Andrographis Paniculata

Medicinal use

Since ancient times, A. peniculata is used in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications.

The herb has a number of purported medicinal uses, although research has found evidence of its effectiveness is limited to treatment of upper respiratory infection, ulcerative colitis and rheumatic symptoms; in particular, there is no evidence of its effectiveness in cancer treatment.

In one Chilean study from 1999, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days. A 2012 study suggested that Andrographis paniculata extracts may have the potential to be used as a mosquito repellant. A 2006 study reported that extracts of Andrographis exhibited potent inflammatory modulating and antioxidant actions in mice.