Andrographis

King of the Bitters.

Latin Botanical: Andrographis paniculata

Common Name(s): Andrographis

Family: Acanthaceae

Part(s) Used: Aerial parts

Qualities: Bitter, cold, dry (very cold – pair with ginger/cinnamon)

Ayurveda – Bitter, cold, dry

TCM – clear heat from blood and detoxify fire poison (Holmes) Hot (inflammatory)/Damp (toxic) combination.

Very cold – can maybe combine with a diaphoretic tea to counteract/balance cooling property

Constituents:

Actions:

Bitter tonic/Digestive
Immune enhancing (Traditionally linked with infections of respiratory system)
Anti-pyretic
Choleretic/Cholagogue – increases bile flow & gallbladder function
Hepatoprotective – liver tonic
Diaphoretic
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anthelmintic (esp. pin worm)
Adaptogen (Thomsen)
Antiplatelet
Cardioprotective (Thomsen)
Febrifuge

Indications:

URTIs and the common cold + fever (acute)
Immune Deficiency – support immune system in both acute and chronic bacterial infections (especially topically – e.g. acne and cellulitis combined with gotu kola and echinacea)
Sore Throat
Pneumonia and URTI
Infections of Skin
Acute immunological herb – can be quick working
Enteric infections
Infective hepatitis (acute forms especially)
Liver congestion – intolerance to fats, poor bowel motions, poor bile flow
Sluggish Liver – as above
Indigestion
Fatigue
Infestation with intestinal worms – esp. pin worms – ACUTE DOSES
Gastroenteritis – with a liver component
Ulcerative colitis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Flatulence
Diarrhoea
Preventing UTI’s (following shock wave lithotripsy)
Loss of appetite
Dyspepsia/ Digestive weakness/ GIT Infestation
Recovery from convalescence
Diabetes type 2 (Thomsen)
Mould illness – help brain-fo
Improve cognition – stimulates neurogenesis in hippocampus – important for long & short term memory
Troubles with fat digestion

NOTE: Use for Borrelia, Babesia & Bartonella infections. Good for Sx of brain fog in these chronic infections.

Contraindications/Cautions:

Pregnancy – Traditionally not used – Anti-fertility effects in female mice
Preconception – Oral leaf powder in male rats > anti-fertility effect & biochemical changes in testes – Not duplicated in standardised ethanolic dried leaf extract
Pregnancy was prevented with andrographis powder in female mice (Bone)
Antiplatelet drugs – Theoretical additive antiplatelet – observe the patient.
Hypoglycaemic agents –Additive effects are theoretically possible (has hypoglycaemic activity comparable to metformin in vivo) – monitor blood glucose, interaction may be beneficial.
Immunosuppressants – Reduced drug activity is theoretically possible (immunostimulant activity has been demonstrated in vivo) – use caution in the immunosuppressed.
Sensitive digestion – high doses can cause gastric discomfort, anorexia and vomiting. Beware in reflux cases
FEW CASES OF EXTREME ALLERGIC REACTION – Due to andrographalide (tablet). Warn patient.

Dosage:

Liquid Extract 20-40mL of 1:2 LE per week

4.0 – 6.0 grams day

Combination: Aromatics or warming herbs – such as Ginger or cinnamon

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