Scientific name
Andrographis paniculataFamily
AcanthaceaeOrigin
Asia.Used Parts
Drug given by the aerial parts.Chemical constituents
The diterpene lactone andragrafolide is extracted from the Andrographis.Andrographis in Herbalist: Property of the Andrographis
The plant is typical of traditional Chinese medicine, where it is suggested as a bitter tonic; it has only recently been used in some clinical studies as an anti-inflammatory remedy for flu symptoms (rhinorrhea, headache, pharyngitis, cough and muscle pain); the mechanism of action of the Andrographis extract, however, has not yet been elucidated, although an anti-PAF effect has been demonstrated. The clinical observation period is also too short to be able to evaluate the real tolerability, side effects and interactions. Although it is interesting on the basis of the clinical response, it is however premature to give a safety judgment, which must necessarily precede the clinical use of the Andrographis.
