Andrographis is a bitter-tasting herb that was traditionally used as an antipyretic agent. It is valued in Unani, Ayurvedic, and siddha medicine and in Scandinavian countries, a solution of Andrographis called Kan Jang has been used as an immunostimulant.
Andrographis description and composition
Andrographis, also called false waterwillow/alui/chuan xin lian/mahatita, amongst others, belongs to the family Acanthaceae. Its medicinally relevant species include A. paniculata and A. explicate. It is native to India in areas like Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is also found in China and Southeast Asia.
Andrographis has yellowish-brown seeds that develop inside slender capsules. Its flowers are small, tubular-like, and white with purplish-rose spots and appear to be flared at the mouth. The leaves stretch out in opposite directions and are long, pointed, and smooth with a greenish color. it posses a pale taproot that dives into the soil. The stems are square with angles on new growth enlarged at the nodes.
Andrographis contains diterpene lactones, flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin, phenolic acids like ferulic and caffeic acid, and andrographolides.
Andrographis cultivation
Andrographis thrives in humid climates with temperatures of around 25–32-degree Celsius. It does well in loamy or sandy loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral ph. of 6-7 and with organic matter. Propagation is done by seeds and is sown near the surface spaced about 20-30 centimeters apart. Moderate watering should be done to maintain moisture content, but do not overwater the plant.
Harvesting is done by cutting the upper part of the plant (the leaves and stems) about 10 centimeters above the ground. Wash the produce well, and dry it in the shade. Once dry, store in airtight jars away from sunlight. Andrographis is best stored as a dried whole and not as powders; powders degrade faster.
ANDROGRAPHIS BENEFITS AND USES
Andrographis Traditional uses
Andrographis has been used as an immunostimulant and antipyretic and to dispel toxins from the body and treat digestive system disorders like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Its infusions are used as a gargle and to treat symptoms of airway congestion, urinary tract infections, and chronic wounds.
Andrographis Benefits and pharmacological profile
Anti-inflammatory profile- it prevents and reduces cytokine and uric acid levels, which in turn combats inflammation. It may alleviate symptoms of gout. In rheumatoid arthritis, 30mg taken thrice daily for 14 days alleviated swelling and tenderness. Raphael burgos 2009.
In other studies, 1200-1800 mg in three divided doses over 8 weeks showed the same efficacy as mesalamine. William J 2012
Antifatigue profile– a twice-daily dosing of 170mg reduced fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis. Bertoglio 2016
Alcohol use disorder profile- andrographolide extract reduced. It works through cue-induced alcohol-seeking behavior.
Boosting cognitive function profile– in vivo data show use of andrographolide extract as able to prevent the increase in AChE, BChE, and MAO in the hippocampus, thus eliciting an improvement in memory and cognitive functions. Adebayo 2020
Anticancer properties-in animal studies, andrographolide extract was responsible for alleviating the progression of cancer through the proposed mechanism of induced chemokine activity and induction of apoptosis. Zhou 2006
Contraception– animal studies in male rats with leaf decoction for 8 weeks resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in sperm counts, mobility, and viability, hence a possible application as a contraceptive. Akhibe 2021
Hypertriglyceridemia profile. Demonstrated by a 120 mg/kg dose that improved triglyceride levels. Phunikom 2015
Stimulation of immune profile. A 100mg twice-daily regimen of Andrographis extract showed improved immune function, including increased lymphocytes and CD3+, AND CD4+ T cells. Bharathi 2021
Andrographis Dosing
Andrographis can be taken as
Powdered dry herb– leaves and stems dried and crushed.
Teas– 2 teaspoons of powder boiled in about 200 ml of water.
Capsules/tablets– powder compressed into a tablet mostly for clinical studies
Tinctures– dissolved in ethanol in a ratio of 1:3/5 (extract to ethanol)
- Dried herbs are recommended at 3-6 grams per day, but not daily, at least thrice a week.
- Tinctures can be taken up to 5 ml a day, but not daily.
- 150-300mg in osteoarthritis for 90 days
- 1200-1800 mg thrice daily for 8 weeks in ulcerative colitis
- 100 mg twice daily for 30 days in immunostimulation.
Andrographis Side effects And Interactions
Side effects of andrographis in high or prolonged doses include:
- Bitter taste
- Allergic reactions
- Headache
- Reduced sex drive
- Renal toxicity
Use with caution with anticoagulants and antiplatelets, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Could also antagonize immunosuppressants due to its immunostimulatory effect.
NB—Avoid use in pregnancy and breastfeeding since there has been reports of miscarriage
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