Outcome
    Moderate Evidence

    Andrographis for Seasonal Immune Support

    Andrographis is among the few botanicals with pooled randomised evidence for shortening acute upper respiratory infection. Started within 72 hours at 400-1,200 mg/day of standardised extract, it reduces cough severity, sore throat and overall symptom scores compared with placebo.

    Overview

    Andrographis paniculata, known in Ayurveda as kalmegh and sometimes as the king of bitters, is used across South and Southeast Asia for fevers and respiratory infections. Its modern use is as a seasonal immune support taken at the first sign of a cold.
    The active constituents are diterpene lactones, chiefly andrographolide, and standardised extracts are the only sensible way to use the herb because raw plant material varies enormously in content. The most useful distinction is between symptom relief and prevention. Andrographis is typically taken acutely, over days, to blunt the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms - not as a year-round preventative, which is both unstudied at length and unwise given liver and reproductive cautions.

    No studies are currently linked to this pairing

    This page describes traditional use, phytochemistry and conventional dosing rather than trial evidence attached to this outcome.

    How It Works

    Andrographolide inhibits NF-kB activation, the master switch for pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Much of the symptomatic misery of a cold - aching, fever, malaise - is cytokine driven rather than caused by the virus directly, so tempering that response can reduce how ill someone feels.
    Laboratory work also reports immunostimulant effects, with increased lymphocyte proliferation and phagocytic activity, alongside antipyretic and analgesic actions in animal models. The apparent contradiction - suppressing inflammatory signalling while stimulating immune cells - is common in immunomodulatory herbs and remains poorly characterised in humans. It also explains the theoretical caution in autoimmune conditions and with immunosuppressive drugs.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Dose by andrographolide content rather than by total extract weight, and use it as a short acute course.
    ContextDoseFormTiming
    Acute respiratory symptoms400-1200 mg extract dailyStandardised to 10-30% andrographolideSplit across 3 doses, with food
    Andrographolide target30-60 mg dailyStandardised extractDivided doses
    Course length5-10 days-Start at first symptoms
    Short-term seasonal useUp to 2-3 months maximumStandardised extractWith medical advice only

    Timing decides the outcome

    Traditional and clinical use both start within the first day or two of symptoms. Beginning on day five is unlikely to change the course of the illness.

    Evidence

    There are currently no studies linked to this pairing in our library, so no study list is shown.
    Andrographis has been studied mainly for acute upper respiratory tract infection, often as a fixed combination with Siberian ginseng rather than as a single herb, which complicates attribution. Common limitations across that literature are small sample sizes, short follow-up, subjective symptom scoring and variable extract standardisation. Until pairing-specific evidence is linked here, treat the seasonal immune support claim as traditional and mechanistic rather than established.

    Standardisation is not optional

    Andrographolide content varies widely between products and growing conditions. An unstandardised powder tells you nothing about the dose you are taking.

    Safety

    The most frequent complaints are the bitter taste, nausea, diarrhoea, headache and fatigue. Taking it with food helps, and effects usually resolve on stopping.

    Not in pregnancy; caution with allergy and liver disease

    Andrographis has reported abortifacient activity in animal studies and is contraindicated in pregnancy. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been described, and rare hepatotoxicity means it should be avoided in liver disease.

    Because of its immunostimulant profile, it is generally avoided in autoimmune disease and after transplantation. A fever above 39C, breathlessness, chest pain or symptoms worsening beyond a week require medical assessment rather than a herbal remedy.

    Interactions & Conflicts

    Interactions arise from immune modulation, mild blood pressure and platelet effects, and liver enzyme activity.
    Interacts withSeverityMechanismAction
    Immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
    high
    		Immunostimulant activity may oppose the drugAvoid unless a specialist approves
    Anticoagulants and antiplatelets
    moderate
    		Possible antiplatelet activityAvoid combining; discuss with prescriber
    Antihypertensives
    low
    		May add to blood pressure loweringMonitor blood pressure
    Hepatotoxic medicines
    moderate
    		Rare reports of liver injuryAvoid combining; stop if jaundice or dark urine occurs

    References

    No studies are currently linked to this pairing, so no reference list is available. This section will populate as evidence is added to the library.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.