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Paractin Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract

Also known as: King of Bitters, Creat, Green Chiretta, ParActin, Andrographis paniculata

Overview

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as King of Bitters, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. ParActin is a specific standardized extract of A. paniculata leaves, developed to ensure consistent levels of its active compounds, primarily andrographolides. This standardization allows for reliable dosing and clinical application. ParActin is primarily utilized for symptomatic relief in inflammatory conditions, most notably mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, where it has shown significant pain reduction and functional improvement. It is also widely used to reduce the severity and duration of acute upper respiratory tract infections due to its immune-modulating effects. The research supporting A. paniculata, particularly ParActin, is of moderate maturity, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses confirming its efficacy and safety profile.

Benefits

ParActin, a standardized *Andrographis paniculata* extract, offers several evidence-based benefits. Its primary effect is a significant reduction in pain and improvement in physical function for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Clinical trials, including a double-blind RCT, have demonstrated these benefits at doses of 300-600 mg/day, showing clinically meaningful pain reduction compared to placebo. A meta-analysis of nutraceuticals for osteoarthritis also indicated a small but statistically significant pain reduction. Secondly, ParActin exhibits immune-modulating effects that effectively reduce the severity and duration of acute respiratory tract infections, a benefit supported by systematic reviews and meta-analyses. While less robust, preliminary evidence suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. Benefits in osteoarthritis typically manifest over weeks to months of consistent supplementation, whereas relief from respiratory infection symptoms can be observed within days to a week.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of *Andrographis paniculata*, particularly ParActin, are primarily attributed to its active compounds, andrographolides. These diterpenoid lactones exert potent anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory responses. Beyond inflammation, andrographolides contribute to immune modulation by enhancing phagocytic activity and regulating T-cell responses, thereby bolstering the body's defense mechanisms. Additionally, the extract possesses antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress. The standardization of ParActin ensures a consistent delivery of these active compounds, improving their oral bioavailability and therapeutic consistency.

Side effects

Overall, *Andrographis paniculata* and its standardized extract, ParActin, are considered safe with a low incidence of adverse events in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and dizziness, though these are not consistently observed across all studies. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, include skin rash and itching, which have been reported in isolated cases. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, may include allergic reactions. While no significant drug interactions have been consistently reported, caution is advised when combining ParActin with immunosuppressants due to its immune-modulating effects. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to *Andrographis paniculata*. Due to limited safety data, caution is recommended during pregnancy. While further study is needed for special populations like children and the elderly, no major safety concerns have been identified to date.

Dosage

For optimal efficacy and safety, the recommended dosage of ParActin standardized extract for osteoarthritis pain relief is a minimum of 300 mg per day. The optimal dose range, demonstrated in clinical trials, is between 300 mg and 600 mg per day. Doses up to 600 mg per day have been well tolerated in studies, and a definitive maximum safe dose has not been established. ParActin should be taken orally on a daily basis. The duration of supplementation depends on the condition being addressed; for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, treatment may extend for weeks to months. Using a standardized extract like ParActin is preferred to ensure consistent levels of active compounds, such as andrographolides. While no specific cofactors are required, taking the supplement with food may improve tolerance and absorption. Bioavailability is generally enhanced in standardized extracts.

FAQs

Is ParActin safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports the safety of ParActin for several months of use. However, long-term data extending beyond this period are limited, so continued monitoring is advisable for prolonged use.

How soon can benefits be expected?

For osteoarthritis, pain relief may begin within a few weeks of consistent use. For acute conditions like respiratory infections, immune benefits and symptom relief can often be observed within days.

Can it be combined with other anti-inflammatories?

While likely safe, clinical data on combining ParActin with other anti-inflammatory medications are limited. It's advisable to monitor for any additive effects or potential interactions when combining.

Is it effective for autoimmune diseases?

Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for autoimmune conditions, but more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in these specific diseases.

Are there any serious side effects?

Serious adverse events with ParActin are rare. The most common side effects are mild and include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, or occasionally a skin rash, which typically resolve upon discontinuation.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6339 – This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated ParActin's efficacy in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It found that 300 and 600 mg/day significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life, with no serious adverse events, demonstrating clear effect sizes and statistical significance.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/ict.2023.29094.klu?download=true – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated *Andrographis paniculata* for respiratory infections. It concluded that *A. paniculata* reduces the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections in both adults and children, highlighting its immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects with a favorable safety profile.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.773282/full – This systematic review focused on the adverse effects of andrographolide derivatives, identifying rare but possible reactions such as rash and dizziness across 262 clinical studies. It noted that most adverse events were mild and resolved after discontinuation or symptomatic treatment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7708648/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed various nutraceuticals, including *A. paniculata*, for osteoarthritis. It found a small but statistically significant reduction in pain (SMD = -0.23) across 42 RCTs, indicating an overall positive effect on osteoarthritis symptoms despite some heterogeneity among studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33372366/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the safety of oral *A. paniculata* monotherapy. It included multiple RCTs and observational studies, concluding a low incidence of mostly mild and reversible adverse events, thereby supporting its clinical use without significant safety concerns.