Andrographis

What it is

Andrographis is a bitter herb long used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Its main active compounds are andrographolides, which supplements are often standardized to.

How it works

In lab studies, andrographolides have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, dampening inflammatory signaling (such as the NF-κB pathway) and possibly influencing how immune cells respond to viruses. That could, in theory, ease symptoms like sore throat and cough. How much of this happens at supplement doses in people isn't well established.

What it's been studied for

Commonly taken to ease symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and other upper respiratory infections.

What the evidence shows

Modest but low quality. Meta-analyses of randomized trials suggest andrographis may reduce cough and sore throat and shorten how long symptoms last compared with placebo or usual care, but the authors caution that many trials were poorly designed, used varied products and doses, and reported little about product quality. The honest read is a possible modest benefit, not a proven one.

Who should consider it

Otherwise healthy adults who want to try something at the first sign of a cold might reasonably consider it, understanding the benefit is uncertain and modest at best. People who are pregnant or trying to conceive, have had allergic reactions to herbal products, or take several medicines should skip it or check with a provider first. Anyone with a high fever, trouble breathing, or symptoms lasting more than about 10 days should see a provider rather than self-manage.

Amounts commonly studied

Studies used a wide range of extracts, typically measured by andrographolide content and taken for several days (often about five) starting early in a cold; some combined andrographis with Siberian ginseng.

How to take it

Studies typically started it at the first signs of illness and continued for several days, often about five, with doses depending on the extract's andrographolide content. Taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. Talk to your provider before using it if you're pregnant, take prescription medicines, or have an autoimmune condition, and seek care for severe or worsening symptoms.

Forms & absorption

Capsules or tablets of extract standardized to andrographolides, alone or combined with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus). Product quality and strength vary considerably.

Food sources

None — andrographis is an intensely bitter medicinal herb that isn't eaten as a food; it's taken as an extract or traditional preparation.

Safety & interactions

Digestive upset, headache, taste changes, and rash are the most commonly reported side effects, and serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Avoid it during pregnancy or when trying to conceive, based on animal studies and traditional concerns about miscarriage and fertility, and there's little safety data for breastfeeding. It may add to the effects of blood-pressure-lowering, diabetes, or blood-thinning medicines and could, in theory, counteract immune-suppressing drugs — talk to your provider if you take any of these.

Common questions

Does andrographis work for colds?

Meta-analyses suggest it may modestly reduce cough and sore throat and shorten symptoms, but the trials were generally low quality. It's fair to call it possibly helpful, not proven.

Is it safe?

Most side effects are mild, like stomach upset or headache, but allergic reactions — including rare serious ones — have been reported. Avoid it if you're pregnant or trying to conceive, and stop and seek care right away if you develop hives, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Does it help with the flu or COVID-19?

There isn't solid evidence that it does, and those illnesses can become serious. Talk to your provider about testing and proven options, especially if you're older or have other health conditions.