Andrographis is a shrub found throughout India and other Asian countries. Andrographis has become popular in Scandinavia as a treatment for the common cold. Also consider Astragalus supplement.

ndrographis Planetary Formulas

Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried andrographis leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.

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Andrographis paniculata Supplement Facts
Andrographis Standardized 300 mg*
   Extract (10% andrographolides)
Andrographis Herb 100 mg*
   (Andrographis paniculata)

* Andrographis daily value not established.

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What's in Andrographis?
Some of the compounds in andrographis are diterpene lactones known as andrographolides. Andrographis contains andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide and neoandrographolide.

Potential uses of Andrographis
There has been a great deal of research done with andrographis. Here's a summary of some of the benefits:

Anti-inflammatory
Andrographis contains many flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Andrographolide, an active component of andrographis paniculata, inhibits inflammatory responses by rat neutrophils.

Anti-tumor
Andrographis paniculata has anti-carcinogenicity properties.

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Anti-oxidant and liver protection
Andrographis paniculata treatment prevents BHC induced increase in the activities of enzymes y-Glutamyl transpeptidase, glutathione-S-transferase and lipid peroxidation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione were decreased following BHC effect. Administration of androgrpahis showed protective effects in the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase as well the level of glutathione. The activity of lipid peroxidase was also decreased. The result indicate antioxidant and hepatoprotective action of andrographis.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant Andrographis paniculata Nees.
Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2006;28(1):129-40. Amala Cancer Research Centre, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
In this study, we explored the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata using in vitro as well as in vivo systems. Methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata was found to inhibit formation of oxygen derived free radicals such as superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide  in in vitro system. In vivo studies using BALB/c mice models also showed significant inhibition in PMA induced superoxide, and nitric oxide, formation. Interestingly we also found that, administration of Andrographis paniculata extract produced complete inhibition of carageenan induced inflammation compared with control models.

Andrographis for colds and flu
Long known in traditional Asian medicine as an immune system booster, Andrographis has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Two randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trials were performed to investigate the effect of a standardized extract (SHA-10) of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respiratory tract infections. In both studies throat symptoms/signs, were found to show the most significant improvement.

Andrographis paniculata in the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy. Coon JT, Ernst E. Planta Med. 2004;70:293-8.
Acute respiratory infections represent a significant cause of over-prescription of antibiotics and are one of the major reasons for absence from work. The leaves of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees (Acanthaceae) are used as a medicinal herb in the treatment of infectious diseases. Systematic literature searches were conducted in six computerised databases and the reference lists of all papers located were checked for further relevant publications. Information was also requested from manufacturers, the spontaneous reporting schemes of the World Health Organisation and national drug safety bodies. No language restrictions were imposed. Seven double-blind, controlled trials (n = 896) met the inclusion criteria for evaluation of efficacy. All trials scored at least three, out of a maximum of five, for methodological quality on the Jadad scale. Collectively, the data suggest that Andrographis is superior to placebo in alleviating the subjective symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. There is also preliminary evidence of a preventative effect. Adverse events reported following administration of Andrographis  were generally mild and infrequent. There were few spontaneous reports of adverse events. Andrographis paniculata may be a safe and efficacious treatment for the relief of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection.

Diabetes
The ethanolic extract of Andrographis  possesses antidiabetic property. Its antidiabetic effect may be attributed at least in part to increased glucose metabolism.

Familial Mediterranean Fever
Androgrphis, in combination with other herbs, may be helpful (see the study below).

Andrographis and HIV
Andrographolide may inhibit HIV-induced cell cycle dysregulation, leading to a rise in CD4(+) lymphocyte levels in HIV-1 infected individuals.

Immune system
Most flavonoids have anti-microbial activity and have a positive effect on the immune system.

Mind
Andrographis extract exhibited a significant alteration in behavior pattern and a reduction in spontaneous motility in animals. The extract also produced a prolongation of the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time and lowered the body temperature in different experimental animal models.

Heart conditions and blood clotting
Andrographis. paniculata extract contain antiplatelet compounds. The consumption of androgrpahis paniculata products may help to prevent or treat some cardiovascular disorders i.e. thrombosis; however, this herb should be used with caution by patients with bleeding disorders. Human clinical trials are needed before we learn the clinical uses of andrographis paniculata in cardiovascular condtions.

Andrographis Products
Andrographis paniculata, Planetary Formulas

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