Andrographis

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
Share
This information describes the common uses of Andrographis, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Andrographis has been mostly studied for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections.

Andrographis paniculata is used in traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases and fevers. In the lab, it exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunostimulating properties.

Preliminary studies suggest andrographis alone or in combination with other herbs may reduce duration and severity of upper respiratory infections associated with the common cold or flu. Other data suggest it may help some inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, but more studies are needed.

Patients should use caution before using this herb as it may interact with many drugs.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Colds and Flu
    Either alone or in combination with other herbs, andrographis may reduce duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
  • Immune function
    In a small trial of patients with HIV, andrographolides, the active ingredients in andrographis, increased the number of lymphocytes, suggesting improved immune function. However, the trial was interrupted midway due to an adverse event.
  • Cancer
    Lab studies suggest antioxidant and anticancer properties, but this has not yet been studied in humans.
  • Inflammation
    Small trials suggest benefit for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, but additional studies are needed to confirm these effects.

What are the side effects?

  • Headache
  • Fatigue, dizziness
  • Allergic reactions, hypersensitivity, skin rash
  • Lymph node pain or swelling
  • Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Altered taste

Case reports

  • Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions: Caused by several different A. paniculata preparations. Methanol extracts may increase this allergy risk.
  • Anaphylactic reaction: In an HIV patient on-study during week 4.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes: With very high doses.
  • Acute kidney injury: Following andrographolides given by IV. Symptoms included flank pain, decreased urine output, and nausea/vomiting.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

  • You are taking aminophylline: Preclinical studies indicate that andrographis may increase the risk of side effects from this drug.
  • You are taking chemotherapy drugs: Andrographis has antioxidant effects and may interfere with the actions of chemotherapy drugs.
  • You are taking CYP450 substrate drugs: Although clinical relevance is yet to be determined, andrographis may make some of these drugs less effective or increase the risk of side effects.
  • You are taking blood pressure-lowering drugs: Andrographis may have additional hypotensive effects. A study in healthy humans showed transient reductions in blood pressure when taking the suggested dose for common cold and respiratory tract infections.
  • You are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs: Some lab studies suggest andrographis may interfere with these drugs. Patients taking these medications should use caution and consult their treating physician if considering the use of andrographis products.
  • You are taking UGT 2B7 substrate drugs: Lab studies suggest andrographolide derivatives may increase the side effects of drugs metabolized by this enzyme.