What Is Andrographis? What Are the Benefits of It?

Andrographis is a herb native to Asia. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Ayurveda. Because of its similar usage in boosting immunological health, it has been dubbed “Indian echinacea” in Western cultures. 

Andrographis extracts high in andrographolide, the key chemical responsible for the plant’s health benefits, have a lot of scientific backing. While the focus of the research has been on its favorable benefits on immune function, Andrographis extracts have also been proven to have a variety of other impacts in promoting overall health.

Benefits of Andrographis

According to research, there are numerous benefits of andrographis. The plant’s extracts and pure components have been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and immunostimulant properties. 

Here’s a rundown of the plant’s various health benefits and applications: 

1. Liver Health

Andrographis’ hepatoprotective activity is mainly attributed to its star constituent, andrographolide. It is very efficient against alcohol-induced liver toxicity and promotes high levels of glutathione in the liver, which is one of its crucial self-protection mechanisms. The bitter chemicals promote good liver function by stimulating bile flow.

Andrographis Paniculata increases bile flow, improves gallbladder function, and is as effective as milk thistle in liver protection. Many investigations have shown that Andrograholides protect the liver and are beneficial against infective hepatitis. 

2. Has Anti-diabetic Effects

Animal studies have revealed that Andrographis extract has anti-diabetic properties. A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests that andrographolide may play a role in treating metabolic syndrome. Despite the lack of human study, the plant has been utilized in folk medicine for diabetes and liver disease.

3. Fever & Sore Throat from Tonsillitis

After 3 and 7 days of supplementation, Andrographis (6 grams daily) may be similar to acetaminophen (Tylenol) in lowering fever and sore throat associated with pharyngotonsillitis.

Some minor side effects were observed in 20% of the sample.

One study found that taking 1,200 mg of Andrographis for four days reduced assessed symptoms of pharyngotonsillitis by the second day.

4. Fights the Common Cold

Andrographis is used to alleviate cold symptoms such as sore throat and cough. The plant has traditionally been used in Indian and Chinese herbal therapy to treat influenza, colds, and cough.

According to studies, the plant’s extracts appear helpful and safe for reducing respiratory symptoms and minimizing how long it takes for symptoms to go away.

Research on Andrographis alone has also yielded promising outcomes for upper respiratory infections.

High Triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia)

However, Andrographis is typically utilized in patients with moderately elevated blood triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia).

The preliminary study appears promising. 300 mg/day Andrographis lowered triglyceride levels after 8 weeks when combined with a lifestyle intervention, exhibiting equivalent benefits to a prescription medicine (gemfibrozil). The extract was standardized to contain 119-120 mg of andrographolide.

A smaller dose of Andrographis standardized to contain 72 mg of andrographolide did not affect lipid levels. Large-scale, well-designed investigations are required.

5. Gut Health

Andrographolide has been demonstrated to reinforce the gastrointestinal barrier and reduce intestinal “leakiness” by promoting the growth of a vital bacterium known as Akkermansia muciniphila. 

This bacterium collaborates with the cells that line the intestines to create mucin, which protects the gut lining. It also activates M cells in the intestinal lining, which are vital in controlling the junctions between intestinal cells via actions on tight junction proteins that hold the intestinal cells together.

Under normal conditions, the small intestinal lining is essentially leak-proof (impermeable), allowing only fully digested food molecules to pass into the bloodstream and lymph arteries. When the gut lining becomes overly permeable or leaky, vast amounts of “molecular debris,” such as undigested and partially digested food components and microbe fragments, enter the bloodstream. This strains the immune system, the liver, and almost every other organ or system in the body. It also causes inflammation and a variety of health problems.

Andrographis has traditionally been used as a general tonic in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. This effect on the gut barrier lends credence to this application. 

6. Inflammation and Joint Health

Andrographis extract also increases anti-inflammatory response by activating a signaling protein (PPAR-gamma) that suppresses the production of a critical promoter of inflammation (NF-kappa B). As a result of these processes, the body produces fewer inflammatory chemicals. These effects are used to assist the body’s response to inflammation wherever it occurs. 

Clinical investigations, for example, have demonstrated that Andrographis extracts boost joint health by decreasing joint swelling and discomfort and minimizing cartilage degradation. It also improves joint stiffness, physical function, and clinical fatigue ratings.

Dosage

The stem, leaves, and root of Andrographis were used to make tinctures, powders, teas, juices, and pastes in traditional medicine. These concoctions were consumed or administered topically to treat various ailments, including intestinal worm infestation, gonorrhea, eczema, and infected wounds.

Andrographis is now available in capsules, tinctures, extracts, and teas. According to one research, a 300-milligram tablet taken four times per day is a “reasonable dose regimen” for the first several days of cold symptoms.

A more significant dose of three to six grams daily is often indicated for fever reduction and relief from inflammatory disorders or pain.

1,200-1,800 milligrams of Andrographis extract daily for eight weeks is another standard treatment for ulcerative colitis and inflammation-related diseases.

Bottomline

Andrographis is a herb used in traditional and folk medicine for thousands of years. It’s been used to treat various ailments, including digestion, respiratory tract infections, fever, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, pain, and cancer.

Significantly, Andrographis has no recommended dose because the appropriate amount depends on your health needs. The average daily dose ranges from 1,200 milligrams to six grams. Tea, extracts, tinctures, and capsules of Andrographis are all available.