Overview

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculate) is a plant native to South Asian countries. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda.

Andrographis leaf and stem might work by stimulating the immune system. It might also prevent flu viruses from binding to cells in the body.

People commonly use andrographis for the common cold, osteoarthritis, infection of the throat and tonsils, and a type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its other uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Common cold. Taking andrographis by mouth, alone or as part of an herbal combination product, seems to improve cough and sore throat in some people with the common cold. It's not clear if andrographis helps to prevent colds.
  • Osteoarthritis. Taking andrographis extract by mouth daily seems to reduce pain and stiffness in people with mild or moderate osteoarthritis in the knee.
  • Infection of the throat and tonsils (tonsillopharyngitis). Taking andrographis by mouth daily works about as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and pain from tonsillitis.
  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Taking andrographis extract by mouth daily for 8 weeks reduces symptoms of ulcerative colitis about as well as the drug mesalamine.
There is interest in using andrographis for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Andrographis is likely safe when used in doses up to 340 mg daily for up to 12 months. It also appears to be safe when taken as a specific combination product containing andrographis extract and eleuthero (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute) for 4-7 days. Andrographis can cause side effects such diarrhea, vomiting, rash, headache, runny nose, and fatigue. Side effects are more likely with higher doses.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Andrographis is likely safe when used in doses up to 340 mg daily for up to 12 months. It also appears to be safe when taken as a specific combination product containing andrographis extract and eleuthero (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute) for 4-7 days. Andrographis can cause side effects such diarrhea, vomiting, rash, headache, runny nose, and fatigue. Side effects are more likely with higher doses.
Pregnancy: Andrographis is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is a concern that it might cause miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if andrographis is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Andrographis is possibly safe in children when taken by mouth, short-term. Andrographis has been used in combination with other herbs for up to one month in children 3-15 years of age.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using andrographis.

Bleeding conditions: Andrographis might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Andrographis might slow blood clotting and reduce blood pressure. It might cause extra bleeding or low blood pressure during and after surgery. Stop using andrographis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis might lower blood pressure. Taking andrographis along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Andrographis along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis might slow blood clotting. Taking andrographis along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Aceclofenac interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis might change the amount of aceclofenac in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of aceclofenac.

  • Celecoxib (Celebrex) interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis might change the amount of celecoxib in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of celecoxib.

  • Glipizide (Glucotrol) interacts with ANDROGRAPHIS

    Andrographis might change the amount of glipizide in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of glipizide.

Dosing

Andrographis has most often been used by adults in doses of 90-600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It is also available in combination products. Andrographis extracts are usually standardized by the amount of a certain chemical, called andrographolide, that they contain. This typically ranges from 2% to 50%. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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