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Andrographis

traditional use in immune support and inflammation

herb
Meta-analysis availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research

Bitter herb for upper respiratory infections and immune support.

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known as 'King of Bitters,' is an herb traditionally used in various systems of medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is recognized for its bitter taste and has been historically employed for conditions related to infection and inflammation. The plant contains a group of active compounds called andrographolides, which are believed to contribute to its biological activities. While widely used in traditional practices, scientific research on its efficacy and mechanisms is still developing.

Quick answer

What it is: Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known as 'King of Bitters,' is an herb traditionally used in various systems of medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

May support:Viral Infections, Lyme Disease, Sinus Infections

Evidence Summary

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the current understanding of Andrographis is based on traditional use and general scientific literature. Without specific clinical trials, claims regarding efficacy remain largely theoretical or anecdotal.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Andrographolides modulate immune and inflammatory pathways.

How it works in more detail

The primary active constituents of Andrographis paniculata are diterpenoid lactones, particularly andrographolide, neoandrographolide, and deoxyandrographolide. These compounds are believed to modulate immune function by affecting cytokine production and the activity of immune cells. They may also exhibit anti-inflammatory actions by interfering with signaling pathways such as NF-κB, which plays a central role in inflammatory processes. Additionally, some research suggests potential antimicrobial properties, though the exact mechanisms are still under investigation.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
400–1200 mg/day standardized
Typical forms
Capsule, Tablet, Tincture, Powder
Quality markers
When purchasing Andrographis, look for products standardized to a certain percentage of andrographolides, as these are considered the primary active compounds. Reputable brands that provide third-party testing for purity and potency are also advisable.
Medication interactions
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiplatelet drugs
  • Antihypertensive drugs
  • Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes
Avoid if
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Organ transplant recipient
  • Attempting to conceive (potential anti-fertility effects)

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Suggested dosage

400–1200 mg/day standardized

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Andrographolide, Neoandrographolide, Deoxyandrographolide

Traditional use

Andrographis has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is known as 'Kalmegh' and is valued for its bitter taste and properties to balance 'Pitta' and 'Kapha' doshas. It has been traditionally used for fever, common cold, flu, liver support, and digestive issues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is used to clear heat and resolve toxicity, often for conditions like infections and inflammatory disorders.

Safety

Safety warnings

Avoid in autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

Avoid if

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Organ transplant recipient
  • Attempting to conceive (potential anti-fertility effects)

Medication interactions

  • Immunosuppressants
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiplatelet drugs
  • Antihypertensive drugs
  • Drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes

Reported side effects

  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Allergic reactions

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade

As no specific PubMed studies were provided, the current understanding of Andrographis is based on traditional use and general scientific literature. Without specific clinical trials, claims regarding efficacy remain largely theoretical or anecdotal.

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Meta-Analyses(1)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality

  • Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Iyengar P, Godoy-Brewer G, Maniyar I, White J, Maas L, Parian AM · Nutrients · 2024

    Herbal medicines are used by patients with IBD despite limited evidence. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating treatment with herbal medicines in active ulcerative colitis (UC). A search query designed by a library informationist was used to identify potential articles for inclusion. Articles were screened and data were extracted by at least two investigators. Outcomes of interest included clinical response, clinical remission, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and safety. We identified 28 RCTs for 18 herbs. In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for Indigo naturalis (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for Curcuma longa (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or Andrographis paniculata (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26). There was a significantly higher rate of clinical remission for CL (RR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18-5.63), but not for AP (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.86-2.01).

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Observational Studies(1)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.

    Thompson A, Hynicka LM, Shere-Wolfe KD · Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) · 2023

    Lyme disease is the most common, tick-borne disease in the USA. While most patients successfully recover with antibiotics, some patients experience persistent symptoms for months to years. Patients who attribute chronic symptoms to Lyme disease commonly use herbal supplements. The complexity, variability in dose and formulation, and lack of data for these herbal compounds make it difficult to assess their efficacy and safety. This review examines the evidence for the antimicrobial activity, safety, and drug-drug interactions of 18 herbal supplements that patients commonly use for treatment of persistent symptoms attributed to Lyme disease. The research team performed a narrative review by searching the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Natural Medicines databases, and NCCIH website. The search used the keywords for 18 herbal compounds: (1) andrographis (Andrographis paniculate), (2) astragalus (Astragalus propinquus), (3) berberine, (4) cat's claw bark (Uncaria tomentosa), (5) cordyceps (Cordy

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(2)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality

  • The Effect of Andrographis Paniculata to GLP-1, Fasting Insulin, Insulin 2-h Post OGTT, and HOMA-IR in Normal and Prediabetes Subject

    n=73 · NCT03455049 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    Prevalence of type 2 diabetes have been increased, but medications had not been well, so that needed new alternatives. A new approach used in management of type 2 diabetes is incretin based therapy. Incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotrophic peptide (GIP), had producted in intestine due to carbohydrate intralumen. After had secreted, GLP-1 had degradated by DPP-4 enzyme till number and effect had been decreased. Decreasing of GLP-1 effect as main defect in type 2 diabetes. Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) as traditional treatment had known since years ago to have hypoglycemia effect. Extract of A. paniculata consists of andrographolid and flavonoid. Based on study of Wooten et al that flavonoid has hydroxyl to stimulate insulin's production through modulated GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1 receptor ligand). So the investigators need to study about The Effect of A. paniculata Extract to GLP-1, Fasting Plasma Insulin, Insulin concentrations measured during a standardized 2-h OGTT, and HOMA-IR.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

  • Real World, Open Label Prospective Experience of Supplementation With a Fixed Combination of Magnesium, Vitamin B2, Feverfew, Andrographis Paniculata and Coenzyme Q10 for Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis

    n=113 · NCT04463875 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    To investigate efficacy and safety of a supplementation with a fixed combination of magnesium, vitamin B2, feverfew, andrographis paniculata and coenzyme Q10 (Vivinor®) in episodic migraine prevention, by an observational, prospective real-world study in 113 Greek patients with episodic migraine that were prospectively followed-up for three months. The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days between baseline period (BL)and the third month of treatment (T3).

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Limitations: A significant limitation is the lack of specific, high-quality human clinical trials to substantiate many of the traditional claims. Much of the existing research may be in vitro or animal studies, which do not directly translate to human outcomes. There is also a need for standardized preparations and dosages in research.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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