is suitable for drinking. Use twice daily.