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Learn About Andrographis in 5 Minutes
by Katie Hipwell
Katie Hipwell
Table of contents
What is Andrographis paniculata?
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.
Is andrographis water-soluble or fat-soluble?
Andrographolide is reasonably soluble in water, which means it has substantial bioavailability and absorbs into your body rapidly.
Where can Andrographis paniculata be found naturally? Common sources of andrographis:
The only source of andrographolide and the other unique beneficial substances in andrographis is the Andrographis paniculata plant.
What is the recommended daily value for andrographis?
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.
Can you absorb enough andrographis from food?
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.
Why is Andrographis paniculata necessary for your body?
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.
Functions of andrographis
- Potential immune benefits: Research indicates that andrographis may be useful in relieving the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (UTI). This substance may reduce the duration of cough and sore throat symptoms related to UTI.
- Potential cardiovascular benefits: Studies show that the potential neuroprotective benefits of andrographis may reduce the likelihood of ischemic stroke, which is when blood loss to the brain causes severe cerebral damage.
- Potential digestive benefits: Researchers have determined that andrographis may be a useful treatment for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other forms of severe digestive distress.
- Potential neuroprotective benefits: Research indicates that andrographis may reduce the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, and this substance may also exert general neuroprotective benefits via its purported antioxidant effects.
We’ve included 100mg of andrographis extract in Feel Immunity due to its researched immune system-enhancing actions, and its potential to reduce the severity of the common cold.
When should you take andrographis?
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.
How long do you need to take andrographis to start experiencing its benefits?
Compared to other water-soluble compounds, andrographolide has relatively low bioavailability. You may notice the benefits of this substance immediately, or they may set in over the course of multiple administrations.
How long does it take for your body to digest/absorb andrographis?
Like other water-soluble substances, your body absorbs andrographis within around 24 hours.
How long does andrographis stay in your body after you take it?
Since andrographis is water-soluble, your body fully excretes this plant-based substance within 2-3 days.
Is andrographis an antioxidant?
Research indicates that andrographis may have potent antioxidant properties.
Can you overdose on andrographis? What are the effects?
Andrographolide does not appear to be toxic. There are no reported cases of andrographis overdose.
Does andrographis dissolve, flush out, or build up in the body?
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.
Can you take andrographis during a diet?
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.
Are there synthetic forms of andrographis?
Both semi-synthetic and fully-synthetic forms of andrographolide have been produced in small scales for the purpose of laboratory research.
Absorption rate of synthetic andrographis
No data are available on the bioavailability of synthetic andrographis-derived compounds versus natural substances derived from andrographis plants.
Why might natural forms of andrographis be better?
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.
How to take andrographis
Andrographis is generally ingested orally in the form of an andrographolide-rich extract.
Andrographis trends in medicine
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.
Sources
1. Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology
2. Correction: Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
3. Andrographolide Stimulates p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Nuclear Factor erythroid-2-related Factor 2-heme Oxygenase 1 Signaling in Primary Cerebral Endothelial Cells for Definite Protection Against Ischemic Stroke in Rats
4. Systematic review: the efficacy of herbal therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
5. Andrographis paniculata decreases fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study
6. Neuroprotective effects of andrographolide in a rat model of permanent cerebral ischaemia
7. The role of andrographolide and its derivative in COVID-19 associated proteins and immune system
8. Evaluation of Phytochemical Content, Antibacterial Properties and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Andrographis echioidies (L) Nees
