Andrographis
Andrographis paniculata
穿心莲
Pinyin: Chuān Xīn Lián
Plant Family
Acanthaceae
Part Used
Aerial parts (leaves and stem)
Origin
India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Andrographis is an annual herb with small white flowers and extremely bitter leaves. It is used in both Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a powerful cooling, detoxifying herb. In recent years, it has gained attention in the West for its immune-supporting and antiviral properties, particularly for upper respiratory infections.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
very cold
Flavors (五味)
bitter
Meridians (归经)
lung, stomach, large intestine, small intestine
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Clears heat and detoxifies - for fever and infectious diseases
- Cools the blood and stops bleeding
- Sore throat and tonsillitis
- Dysentery and gastrointestinal infections
- Snake bite and venomous bites
- Skin infections and sores
- Inflammation and pain (arthritis)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tablets, capsules, tincture, and decoction. Very bitter taste - tablets/capsules are preferred over tea. Most commonly used at the first sign of cold or flu symptoms.
Suggested Dosage
Capsules/Tablets: 300-600mg of standardized extract (10-30% andrographolides) daily in divided doses. Tincture: 2-4ml 2-3 times daily. Decoction: 6-15g dried herb daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Just before or at the beginning of flowering (summer). Leaves contain highest andrographolide content.
Quality Indicators
Standardized extracts should contain 10-30% andrographolides. The raw herb is extremely bitter - no bitterness indicates poor quality. Look for Kan Jang brand (well-researched product).
Storage
Dried herb: airtight container, cool dark place, 1-2 years. Extracts/capsules: follow manufacturer directions, typically 2 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (may cause miscarriage)BreastfeedingChildren (insufficient data)Stomach ulcers or gastritis (may irritate - very bitter)Autoimmune conditions (may stimulate immune system)Bleeding disorders or upcoming surgeryFertility issues (may reduce male fertility - reversible)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe for short-term use (up to 3 months)
- Bitter taste may cause nausea or loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or loose stools (in some people)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Allergic reaction (rash, itching) - rare
- May cause infertility in men (reversible upon stopping)
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (may reduce effectiveness)
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - may increase effect
- Blood pressure medications (may lower BP)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Fertility treatments
- Paracetamol/acetaminophen (may increase levels)
- Moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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