Andrographis
OTHER NAME(S): andrographis, Andrographis paniculata, chiretta, chuan xin lian, Indian echinacea, king of bitters
Overview
Andrographis, which refers to a plant called Andrographis paniculata, is available in dietary supplements. These supplements are sometimes used to help with a sore throat or infection, but their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include an upset stomach or changes in the way things taste. Before taking andrographis, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is andrographis used for?
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is used for problems with the nose and throat, including a mild sore throat, the common cold, and the flu. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed andrographis for safety and effectiveness, and it is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does andrographis work (mechanism of action)?
Andrographis refers to a plant called Andrographis paniculata, which is known for its bitter taste. It has a long history of use in the traditional medicine system in China, where it is known as chuan xin lian. Dietary supplements that contain andrographis are made from its leaves, stems, and flowers (aerial parts).
Some of the chemicals in andrographis, called andrographolides, are thought to have various effects in the body, but it is unclear whether these chemicals can actually help with a sore throat or an infection. More research is needed to understand how andrographis may work in the body.
Herbal products like andrographis naturally contain many different chemicals, such as andrographolides. The amounts of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may vary depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store andrographis?
You should store andrographis according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of andrographis?
The most common side effects of andrographis are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Loss of taste or change in how things taste
- Rash
- Upset stomach
There may be other side effects of andrographis that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of andrographis?
While less common, the most serious side effects of andrographis are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Andrographis may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking andrographis and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use andrographis?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take andrographis.
- Andrographis
- Andrographis paniculata
- Andrographolide
- Chiretta
- Chuan xin lian
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific andrographis products they stock.
What should I know about andrographis before using it?
Andrographis is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep andrographis out of the reach of children.
Many dietary supplements that contain andrographis also contain other herbal ingredients, such as eleuthero. These other ingredients may cause different effects and side effects. Read the product label closely to understand which ingredients it contains.
Herbal products, such as andrographis, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific andrographis product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested andrographis products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using andrographis?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if andrographis is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements.Andrographis may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking andrographis, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how andrographis could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if andrographis passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does andrographis interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between andrographis and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect andrographis.
Does andrographis interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Andrographis may alter the blood levels of some medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
The interactions between andrographis and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with andrographis is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking andrographis with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much andrographis?
If you or someone else has used too much andrographis, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Dietary supplements that contain andrographis often contain other herbal ingredients as well. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take andrographis safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: “Andrographis paniculata.”
- BMC Neurology: “Efficacy of andrographolide in not active progressive multiple sclerosis: a prospective exploratory double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.”
- European Medicines Agency: “Andrographidis paniculatae folium - herbal medicinal product.”
- Frontiers in Pharmacology: “Exploring the clinical effects of Andrographis paniculata-derived compounds, its extract, or derivatives for the treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.”
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: “Andrographis.”
- National Cancer Institute NCI Drug Dictionary: “Andrographolide.”