Skip to main content
Skip to content
← Encyclopedia

Andrographis

Immune Support

Also known as: Andrographis paniculata, King of Bitters, Kalmegh, Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Andrographis Extract

A
Grade A
💊 200-400mg standardized extract daily🎯 9 primary uses🔗 3 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Compare Check interactions
Levels upHeart & Longevity+50 pts

Overview

Andrographis paniculata is a traditional Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian herb containing andrographolide as its primary bioactive compound. Research suggests potential immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties, though evidence in humans remains moderate.

Primary Uses
Cold/flu treatmentSore throatFever reductionImmune supportUpper respiratoryAnti-inflammatoryCold and flu symptom managementAnti-inflammatory supportRespiratory health

Frequently Asked About Andrographis

How much Andrographis should I take?
The typical effective range is 200-400mg standardized extract daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take Andrographis?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take Andrographis with food?
Yes, reduces GI upset.
Does Andrographis interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Blood thinners, Blood pressure medications, and Immunosuppressants. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting Andrographis.
What does Andrographis pair well with?
Andrographis stacks well with Echinacea, Elderberry, and Vitamin C — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take Andrographis?
Andrographis should be avoided or used with caution by people with Pregnancy, Autoimmune conditions, and Low blood pressure. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of Andrographis?
Most people tolerate Andrographis well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset, Fatigue, and Headache. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.

Dosage

Typical range
200-400mg standardized extract daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes, reduces GI upset
Duration

Short-term for acute illness, cycle for maintenance

Special Populations

Acute infections, immune support

Research & Studies

Search the literature now

We haven’t curated landmark studies for Andrographisyet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.

Search Andrographis research
PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trialsPubMed (all) ↗Full literatureCochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviewsExamine.com ↗Research summaries
Browse all curated studies →

Mechanism of Action

  • • Immune cell activation
  • • NF-kB inhibition
  • • Antipyretic effects
  • • Antiviral properties

Evidence Quality

Evidence Grade A

Strong clinical evidence for upper respiratory infections

Safety & Contraindications

Serious Warnings
  • • May affect fertility
  • • Hypotension possible
Contraindications
  • • Pregnancy
  • • Autoimmune conditions
  • • Low blood pressure
Common Side Effects
  • • GI upset
  • • Fatigue
  • • Headache
  • • Bitter taste
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Avoid - may affect fertility/pregnancy

Liver & Kidney Notes

Generally safe, monitor with liver conditions

Interactions

💊 Medications
  • • Blood thinners
  • • Blood pressure medications
  • • Immunosuppressants
🧪 Supplements
  • • Works with echinacea, elderberry
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
  • • With meals

Stacking & Synergies

Avoid Combining With
ImmunosuppressantsBlood thinners without monitoring
Best Goal Synergies
Immune supportCold/flu

Buying Guide

What to Look For
  • • Standardized to andrographolides
  • • Third-party tested
Standardization Markers
Andrographolide content (10-30%)
Adulteration risk
Low
Practical Notes
  • • Very bitter - capsules preferred
  • • Start at first symptom
  • • Not for long-term use
  • • Standardized extract important
  • • Not for long-term continuous use
Tags
immunebitterrespiratorycoldayurvedicanti-inflammatoryimmune-supporttraditional-medicineandrographolide

Top Products with Andrographis

Highest-scored catalog products containing Andrographis, ranked by our scoring engine.

Browse all Andrographis products →

More in Immune Support

Other ingredients in the Immune Support category.

Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is a resinous mixture collected by honeybees with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, commonly standardized to 5% flavonoids for consistency. Limited but promising human evidence supports its use for immune support and oral health, though most research remains preliminary.
B
Colostrum (Bovine)
First milk containing immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors. Supports gut immunity, barrier function, and overall immune health.
B
Browse all Immune Support ingredients →
Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). Andrographis — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/andrographis

Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.