Andrographis
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 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.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Andrographis is a herb most often used for may reduce common cold symptom severity, may shorten uncomplicated upper respiratory symptom duration, may reduce sore throat and cough intensity in some trials. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 300-1,200 mg/day extract or 48-60 mg/day andrographolides for short-term acute use, commonly 5-10 days, commonly taken as standardized andrographis paniculata extract with disclosed andrographolide content. This profile indexes 3 sources.
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 0 interaction records on file.
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.
Dosing & protocol.
Take with meals to reduce nausea and bitter reflux. Short-term use is preferred.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized andrographis extract capsule.
Short-course use makes monthly costs less relevant; standardized andrographolide products are preferred. Updated 2026-06-04.
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
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-analysisHu 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 trialsPoolsup 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 efficacyCoon JT et al. · Planta Medica · 2004
The review concluded Andrographis may relieve uncomplicated URTI symptoms and warranted further research.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Andrographis, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Andrographis?
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 is Andrographis used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Andrographis include: May reduce common cold symptom severity; May shorten uncomplicated upper respiratory symptom duration; May reduce sore throat and cough intensity in some trials; May support immune response during acute respiratory symptoms. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Andrographis?
A typical adult dose of Andrographis is 300-1,200 mg/day extract or 48-60 mg/day andrographolides for short-term acute use, commonly 5-10 days. The commonly recommended form is Standardized Andrographis paniculata extract with disclosed andrographolide content. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Andrographis?
Reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, bitter taste, headache, fatigue, rash. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Andrographis?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
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.