Supplement Scholar
Herb

Andrographis

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

Andrographis. Bitter herb with strong RCT evidence for URI symptom reduction.

How it works. Andrographolides modulate NF-κB and inhibit viral replication.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces URI symptom severity and duration (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: 200–400 mg standardized × 3/d during illness.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc. Avoid combining with Pregnancy.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Andrographis. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Andrographis. Bitter herb with strong RCT evidence for URI symptom reduction.

Key compound: andrographolideC20H30O5 · 350.4 g/mol

What it is

Bitter herb with strong RCT evidence for URI symptom reduction.

Also called

Andrographis paniculata

Food sources

Andrographis paniculata

Goals

Immune Function

How it works

Andrographolides modulate NF-κB and inhibit viral replication.

Pathways

  • NF-κB modulation

Effects

  • ↓URI symptoms and duration decreases

What the research supports

Reduces URI symptom severity and durationstrong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
200–400 mg standardized × 3/d during illness
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized andrographolides form.
Shop Andrographis on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Bitter taste
  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Anticoagulants / antihypertensives / antidiabeticsmoderate

Additive effects.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyPossible abortifacient.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Andrographis paniculata for respiratory tract infections ↗
Meta-analysis · PLoS One · 2017

Reduced symptom severity and duration in URTI.

PubMed: Andrographis — Reduces URI symptom severity and duration ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Andrographis and "Reduces URI symptom severity and duration". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Andrographis — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Andrographis and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

Loading discussion…