Organic Paractin Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract
Also known as: Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees, Green chiretta, Creat, King of bitters, Organic Paractin, Andrographis paniculata
Overview
Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal herb native to South and Southeast Asia, widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The leaf extract, particularly Organic Paractin, contains bioactive diterpenoids, primarily andrographolide, which are responsible for its pharmacological effects. It is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Common applications include the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, and liver disorders. The extract is known for its bitter taste and potent anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects, with relatively low toxicity at recommended doses. Research maturity is moderate to advanced, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, and meta-analyses available, although further large-scale studies are needed in some clinical areas. Evidence includes several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs supporting efficacy and safety, but heterogeneity in study designs and extract standardization exists.
Benefits
Andrographis paniculata demonstrates anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, particularly in osteoarthritis, with meta-analyses showing statistically significant reductions in pain scores and improved physical function (p < 0.05). It also exhibits immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, reducing symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections, as supported by clinical trials and reviews. Hepatoprotective effects are evident, with reduced liver inflammation markers in experimental and clinical settings. Secondary benefits include antipyretic and antioxidant activities reported in preclinical and clinical studies. Potential benefits in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health are suggested but require more robust clinical data. It is effective in adults with inflammatory conditions and has some pediatric use reported, though dosing and safety profiles are less clear. Meta-analyses report moderate effect sizes in pain reduction and inflammation markers with clinically relevant confidence intervals. Benefits are typically observed within 1-3 weeks of oral supplementation.
How it works
Andrographolide, the primary bioactive compound in Andrographis paniculata, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. It also modulates the NF-κB signaling pathway and immune cell activity, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, it exhibits antiviral activity by interfering with viral replication mechanisms. Andrographis paniculata acts on the immune, hepatic, and inflammatory systems and modulates oxidative stress pathways. Its known molecular targets include NF-κB, MAPK pathways, and various inflammatory mediators. Oral bioavailability is moderate, with andrographolide undergoing hepatic metabolism. Standardized extracts like Organic Paractin improve the consistency of active compound delivery.
Side effects
Andrographis paniculata is generally safe when used orally at recommended doses, with systematic reviews reporting a low incidence of adverse events. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and allergic reactions, though these are uncommon. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include mild rash, nausea, and fatigue. Rare side effects, affecting less than 1% of users, include serious allergic reactions and injection site reactions, primarily with injectable forms. Potential drug interactions exist with anticoagulants and immunosuppressants due to its immune-modulating effects, necessitating caution. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and should be used with caution in autoimmune diseases. Pediatric dosing is not well established, and elderly and immunocompromised patients should consult healthcare providers before use.
Dosage
Clinical trials typically use standardized extracts of Andrographis paniculata, such as Organic Paractin, equivalent to 30-60 mg of andrographolide daily as a minimum effective dose. Optimal dosage ranges from 60-120 mg of andrographolide per day, divided into 2-3 doses, depending on the specific indication. A maximum safe dose of up to 180 mg/day of andrographolide has been reported as safe in short-term use, but long-term safety data are limited. Oral administration with meals is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Standardized leaf extracts are preferred, while injectable forms, though used in some countries, carry a higher risk of adverse events. Bioavailability may be enhanced with lipid-based formulations. No specific cofactors are required, but overall nutritional status may influence outcomes.
FAQs
Is Organic Paractin safe?
Yes, when used as directed, Organic Paractin has a favorable safety profile supported by systematic reviews, indicating a low incidence of adverse effects.
How soon will I see results?
Benefits from Organic Paractin typically appear within 1-3 weeks of consistent use, as observed in clinical trials.
Can it be used long-term?
Long-term safety data for Organic Paractin are limited; therefore, short-term use is better supported by current evidence.
Does it interact with other medications?
Organic Paractin may interact with blood thinners and immunosuppressants; consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid potential complications.
Is it effective for viral infections?
Evidence supports that Organic Paractin provides symptomatic relief in upper respiratory infections but is not a standalone antiviral cure.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372366/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the safety of Andrographis paniculata and found a low incidence of adverse events, approximately 5%, indicating a good safety profile. The analysis included multiple RCTs with thousands of participants, primarily focusing on short-term use ranging from 2 to 21 days, highlighting the need for more long-term safety data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7708648/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the impact of nutraceutical supplementation on pain in knee/hip osteoarthritis. The study included patients with osteoarthritis and found significant pain reduction and improved function (p<0.05). However, it noted some heterogeneity in extract standardization across different studies.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6339 – This review examined liver inflammation and the anti-inflammatory activity of Andrographis paniculata, drawing from both clinical and preclinical studies. It demonstrated anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, although it noted the limitation of having few large-scale clinical trials to fully support these findings.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/14/4479 – This comprehensive review of Andrographis paniculata highlighted its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits based on clinical data from various populations. While it provided a broad overview, it was a narrative synthesis rather than a meta-analytic study, which limits the strength of its conclusions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.773282/full – This systematic review analyzed the adverse effects of andrographolide derivatives, examining 262 clinical studies with 9490 patients. The study found an ADR incidence of approximately 5%, with most adverse effects being mild, and noted that injection forms carried a higher risk. The data were primarily short-term, with variable reporting across studies.
Recommended Articles
Herbal Immune Boosters: Safety in 2025 COVID/Flu Season
Herbal immune boosters show promise against COVID/flu but require careful consideration for long-term safety.
Boosting Immunity: Best Supplements for Long-Term Health
Vitamin D and zinc are key supplements for boosting long-term immunity, but moderation and adherence to guidelines are essential.