Andrographis, also known as green chireta or Andrographis paniculata, is a leafy, annual plant native to Southeast Asia. This natural herb plays a major role in Ayurvedic medicine, and recently, Western scientists have started taking a closer look at Andrographis paniculata due to its potential immune, digestive, and neuroprotective benefits. The Andrographis paniculata extract used by Feel has been standardised to contain 50% andrographolide, which is believed to be the main substance in andrographis responsible for this plant’s beneficial effects.
Andrographolide is reasonably soluble in water, which means it has substantial bioavailability and absorbs into your body rapidly.
The only source of andrographolide and the other unique beneficial substances in andrographis is the Andrographis paniculata plant.
Despite its unique beneficial attributes, andrographis is not recognised as an essential nutrient. There is no nutrient reference value (NRV) for this substance, but doses between 50mg and 500mg have been used in clinical studies.
As a bitter herb, andrographis is not generally consumed in food. Therefore, it’s necessary to consume this substance in supplement form to enjoy its potential immune, cardiovascular, and other benefits.
Andrographis contains a variety of unique compounds, including andrographolide, that scientists have identified as being potentially useful for immunity, neurological health, and digestive health. Via its immunomodulatory action, andrographis also appears to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, and andrographolide may have antioxidant properties.
While andrographis does not appear to reduce the likelihood that you will get sick, research indicates that this substance may alleviate the symptoms of common infectious ailments. Since andrographis also appears to have notable digestive and neuroprotective properties, it might be a smart idea to take this natural substance regularly whether you’re sick or not.
Compared to other water-soluble compounds, andrographolide has relatively low bioavailability. You may note the benefits of this substance immediately, or they may set in over the course of multiple administrations.
Like other water-soluble substances, your body absorbs andrographis within around 24 hours.
Since andrographis is water-soluble, your body fully excretes this plant-based substance within 2-3 days.
Research indicates that andrographis may have potent antioxidant properties.
Andrographolide does not appear to be toxic. There are no reported cases of andrographis overdose.
The active compounds in andrographis do not appear to accumulate in your liver or any of your other fatty tissues. Instead, they flush out of your body within a few days.
Andrographis does not appear to have any impact on weight loss or weight gain. Since this substance is gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, andrographis does not conflict with any dietary restrictions.
Both semi-synthetic and fully-synthetic forms of andrographolide have been produced in small scales for the purpose of laboratory research.
No data are available on the bioavailability of synthetic andrographis-derived compounds versus natural substances derived from andrographis plants.
Since we do not have very much information on the safety and effectiveness of synthetic forms of andrographis, it’s best to stick to natural forms of this substance until more data are available.
Andrographis is generally ingested orally in the form of an andrographolide-rich extract.
In 2020, preliminary research in India suggested that andrographis may target harmful proteins that are associated with COVID-19, indicating that this substance may be useful in treating existing cases of coronavirus. Also in 2020, another Indian study concluded that andrographis may be highly effective for various types of bacterial infections while also potentially exerting anti-inflammatory properties. This recent research further supports the idea that andrographis and its constituent compounds may be useful for treating both viral and bacterial forms of infectious disease.