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Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is a herbal plant native to South Asian countries such as India, China, and Sri Lanka [1]. Did you know that Andrographis is also nicknamed “the king of bitters” as its leaves have an intense bitter taste? The leaf and stem portion of the plant is also widely used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for immune-enhancing abilities [2].
Nowadays, Andrographis herbal supplements also primarily prevent or treat common cold symptoms by supporting a healthy immune system. Furthermore, Andrographis may also be beneficial as an anti-inflammatory medicine amongst people with osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel diseases [3].
Here are five of the best Andrographis paniculata supplements you can add to your cart today to reap its astounding benefits!
Quick Summary
Best For Highest Potency: Double Wood Andrographis
Preffered For Easy Swallowing: Nature’s Way Andrographis
Best For Cost-Effectiveness: Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Andrographis
| Product Name | Andrographis Content (mg) | Cost / Amount | Directions Of Use |
| Double Wood Andrographis with AP-Bio | 500 | ~ $20 / 120 capsules | Take 1-2 capsules per day with food |
| California Gold Nutrition Andrographis Immune with AP-Bio | 100 | ~ $15 / 120 tablets | Take 1 tablet twice daily, with water |
| Nature’s Way Andrographis | 300 | ~ $12 / 60 capsules | Take 1 capsule twice daily with food or water |
| Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Andrographis | 400 | ~ $15 / 120 tablets | Take one tablet twice daily for no more than 10 days at a time |
| NOW Foods Andrographis Extract | 400 | ~ $12 / 90 capsules | Take 1 capsule 2 to 3 times daily as needed. |
Best Andrographis Supplements
Double Wood Andrographis with AP-Bio
ANDROGRAPHIS CONTENT (mg):
500
COST / AMOUNT:
~ $20 / 120 capsules
DIRECTION FOR USE:
Take 1-2 capsules per day with food
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Soy-free and gluten-free
- Manufactured in the USA
- GMP quality certified
Cons
- Low number of customer reviews on their official website
Each of these capsules also contains 10% Andrographolides extract and AP Bio patented extract standardized to 30% Andrographolides. So what does this mean? Moreover, most Andrographis vitamins in the market usually have the generic andrographolides extract only.
Double Wood Andrographis supplement also sets itself apart by formulating its product with the standard andrographolides extract and AP-Bio, a patented form of Andrographis. Moreover, AP-Bio is the most potent form of Andrographis and is associated with many positive effects.
This Andrographis supplement benefits also include healthy immune system function and healthy joint function. Moreover, this Andrographis vitamin has undergone extensive tests for purity and potency before release. This product also comes in bottles sufficient for two months, making it one of the most convenient choices too.
California Gold Nutrition Andrographis Immune with AP-Bio
ANDROGRAPHIS CONTENT (mg):
100
COST / AMOUNT:
~ $15 / 120 tablets
DIRECTION FOR USE:
Take 1 tablet twice daily, with water
Pros
- Produced in a 3rd Party Audited cGMP Registered (Certified) Facility
- Co-formulated with zinc and vitamin C
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Contains silica and magnesium stearate
Andrographis, on its own, provides extraordinary immune system support. This product also aims to amplify the positive effects on the immune system by co-formulating the capsules with vitamin C (as calcium ascorbate) and zinc (as zinc oxide).
“I have been taking this to prevent coughing and issues related to my trachea and diaphragm. This is just perfect! Now, my health is back to where it should be”.
Vitamin C is also known mainly for its role in promoting the proper functioning of the immune system. Meanwhile, zinc is a potent antioxidant that supports the healthy function of many systems in the body, including the immune system.
This product also has a stellar 4.8 stars rating from over 1,400 happy customers. Besides that, this California Gold product is clinically-tested for quality, efficacy, and safety.
Nature’s Way Andrographis
ANDROGRAPHIS CONTENT (mg):
300
COST / AMOUNT:
~ $12 / 60 capsules
DIRECTION FOR USE:
Take 1 capsule twice daily with food or water
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Gluten-free
- Easy to swallow
Cons
- Contains silica and magnesium stearate
The Andrographis content in this product is also extracted from the stems, leaves, and flowers of the Andrographis Paniculata plant. Nature’s Way ensures its sourcing works are also ethical and only use the best quality of ingredients. This product also doesn’t contain common allergens like soy, dairy, or wheat. It’s also free of artificial flavoring, preservatives, or sweetening agents.
Their vitamins and supplements are also packaged and tested in the United States. Furthermore, Nature’s Way is an eco-friendly brand that strives to reduce its carbon footprint. Nature’s Way packaging bottles are also mostly made of recycled plastic.
Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Andrographis
ANDROGRAPHIS CONTENT (mg):
400
COST / AMOUNT:
~ $15 / 120 tablets
DIRECTION FOR USE:
Take one tablet twice daily for no more than 10 days at a time
Pros
- Endorsed by Michael Tierra, a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist
- Ranked #1 in the category of Andrographis herbal supplements
Cons
- Has an unpleasant bitter taste
Planetary Herbals is established by expert herbalists to provide reliable and high-quality herbal supplements for consumers and health professionals. Moreover, it’s one of the most trusted brands amongst consumers worldwide.
