InfoSynergy
Zinc
Both are used for common cold support and may target different immune pathways.
Recommendation: Use short term and avoid excessive zinc dosing.
Andrographis
Herb ·Moderate evidence ·Reviewed May 2026
Andrographis paniculata is a bitter herb used for acute upper respiratory tract infection symptom relief. Systematic reviews of randomized trials suggest standardized extracts may reduce severity and duration of common cold or uncomplicated respiratory symptoms, but it does not replace medical care for serious infection. Safety concerns include allergic reactions including rare anaphylaxis, GI upset, medication interactions, pregnancy avoidance, and possible liver enzyme issues.
What it's good for
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: may reduce common cold symptom severity, may shorten uncomplicated upper respiratory symptom duration, may reduce sore throat and cough intensity in some trials. 3 sources indexed (2004–2017), with 4 interaction records on file.
The science
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
Andrographolide and related diterpene lactones modulate inflammatory signaling, NF-kB-related pathways, cytokine responses, and immune cell activity. Clinical effects in URTI trials are likely symptom-modifying rather than directly antiviral in a proven disease-specific way. Bitter constituents and immune effects also explain GI intolerance and caution in autoimmune, fertility, pregnancy, and immunosuppressive contexts.
Class
Bitter immune and upper respiratory botanical
Found in food
No common food source; used as bitter herb or extract
Low-status signs
None - andrographis is not an essential nutrient and has no deficiency state
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing
Dosing & protocol.
Common range
300-1,200 mg/day extract or 48-60 mg/day andrographolides for short-term acute use, commonly 5-10 days
Recommended form
Standardized Andrographis paniculata extract with disclosed andrographolide content
Take with meals to reduce nausea and bitter reflux. Short-term use is preferred.
Forms
Forms & what to buy.
Ranked by evidence and value.
Standardized Andrographis Extract Capsule Recommended
Best when andrographolide content is disclosed. Take with meals.
Andrographolide-Standardized Tablet
Allows dosing by active diterpene content. Take with food to reduce GI upset.
Immune Blend with Andrographis
Common in cold formulas but attribution and interactions are harder. Review all herbs and stimulants.
Cost
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized andrographis extract capsule.
BudgetBest value
$4 /mo
$0.12 per dose
Mid
$11 /mo
$0.35 per dose
Premium
$27 /mo
$0.90 per dose
Short-course use makes monthly costs less relevant; standardized andrographolide products are preferred. Updated 2026-06-04.
Goals
Goal-based dosing.
Common Cold Symptom Relief
Dose: 300-1,200 mg/day extract for 5-10 days1,2
Timing: Divided with meals
Start early in uncomplicated symptoms; stop for rash or worsening symptoms.
Sore Throat and Cough Support
Dose: 48-60 mg/day andrographolides1
Timing: Divided daily
Evidence is symptom relief, not proven pathogen eradication.
Immune Resilience During High Exposure
Dose: Low-dose product-specific short course
Timing: With meals
Not ideal for chronic daily use because safety data are better for short-term use.
Lab work
Markers to track.
What to test, the optimal window inside the conventional range, and how long a response takes.
Alanine Aminotransferase ALT
Should remain stable; check if prolonged use, liver disease, or symptoms of liver injury occur.
Optimal
7–35 U/L
Conventional
7–55 U/L
Responds in
As clinically indicated
7optimal55
Stop and seek care for jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, or right upper quadrant pain.
ASTBilirubinAlkaline phosphatase
Why people use it
Symptoms it's matched to.
Where this appears in the symptom-to-supplement map, ranked by relevance.
Sore throat
62% relevance
May reduce inflammatory respiratory symptom severity.1,2
ImmuneModerate evidenceStandardized extract
Severe or persistent sore throat may need testing.
Cough with common cold
58% relevance
Trials report reductions in cough and overall URTI symptom scores.1,2
ImmuneModerate evidenceAndrographolide-standardized tablet
Shortness of breath or chest pain requires care.
Frequent colds
40% relevance
May support acute immune response, but chronic prevention evidence is less clear.1
ImmuneEmerging evidenceShort-course standardized extract
Prioritize sleep, vaccines, hygiene, and nutrition.
Safety
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Bitter taste
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Allergic reaction or rare anaphylaxis
- Possible liver enzyme elevation
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Known allergy to Andrographis paniculata1,2
- Autoimmune disease, transplant, or immunosuppressive therapy without clinician guidance
- Use before surgery without clinician review1,2
- Severe infection, shortness of breath, high fever, or worsening symptoms requiring medical care1,2
Interactions
Interaction records.
InfoSynergy
Vitamin C
Both are used for respiratory symptom support with different mechanisms.
Recommendation: Use moderate vitamin C doses and short-term andrographis only.
ModerateCaution
Garlic Extract
Both may have antiplatelet or bleeding-related cautions, especially around surgery or anticoagulants.
Recommendation: Avoid high-dose combination before surgery or with anticoagulant therapy unless clinician-reviewed.
ModerateCaution
Berberine
Both can cause GI upset and may lower glucose in susceptible users.
Recommendation: Use caution with diabetes medications and stop if significant diarrhea or hypoglycemia symptoms occur.
Sources
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
3- 1Andrographis paniculata (Chuan Xin Lian) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysisNeeds reviewNo linkHu XY et al. · PLOS ONE · 2017
Andrographis improved cough, sore throat, and overall symptoms in pooled analyses, with variable study quality.
- 2Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trialsNeeds reviewNo linkPoolsup N et al. · Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics · 2004
Trials suggested Andrographis alone or in combination was more effective than placebo for URTI symptoms.
- 3Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacyNeeds reviewNo linkCoon JT et al. · Planta Medica · 2004
The review concluded Andrographis may relieve uncomplicated URTI symptoms and warranted further research.
Keep exploring
Deep dives & adjacent profiles.
This page is educational. Do not start, stop, or change a supplement or medication based on it without checking with a qualified healthcare professional.
Use this with your stack
Andrographis in NutriStack.
Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.