Andrographis

Assessment and Plan: Andrographis paniculata

• Andrographis paniculata (AP) is beneficial for the common cold in adults by reducing most cold symptoms and the duration of the cold. 1200 mg of the herb standardized to 10% andrographolides divided three times per day for a duration of 3–8 days has been studied and tolerated well.

• For prevention of the common cold, AP at a dose of 200 mg daily for 3 months has been studied and tolerated well but more studies are needed to confirm this benefit.

• AP was effective for symptoms of the common cold in children 4 – 11 years old in the study mentioned with improvement in upper respiratory tract infection symptoms by days 2−3 and reported no side effects. 100 mg capsule standardized to 10% andrographolides taken 3 times daily or equivalent was taken for 10 days and was somewhat more effective than a leading echinacea product.

• Using AP for diabetes mellitus has not had enough studies performed to prove effectiveness and safety but may be a promising therapy once more trials are done.

• Andrographis paniculata extract, HPML-004 at a dose of 1200 mg/day may be an effective alternative treatment to the drug mesalazine (4500 mg/day) for mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis. Confirmatory studies are needed.

• Obtain approval from a primary care physician prior to taking and provide careful attention to monitoring for adverse effects of AP mentioned above in section F.

• AP should be avoided in pregnancy or planning to be pregnant, if taking diabetes drugs or insulin, if allergic to AP, or if taking anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or ticlopidine because of the potential increased risk of bleeding.