“Planetary Herbals is one of the best companies on the market. They produce excellent products with great prices. What they say is in, is what is in the product”.
Besides immune support, Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Andrographis is also marketed for liver and cardiovascular health. However, this product contains dibasic calcium phosphate, an additive that may make the capsule bulkier and harder to swallow.
NOW Foods Andrographis Extract
ANDROGRAPHIS CONTENT (mg):
400
COST / AMOUNT:
~ $12 / 90 capsules
DIRECTION FOR USE:
Take 1 capsule 2 to 3 times daily as needed
Pros
- Non-GMO
- Allergen-free
- Has NPA A-rated GMP certification
Cons
- Has complaints of unpleasant after taste
The Andrographis extract in this product is also ethically sourced from India, the native source of Andrographis paniculata. The raw ingredients are also imported and manufactured in the United States. The product is also examined for stability, potency, and formulation with advanced laboratory testing methods during each manufacturing process.
Moreover, this Andrographis paniculata herbal capsule is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. It’s easy to swallow (less than 1 inch) and, therefore, the preferred option elderlies or people with difficulty swallowing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does it really work?
Yes. Some scientific research findings suggest that Andrographis also supports a balanced immune system response. For instance, a randomized controlled study consisting of 158 participants with common cold was conducted to assess the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis in reducing common cold symptoms [4].
The participants were divided into two equal groups. The test group was given an Andrographis dosage of 1,200 mg daily, while the control group was given a placebo for five days. Within just two days, participants of the test group also observed a significant reduction in cough and intensity of nasal secretion.
On the fourth day, individuals taking Andrographis reported a reduction in the intensity of their symptoms (i.e., headache, tiredness, earache, sore throat, nasal secretion, and cough with phlegm) compared to those taking placebo. This shows that Andrographis is also likely to have real benefits in treating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
How much should I take?
There is also no clear documentation on the effective and safe Andrographis dosage. The recommended Andrographis dosage also depends on the type and strength of the preparation. The required dosage also varies depending on the intended use [5].
For example, some Andrographis herbal supplements may be effective for the common cold at a lower dose (60mg per day). On the other hand, you may require the same supplement at a higher dose (up to 6,000mg per day) to treat inflammatory conditions [6, 7].
That being the case, it’s best to also refer to your Andrographis product packaging to identify the recommended dosage.
Can you take it daily?
Yes, you can take Andrographis daily. However, you shouldn’t take Andrographis supplements for an extended period. Although Andrographis supplements are safe in standard doses, most brands discourage the long-term use of Andrographis.
Instead, taking Andrographis for only 7 to 14 days at a time is recommended [8]. Long-term use of Andrographis may cause adverse effects such as dose-related LFT elevation, headache, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
Is it good for the kidneys?
There are also no apparent benefits of Andrographis paniculata supplements on the kidneys. Unfortunately, there are also reports of Andrographis-induced acute kidney injury [9]. Henceforth, it would be best to look for kidney injury symptoms, including flank pain, reduced urine output, and nausea or vomiting.
Bottomline
Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal herb that also helps to treat numerous health conditions. Treating upper respiratory tract infections is also the most common use of Andrographis supplements today. It’s a safe and effective way to resolve bothersome symptoms such as a stuffy nose or persistent cough. Furthermore, get your hands on one of the best-rated Andrographis supplements today!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at NO extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Cáceres, D., Hancke, J., Burgos, R., Sandberg, F., & Wikman, G. (1999, October). Use of visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to asses the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomized double blind-placebo study. Phytomedicine, 6(4), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0944-7113(99)80012-9
- Zhang, W. X., Zhang, Z. M., Zhang, Z. Q., Wang, Y., & Zhou, W. (2013, December 17). Andrographolide induced acute kidney injury: Analysis of 26 cases reported in Chinese Literature. Nephrology, 19(1), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1111/nep.12172
- Andrographis: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions. (2021, June 11). RxList. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.rxlist.com/andrographis/supplements.htm
- Kumar, S., Singh, B., & Bajpai, V. (2021). Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and quality control/quality assurance. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 275, 114054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114054
- Abu-Ghefreh, A. A., Canatan, H., & Ezeamuzie, C. I. (2009). In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of andrographolide. International immunopharmacology, 9(3), 313–318. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2008.12.002
- Tian, J., Li, C., Meng, J., Wang, L., Tong, Y., Zhao, Y., Yi, Y., Zhang, Y., Xian, Z., Pan, C., Liu, S., Han, J., & Liang, A. (2022). Pharmacological effects and safety of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. Journal of food science, 87(3), 1319–1330. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16079
- Cáceres, D. D., Hancke, J. L., Burgos, R. A., Sandberg, F., & Wikman, G. K. (1999). Use of visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to asses the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomized double blind-placebo study. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 6(4), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0944-7113(99)80012-9
- Salim, E., Kumolosasi, E., & Jantan, I. (2014). Inhibitory effect of selected medicinal plants on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Journal of natural medicines, 68(3), 647–653. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-014-0841-0
- University Of Wisconsin. (2020, May). EASY Does It: Andrographis Herb for COVID. wisc.edu. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/handout-covid-easy-andrographis.pdf
