Andrographis Paniculata Review
Andrographis Paniculata is a plant that grows naturally in India and Sri Lanka. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
Today, it’s making a comeback as an herbal remedy for the common cold.
What is Andrographis Paniculata?
Andrographis Paniculata is a small plant native to Sri Lanka and India. The leaf and underground stem of the plant have been used for centuries to make medicine.
Ancient Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine used the Andrographis paniculata plant to treat the common cold and flu. It may have even played an instrumental role in fighting back against the 1919 Spanish flu epidemic in India.
Today, Andrographis paniculata has been “rediscovered” as an effective herbal remedy for a vast range of ailments. It’s been used to treat digestive problems like diarrhea, constipation, gassiness, and stomach pain, for example. It’s also been used to treat sore throat, coughs, allergies, bronchitis, and the common cold.
Some people even apply Andrographis paniculata topically to relieve skin conditions like ulcers, itchiness, and wounds.
As you can see, there are a wide number of reasons why you would use Andrographis paniculata. Today, it’s becoming a popular ingredient in health supplements sold both online and offline.
Never heard of Andrographis paniculata? You’re probably not alone. The supplement does go by a few other names, including: Chiretta, King of Bitters, Kalmegh, Creat, Chuanxinlian, Yijianxi, Lanhelian, and Indian Echinacea.
How Does Andrographis Paniculata Work?
Most Andrographis paniculata supplements rely on an active ingredient known as andrographolide. This active ingredient appears naturally in Andrographis paniculata in concentrations of just 1% to 2%.
In health supplements, however, manufacturers have increased the amount of that active ingredient to as much as 30% andrographolide.
So how exactly does andrographolide work? In scientific studies, this chemical compound has demonstrated anti-inflammatory action. Chemically speaking, it reduces the cytokine and peritoneal deposition of neutrophils and modulates long inflammation in vivo.
If you don’t know what any of that means, then that’s okay: essentially, Andrographis paniculata acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant throughout your body. This can reduce symptoms of digestive problems and help fight off illnesses and diseases.
Benefits of Andrographis Paniculata
Andrographis paniculata supplements promise a variety of benefits. In addition to the benefits listed above – like anti-inflammatory benefits and antioxidant benefits – supplements may promise relief from one or more of the following conditions:
— Diabetes And Blood Sugar Control
— Familial Mediterranean Fever, Or Fmf
— Graves Disease
— Herpes Simplex And Hiv
— Immune System
— Malaria
— Mental Benefits, Including More Restful Sleeps
— Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scientific Evidence for Andrographis Paniculata
Like most herbs that have been used for thousands of years, Andrographis paniculata has been studied sparingly over the years. Here are some of the largest and most influential Andrographis paniculata studies performed to date:
1999 Study from Chile Suggests Andrographis Paniculata Dries Up Cold Symptoms
A 1999 Chilean study on Andrographis paniculata was published in this book that examined the effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine. Researchers observed that participants who took 1,200 milligrams of the herb extract for five days had a “significant drying effect” in their nasal secretions caused by the common cold.
2011 Study Demonstrates Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects
One final important study on Andrographis paniculata can be found here. That study examined the effects of Andrographis paniculata on mice and concluded that Andrographis paniculata extract acted as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
2012 Study Proves Andrographis Paniculata Can Be Used as a Mosquito Repellant
Not all Andrographis paniculata studies have looked at the herb’s health benefits. One 2012 study examined the herb’s effectiveness as a mosquito repellant. The study looked at a number of different Indian traditional medicines and herbs and concluded that Andrographis paniculata could be used as an effective mosquito repellant.
Ultimately, Andrographis paniculata requires more study before it can be definitively linked to any health benefits. However, early research – especially in the last few years – has demonstrated a link between this “Indian Echinacea” and powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant benefits.
How to Use Andrographis Paniculata
The recommended standard dose for Andrographis paniculata root extract is 2,000mg to 6,000mg. Keep in mind that standard root extract has just 1% to 2% concentrations of the herb’s active ingredient, andrographolide, by weight. In rare cases, highly concentrated root extracts can have up to 4% andrographolide.
If you’re ordering a concentrated root extract supplement online, then you can find andrographolide contents as high as 30% or more. Typically, Andrographis paniculata supplements recommended a standard dose of 200mg per serving. You take one capsule with or without food for maximum health benefits.
One popular Andrographis paniculata supplement is made by a company called Planetary Formulas. That company recommends taking “one pill a few times per week”. It also contains 300mg of Andrographis standardized extract and 10% andrographolides. There’s an additional 100mg of Andrographis panicula herb in each capsule for added strength.
