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Andrographis Paniculata Extract Powder

Also known as: Creat, Green chiretta, King of bitters, Andrographis, Andrographis paniculata

Overview

Andrographis paniculata extract powder is derived from the aerial parts of the plant, primarily standardized for its active compound, andrographolide. Traditionally used in Asian medicine, it is recognized for its applications in respiratory infections, inflammation, and immune support. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, indicates its efficacy in providing symptomatic relief for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold. Recent investigations also suggest its potential as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19. The extract is available in various forms, typically capsules or tablets, and its research maturity is moderate, with a growing body of evidence supporting its benefits and safety profile.

Benefits

Andrographis paniculata offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in the realm of respiratory health and immune modulation. Its most well-established benefit is the symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Meta-analyses consistently show that Andrographis extract significantly reduces the severity and duration of symptoms like sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion in both adults and children, with statistically significant improvements compared to placebo. Emerging evidence, including a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis, suggests its potential as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19, where it may reduce symptom severity and improve clinical outcomes, though more research is needed due to data heterogeneity. Beyond respiratory benefits, Andrographis exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, supporting its traditional uses. These effects are attributed to its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate immune cell function. While less established, some evidence points to benefits in non-infective diarrhea and autoimmune diseases. Symptom improvement is typically observed within 3-7 days of treatment initiation.

How it works

Andrographis paniculata exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its active compound, andrographolide, and other diterpenoids. These compounds act as potent anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, and by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is central to inflammatory responses. Its immunomodulatory actions include enhancing phagocytic activity and regulating various immune cell functions, thereby bolstering the body's natural defenses. Furthermore, antiviral activity has been proposed, involving the inhibition of viral replication enzymes and interference with viral entry into cells, though the clinical significance of these antiviral mechanisms requires further confirmation. The oral bioavailability of andrographolide is moderate, and standardized formulations ensure consistent dosing and efficacy.

Side effects

Andrographis paniculata extract is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse events. The most common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, include skin reactions like rash, pruritus, and urticaria. Rare side effects, reported in less than 1% of cases, involve hypersensitivity reactions. While no significant drug interactions have been conclusively identified, caution is advised when co-administering with anticoagulants or immunosuppressants due to theoretical risks. Contraindications include a known allergy to Andrographis paniculata or its constituents. Due to limited safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use. Overall, serious adverse events are rare, and most side effects are mild and transient.

Dosage

For acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), effective doses of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in clinical trials typically range from 300 mg to 1800 mg daily. The extract is often standardized to contain 10-30% andrographolide. Lower doses, such as 300-600 mg per day, have demonstrated efficacy with good tolerability, while higher doses up to 1800 mg per day have been used in some studies without a significant increase in adverse events. Treatment duration in clinical trials usually spans 5-10 days. The extract powder is commonly administered orally, typically in capsule or tablet form. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

FAQs

Is Andrographis paniculata safe for children?

Yes, clinical trials have shown good safety profiles for Andrographis paniculata in children when administered at recommended doses for respiratory infections.

How soon can benefits be expected from Andrographis paniculata?

Symptom relief for respiratory infections is generally observed within 3-7 days of initiating treatment with Andrographis paniculata.

Can Andrographis paniculata be used for COVID-19?

Preliminary evidence suggests potential as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19, but it is not a substitute for standard medical care.

Are there any serious side effects associated with Andrographis paniculata?

Serious adverse events are rare. Most reported side effects are mild, primarily gastrointestinal in nature, such as nausea or diarrhea.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1598255/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Prabhakornritta et al., 2025) investigated Andrographis paniculata-derived compounds for COVID-19 treatment. It found preliminary evidence from included RCTs suggesting symptom improvement and reduced disease progression risk in mild to moderate cases, though limitations include data heterogeneity and a small number of studies. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate.
https://sci-hub.se/downloads/2021-05-14/ec/worakunphanich2021.pdf – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Worakunphanich et al., 2021) assessed the safety of Andrographis paniculata across various conditions, including URTIs, diarrhea, and autoimmune diseases. Analyzing over 30 RCTs, it concluded a low incidence of mild adverse events, comparable to placebo, indicating a favorable safety profile. The study was noted for its high methodological quality.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0181780 – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Coon and Ernst, 2011) focused on the symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in adults and children using Andrographis paniculata. It demonstrated statistically significant reductions in symptom severity and faster recovery times compared to placebo, supported by adequate sample sizes and control groups. The evidence quality was rated as moderate to high.