Compound or practice · Supplement
Andrographis
One of the better-evidenced herbs for shortening upper-respiratory infections.
- Overall grade
- Grade B
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
2 at grade B — 2 graded rows
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Upper-respiratory infection severity/durationEvidence grade B
Meta-analytic
Moderatemixed
Conditions
How the entry reads its effect on diagnosed conditions: the direction first, then the grade. Never a substitute for the person who treats you.
- Common cold ImprovesEvidence grade BSeverity and durationGrade B
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Studies disagree: Upper-respiratory infection severity/duration (mixed agreement).
The evidence in words
What it is
Andrographis paniculata is a bitter herb (andrographolide) used for colds and respiratory infections.
How it works
Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating actions on respiratory symptoms.
What the evidence shows
Meta-analyses support reduced severity and duration of upper-respiratory-tract infections, often better than placebo — relatively strong for a cold herb. Quality varies and GI/allergic effects occur.
How to use it
Standardized andrographolide at onset and through symptoms.
Safety & interactions
GI upset, allergy; possible additive immune/anticoagulant effects; avoid in pregnancy.
Bottom line
A genuinely useful cold-symptom herb — among the best-supported. Standardized product at onset; avoid in pregnancy.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Standardized andrographolide at onset.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Andrographis for Common coldEvidence grade B — Severity and durationEvidence grade B
- Andrographis for Upper-respiratory infection severity/durationEvidence grade B — Meta-analyticEvidence grade B
- Andrographis: dosage and how to take itStandardized andrographolide at onset.Evidence grade B
- Andrographis: side effects, safety & interactionsGI upset, allergy; possible additive immune/anticoagulant effects; avoid in pregnancy.Evidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.