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Types of Andrographis: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

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

Standardized Extract (4-6% Andrographolide)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Clinical dosing — most evidence is with standardized extracts like Kan Jang (SHA-10).

Dried Herb Capsules

Bioavailability: Low-Moderate. Best for: Traditional use — whole herb provides a broader range of compounds but lower andrographolide concentration.

Liquid Tincture

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Fast absorption — extremely bitter taste; mix with juice or use capsules if taste is an issue.

Full Andrographis Guide

References

  1. ReviewCoon JT, Ernst E (2004). Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Planta Medica. DOI PubMed
  2. Meta-analysisWorakunphanich W, Thavorncharoensap M, Youngkong S, Thadanipon K, et al. (2021). Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. DOI PubMed
  3. Meta-analysisPrabhakornritta P, Waranuch N, Fuangchan A, Srikham K, et al. (2025). Exploring the clinical effects of Andrographis paniculata-derived compounds, its extract, or derivatives for the treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Frontiers in pharmacology. DOI PubMed
  4. ReviewIslam MT, Ali ES, Uddin SJ, Islam MA, et al. (2018). Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone from Andrographis paniculata and its therapeutic promises in cancer.. Cancer letters. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewKligler B, Ulbricht C, Basch E, Kirkwood CD, et al. (2006). Andrographis paniculata for the treatment of upper respiratory infection: a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.. Explore (New York, N.Y.). DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisPoolsup N, Suthisisang C, Prathanturarug S, Asawamekin A, et al. (2004). Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. DOI PubMed
  7. Iyengar P, Godoy-Brewer G, Maniyar I, White J, et al. (2024). Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Nutrients. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Siripongboonsitti T, Ungtrakul T, Tawinprai K, Auewarakul C, et al. (2023). Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata extract treatment in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients being treated with favipiravir: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (APFaVi trial).. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. Marx W, Hockey M, McGuinness AJ, Lane M, et al. (2020). The effect of emerging nutraceutical interventions for clinical and biological outcomes in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review.. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders. DOI PubMed
  3. Vikelis M, Dermitzakis EV, Vlachos GS, Soldatos P, et al. (2020). Open Label Prospective Experience of Supplementation with a Fixed Combination of Magnesium, Vitamin B2, Feverfew, Andrographis Paniculata and Coenzyme Q10 for Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis.. Journal of clinical medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Onofri A, Necozione S, Tozzi E (2020). Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in headache of children and adolescents: open-label Italian study.. La Clinica terapeutica. DOI PubMed