Native to India, andrographis offers antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. It is widely used in the treatment of Lyme disease. Beyond Lyme disease, numerous clinical trials have demonstrated the ability of andrographis to reduce the length and severity of common viral illnesses. It has shown activity against viral hepatitis B and C and Chlamydia. Andrographis has been used for dysentery and shows activity against pathogenic strains of E. coli. It is active against common roundworms and tapeworms. In a 2011 study, andrographis was found to be beneficial for ulcerative colitis (as compared to drug, mesalazine).

Additional benefits include immune enhancement and cardioprotective effects. Andrographis also offers significant liver protection. In vivo and in vitro studies confirm that Andrographis enhances natural killer cells (NK cells) and cell-mediated immunity, while reducing proinflammatory cytokines.
Excellent antiviral and antibacterial properties, important for treating Lyme disease, and important for gastrointestinal restoration. Provides coverage against viral relapse.

Suggested dosage: 200-800 mg, extract standardized to 10-30% andrographolides two to three times daily.

Side effects: About 1% of people who take andrographis develop an allergic reaction with whole-body hives and itching skin (higher percentage than most herbs). The reaction will resolve gradually over several weeks after stopping use of the herb.

Included in Dr. Rawls’ Natural Herbal Protocol »


REFERENCES
1. Sheeja K, Kuttan G. Andrographis paniculata downregulates proinflammatory cytokine production and augments cell mediated immune response in metastatic tumor-bearing mice. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2010;11(3):723-729.
2. Hua Z, Frohlich KM, Zhang Y, Feng X, Zhang J, Shen L. Andrographolide inhibits intracellular Chlamydia trachomatis multiplication and reduces secretion of proinflammatory mediators produced by human epithelial cells. Pathog Dis. 2015;73(1):1-11.
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8. Mishra et al. Antibacterial activity of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Nees leaves against clinical pathogens. J Pharm Res. 2013;7(5):459-462.
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11. Sule et al. Screening for antibacterial activity of Andrographis paniculata used in Malaysian folkloric medicine: A possible alternative for the treatment of skin infections. Ethnobotanical Leaflets. 2010;14: 445-456.
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Tang T, Targan SR, Li ZS, Xu C, Byers VS, Sandborn WJ. Randomised clinical trial: herbal extract HMPL-004 in active ulcerative colitis – a double-blind comparison with sustained release mesalazine. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011;33(2):194-202. Epub 2010 Nov 30.