Andrographis

Supplements · Immune & Antimicrobial Herbs · Supplement, Typed Supps

A very bitter traditional herb that may shorten a cold — but won’t stop you catching one.

Stage by stage

Intake (Extract capsule): Active compounds absorbed in the small intestine.
Small intestine (Absorbed): Absorbed alongside other plant compounds.
Bloodstream (Circulates): Circulates with immune-related activity.
Upper respiratory symptoms (Studied outcome): Studied specifically for reducing the severity and duration of common upper respiratory infections.

What the evidence supports

Easing symptoms and shortening uncomplicated upper respiratory infections — moderate evidence. Several randomised trials and a meta-analysis show andrographis, alone or with eleuthero, relieves cold and sore-throat symptoms better than placebo, though trial quality is uneven and many are industry-linked.
Preventing colds before they start — limited evidence. Some preventive data exists but it is thinner and less consistent than the evidence for treating an infection already under way.

Typical dose

Trials used extracts delivering roughly 48–360 mg/day of andrographolide, taken as a short course during an infection

Upper limit: No established UL

Timing

With food, at first sign of symptoms in most studied protocols.

Time to effect

Days: Reported symptom-duration effect in studies.

Medication interactions

Immunosuppressants: Its immune-stimulating effect may work against medicines intended to dampen the immune system. (moderate)

Common myth

“Andrographis prevents you from getting sick.” In reality: Studied evidence relates to reducing symptom severity and duration once you’re already sick, not prevention.