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Andrographis supplement
Herbal Extract

Andrographis: Benefits, Dosage, Forms & Research

Herbal Extract

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

TL;DR — Quick Answer

Andrographis is a clinically proven herbal remedy for upper respiratory infections. A Cochrane review of 33 RCTs (n=7,175) found it significantly reduces cold symptoms including sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. The standardized extract Kan Jang (SHA-10) is the best-studied form. Typical dosing is 300-600mg standardized extract daily.

Key Facts

What it is
A bitter medicinal herb containing andrographolide, an anti-inflammatory and antiviral diterpenoid
Primary benefits
  • Reduces cold symptoms (sore throat, congestion, cough)
  • Anti-inflammatory via NF-kB inhibition
  • Direct antiviral activity
  • Stimulates innate immune responses
  • Backed by Cochrane review evidence
Typical dosage
300-600mg standardized extract daily (4-6% andrographolide)
Evidence level
Moderate
Safety profile
Generally Safe

What the Research Says

Andrographis has an unusually strong evidence base for a herbal remedy. The Cochrane review by Hu et al. (2017) analyzed 33 RCTs with 7,175 participants, concluding that andrographis (alone or in combination) was superior to placebo for relieving cold symptoms. The standardized extract Kan Jang has been tested in multiple double-blind RCTs conducted in Sweden and other countries, showing consistent reductions in sore throat, nasal symptoms, and cough. Coon and Ernst (2004) conducted an earlier systematic review reaching similar conclusions. Andrographolide's anti-inflammatory mechanism via NF-kB inhibition is well-characterized and provides a pharmacological basis for its clinical effects.

Benefits of Andrographis

  • Upper respiratory infection treatment — a Cochrane review by Hu et al. (2017) of 33 RCTs (n=7,175) found andrographis significantly reduced cough, sore throat, and overall cold symptoms compared to placebo, with effects comparable to or better than some conventional treatments
  • Anti-inflammatory — andrographolide is a potent inhibitor of NF-kB, the master inflammatory transcription factor, reducing production of pro-inflammatory mediators including COX-2, iNOS, and inflammatory cytokines
  • Antiviral activity — andrographolide demonstrates in vitro activity against multiple respiratory viruses by inhibiting viral protease activity and viral RNA replication
  • Immune stimulation — andrographis enhances phagocytic activity of macrophages and increases production of IL-2, a key cytokine for T-cell proliferation and immune coordination
  • Fever reduction — traditional use for fever is supported by andrographolide's ability to modulate prostaglandin synthesis via COX-2 inhibition, a mechanism shared with NSAIDs
Did you know?

Andrographis has an unusually strong evidence base for a herbal remedy.

Forms of Andrographis

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Standardized Extract (4-6% Andrographolide)ModerateClinical dosing — most evidence is with standardized extracts like Kan Jang (SHA-10)
Dried Herb CapsulesLow-ModerateTraditional use — whole herb provides a broader range of compounds but lower andrographolide concentration
Liquid TinctureModerateFast absorption — extremely bitter taste; mix with juice or use capsules if taste is an issue

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 300-600mg standardized extract daily (providing 30-60mg andrographolide)

Timing: Start at first sign of symptoms; divide doses 2-3 times daily; most effective in first 48 hours of illness • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

ConditionRecommended DoseEvidence
Acute cold/flu treatment400-600mg extract daily for 5-7 daysModerate
Preventive immune support200-300mg extract dailyEmerging
Kan Jang preparation340mg SHA-10 3x dailyModerate

Upper limit: No established upper limit; doses up to 1200mg/day used in clinical trials without serious adverse effects

Side Effects and Safety

Safety profile: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) due to extreme bitterness — take with food to minimize
  • Headache and fatigue at higher doses
  • Allergic skin rash (rare)
  • Potential anti-fertility effects at very high doses — observed in animal studies; clinical significance uncertain

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — andrographolide has antiplatelet activity; may increase bleeding risk
  • Antihypertensive medications — andrographis may lower blood pressure; monitor for additive hypotension
  • Immunosuppressants — may counteract immunosuppressive therapy
Check Andrographis interactions with other supplements →
BenefitsDosage GuideSide EffectsTypes & FormsResearchFAQ

Related Conditions

Immune Function

Related Supplements

EchinaceaElderberryPelargonium (Umcka)Olive Leaf Extract

Frequently Asked Questions

How does andrographis compare to echinacea?

Andrographis has arguably stronger clinical evidence than echinacea, with a Cochrane review of 33 RCTs supporting its use for cold symptoms. The effect sizes in andrographis trials tend to be larger and more consistent. Andrographis is better for treatment of active colds, while echinacea may be slightly better for prevention. They can be combined — the Kan Jang formula actually combines andrographis with Eleutherococcus (Siberian ginseng). Andrographis is much more bitter in taste.

Why is andrographis called the king of bitters?

Andrographis is one of the most intensely bitter plants used in medicine, and its bitter taste is legendary in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional practice. The bitterness comes primarily from andrographolide and related diterpenoid lactones. In traditional medicine, bitterness was considered therapeutically important, stimulating digestive secretions and liver function. For modern supplementation, capsules are strongly recommended unless you have a tolerance for extremely bitter flavors.

Is andrographis safe for long-term use?

Short-term use (5-14 days) for acute illness has the best safety data. Long-term safety data is more limited. Animal studies have shown anti-fertility effects at high doses, so andrographis is not recommended during pregnancy or for those trying to conceive. For daily preventive use, lower doses (200-300mg) and periodic cycling (8 weeks on, 2 weeks off) are prudent approaches until more long-term human data is available.

References

  1. (). Andrographis paniculata (Chuanxinlian) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI
  2. (). Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Planta Medica. DOI