Background

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculate) is a plant native to South Asian countries. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda.

Andrographis leaf and stem might work by stimulating the immune system. It might also prevent flu viruses from binding to cells in the body.

People commonly use andrographis for the common cold, osteoarthritis, infection of the throat and tonsils, and a type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its other uses.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Andrographis is likely safe when used in doses up to 340 mg daily for up to 12 months. It also appears to be safe when taken as a specific combination product containing andrographis extract and eleuthero (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute) for 4-7 days. Andrographis can cause side effects such diarrhea, vomiting, rash, headache, runny nose, and fatigue. Side effects are more likely with higher doses.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: Andrographis is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. There is a concern that it might cause miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if andrographis is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Andrographis is possibly safe in children when taken by mouth, short-term. Andrographis has been used in combination with other herbs for up to one month in children 3-15 years of age.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using andrographis.

Bleeding conditions: Andrographis might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Andrographis might slow blood clotting and reduce blood pressure. It might cause extra bleeding or low blood pressure during and after surgery. Stop using andrographis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

Andrographis has most often been used by adults in doses of 90-600 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It is also available in combination products. Andrographis extracts are usually standardized by the amount of a certain chemical, called andrographolide, that they contain. This typically ranges from 2% to 50%. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Andrographis might change the amount of celecoxib in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of celecoxib.

Etoricoxib (Arcoxia)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Andrographis might decrease the amount of etoricoxib in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of etoricoxib.

Glipizide (Glucotrol)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Andrographis might change the amount of glipizide in the body. It is not clear if this will impact the effects of glipizide.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Andrographis might lower blood pressure. Taking andrographis along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Andrographis can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Andrographis along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Andrographis might slow blood clotting. Taking andrographis along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Andrographis might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Andrographis might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.