Andrographis for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
B Good Evidence At least one randomized trial supports this, with mostly consistent results.Multiple randomized controlled trials and Cochrane-reviewed meta-analyses support andrographis for reducing the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms. One of the most evidence-backed herbal supplements for acute respiratory infections.
<\/script>\n`;
},
get iframeSnippet() {
const domain = 'immunecited.com';
const params = 'ingredient\u003Dandrographis\u0026condition\u003Dupper\u002Drespiratory\u002Dinfections';
return ``;
},
get activeSnippet() {
return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet;
},
copySnippet() {
navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => {
this.copied = true;
setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000);
});
}
}"
@keydown.escape.window="open = false"
@click.outside="open = false">
B
The Bottom Line
Multiple randomized controlled trials and Cochrane-reviewed meta-analyses support andrographis for reducing the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms. One of the most evidence-backed herbal supplements for acute respiratory infections.
Key Study Findings
Randomized Controlled Trial
n=331
1.0 weeks
Double-blind
Efficacy and safety of AP-Bio®(KalmCold®) in participants with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract viral infection (common …
Dose: 200 mg/day
vs: placebo
Outcome: URTI symptom severity
Effect: None
p = 0.034
Population: Participants with uncomplicated URTI
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Its Constituents as Potential Lead …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: URTI symptom severity
Effect: None
None
Population: COVID-19/URTI patients
Review
Plant-Based Support of Respiratory Health during Viral Outbreaks.
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Other
n=179
Early intervention with Kan Jang® to treat upper-respiratory tract infections: A randomized, quadruple-blind study.
Dose: 60 mg
vs: placebo
Outcome: None
Effect: None
p = 0.0053
Population: None
Meta-Analysis
n=1000
Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dose: 95%
vs: control
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: upper respiratory tract infection
Other
In vitro anti-biofilm activity of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide from Andrographis paniculata against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Dose: 6 μg/mL
vs: Control group
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: None
Key Statistics
7
Studies
800
Participants
↑
Positive
B
Grade
Referenced Papers
Complementary therapies in …
2023
6 citations
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2022
80 citations
Journal of agricultural …
2022
9 citations
Pharmacoepidemiology and drug …
2021
32 citations
Journal of traditional …
2021
9 citations
Brazilian journal of …
2020
45 citations
Cell death & …
2019
160 citations
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy …
2019
103 citations
Phytomedicine : international …
2010
107 citations
Alternative medicine review …
2007
163 citations
American journal of …
2006
51 citations
Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy.
Systematic Review
Planta medica
2004
262 citations
Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Systematic Review
Journal of clinical …
2004
157 citations
Primary care
2002
56 citations
Journal of the …
1990
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- acute:
- 400 mg 3x/day for up to 7 days
- general:
- 200 mg standardized extract (30% andrographolides) 2x/day
Upper limit: No established UL; short-term use (<14 days)
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mg/day | 1.0 weeks | Positive | 331 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| 60 mg | -- | Positive | 179 |
| 95% | -- | Neutral | 1000 |
| 6 μg/mL | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| 18 G | 4.0 weeks | Mixed | -- |
Best taken: At first sign of symptoms; with meals
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea)
- ⚠ Headache
- ⚠ Fatigue
- ⚠ Allergic reactions (rare)
- ⚠ Potential anti-fertility effects (high doses in animal studies)
Known Interactions
- ● Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs (may increase bleeding risk)
- ● Antihypertensive medications (additive blood pressure lowering)
- ● Immunosuppressant medications (may counteract immunosuppression)
Tolerable upper intake: No established UL; short-term use (<14 days)
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Andrographis help with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
Based on 7 studies with 800 participants, there is moderate evidence from clinical studies that Andrographis may support Upper Respiratory Tract Infections management. Our evidence grade is B (Good Evidence).
How much Andrographis should I take for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 400 mg 3x/day for up to 7 days. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Andrographis?
Reported side effects may include Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea), Headache, Fatigue, Allergic reactions (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Andrographis and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
We rate the evidence as Grade B (Good Evidence). This rating is based on 7 peer-reviewed studies with 800 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
References
- [1] Jeffrey Pradeep Raj et al.. Complement Ther Med. 2023. Efficacy and safety of AP-Bio®(KalmCold®) in participants with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract viral infection (common cold) - A phase III, … doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102934 PubMed
- [2] Aekkhaluck Intharuksa et al.. Molecules. 2022. A Comprehensive Review of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Its Constituents as Potential Lead Compounds for COVID-19 Drug Discovery. doi:10.3390/molecules27144479 PubMed
- [3] Thirumurugan Rathinasabapathy et al.. J Agric Food Chem. 2022. Plant-Based Support of Respiratory Health during Viral Outbreaks. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06227 PubMed
- [4] Wiwan Worakunphanich et al.. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2021. Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. doi:10.1002/pds.5190 PubMed
- [5] Mikayel Narimanyan et al.. J Tradit Complement Med. 2021. Early intervention with Kan Jang® to treat upper-respiratory tract infections: A randomized, quadruple-blind study. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.06.001 PubMed
- [6] Moumita Majumdar et al.. Braz J Microbiol. 2020. In vitro anti-biofilm activity of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide from Andrographis paniculata against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. doi:10.1007/s42770-019-00169-0 PubMed
- [7] Jian Gao et al.. Cell Death Dis. 2019. Inhibition of AIM2 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis by Andrographolide contributes to amelioration of radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis. doi:10.1038/s41419-019-2195-8 PubMed
- [8] Jiashu Lu et al.. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019. A review for the neuroprotective effects of andrographolide in the central nervous system. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109078 PubMed
- [9] R C Saxena et al.. Phytomedicine. 2010. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory … doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.12.001 PubMed
- [10] Mario Roxas et al.. Altern Med Rev. 2007. Colds and influenza: a review of diagnosis and conventional, botanical, and nutritional considerations. PubMed
- [11] Roxane R Carr et al.. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2006. Complementary and alternative medicine for upper-respiratory-tract infection in children. doi:10.2146/ajhp040613 PubMed
- [12] Joanna Thompson Coon et al.. Planta Med. 2004. Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. doi:10.1055/s-2004-818938 PubMed
- [13] N Poolsup et al.. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2004. Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00534.x PubMed
- [14] Raja Jaber. Prim Care. 2002. Respiratory and allergic diseases: from upper respiratory tract infections to asthma. doi:10.1016/s0095-4543(01)00008-2 PubMed
- [15] A Leelarasamee et al.. J Med Assoc Thai. 1990. Undetectable anti-bacterial activity of Andrographis paniculata (Burma) wall. ex ness. PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.