Immune Booster

Andrographis is an immunity-supporting herb with effects that range from reducing fever to reducing the inflammation associated with heart conditions.

- Dr Karen Bridgman

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is an ancient medicinal herb with an extensive history of successful use in various Asian cultures. It is written about in Chinese medicinal literature, is prominent in the Indian pharmacopoeia and is widely used in Scandinavian countries to prevent and treat infections such as the common cold.

Active ingredients

The whole plant of andrographis is valued for its medicinal properties, including the root. Andrographolide, a bitter diterpene lactone, is its main therapeutic component, the levels of which are higher in the leaves than the seeds. The plant also contains flavonoids, glycosides and lactones.

Therapeutic uses

Andrographis has a surprisingly broad range of pharmacological effects as it contains compounds that are analgesic, antithrombotic, hypoglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fever-reducing, vermicidal (kills worms and parasites) and antiviral as it prevents the unregulated cell growth triggered by viruses. It has specific therapeutic effects on the brain, the spleen, the heart and the lungs. It also “cools” the liver and dispels toxins from the body. It is cardioprotective, digestive, hepatoprotective, expectorant, anticancer, antiperiodic (counteracts intermittent diseases such as malaria) and sedative.

Immune system

Andrographis is a potent stimulator of the immune response by two mechanisms. First, the antigen-specific immune response where antibodies are made to counteract invading organisms by improving CD4+ and T-lymphocyte counts. Second, the non-specific immune response where the body produces white cells, macrophages and killer cells to scavenge and destroy bacterial, viral or parasitic invaders.