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Andrographis paniculata |
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What is Andrographis paniculata: |
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Andrographis paniculata is a small herbaceous plant found mainly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of India. It also has its roots in Pakistan and South-east Asia and hence, has long been described in medical encyclopedias of India and China. Leaves and aerial parts like the stem of this plant are medicinally valuable and are extremely bitter in taste. Thus, it is also known as the 'King of Bitters’.
This bitter taste is attributed to the many oil-like chemical substances called diterpene lactones and flavonoids. The main constituent (and also the most studied) of these active chemicals in Andrographis is the diterpene lactone called andrographolide. Other constituents include diterpene glucosides, diterpene dimers, flavonoids and xanthones like deoxyandrographolide, neoandrographolide and dehydroandrographolide.
These chemically active substances are responsible for the high antioxidant activity, immune system stimulating property, cytotoxic activity and other medicinally valuable properties of Andrographis. Though andrographolide accumulates in the brain, lungs and heart, it is quite safe when administered internally as it also accumulates in the spleen. It is absorbed quite fast fom the blood and is also excreted very quickly from the body.
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History of Andrographis paniculata: |
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Andrographis has been extensively described in Indian, Chinese, Thai and Korean medical encyclopaedias. Traditional Chinese medicine used the clinical properties of this plant to treat fever, laryngitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections and tonsillitis. Indian Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine describe uses of this plant to treat chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, herpes infections, as an antidote for poisons and snake venoms, to treat dysentery, enteritis, helminthes infections, ulcers and skin infections.
Traditional Thai medicine finds its use in pyelitis and tuberculosis. It is also used in Scandinavian countries to treat common colds. The bitter principle, andrographolide, was first isolated in pure form by Gorter in 1911.
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Benefits of Andrographis paniculata: |
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The numerous active principles found in Andrographis have been shown to be possessing varied medicinal properties against a wide range of diseases and disorders of the human body. Some of its medical benefits include its use as a laxative, expectorant, depurative, sudorific, digestive, stomachic in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used effectively to treat hyperdipsia, burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, chronic fever, malarial and intermittent fevers, inflammation, cold and cough, bronchitis, skin infections, leprosy, pruritis, intestinal worms, flatulence in stomach, diarrhea, dysentery and hemorroids.
Immunostimulatory effects of andrographolide can be an antigen-specific response (production of antibodies to fight microbes in the body) or a non-specific response (macrophage cells of the immune system fight the microbes). It is also known to stimulate the production of cytokines and immune markers.
Andrographis is known to have potential anti-hypertensive properties also so may have potential benefits in supporting healthy blood pressure. Extracts from Andrographis are able to absorb glucose from the gut and hence decrease the plasma glucose levels which attributes to its hypoglycemic effect. Moreover, andrographolide is also shown to increase bile flow, bile salt production and acid production, thus aiding in efficient digestion.
However, the most well studied medicinal property of Andrographis is its protective ability. It is able to completely normalize toxin-induced increases in key biochemical elements in the body and hence significantly reduce toxin-induced changes occurring in the liver.
Andrographis is known to exhibit anti-bacterial effect against Staphylococci, Pneumococci, hemolytic Streptococci and dysenteric and typhoid bacilli. Its anti-inflammatory effect is due to its ability to stimulate the release of adrenocortical hormones. Studies also show that it is very effective in treating urinary tract infections.
Anti-cancerous property of andrographolide has also been extensively studied and is attributed to the signal transduction ability of this compound, which prevents unregulated cell growth caused by viruses. Andrographolide is also shown to increase apoptosis of prostate cancer cells, inhibit growth of human cancer cells and increase production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and hence, anti-cancerous.
Andrographis is also effectively used to treat upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Studies in mice showed that administration of A. paniculata effectively improved overall symptoms of URTI like clearing of the throat, sinus pain, rhinitis and headache. Moreover, it was also shown to decrease tiredness, sleepiness and nasal secretions. Andrographis is also known to treat tonsillitis.
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Sources and Forms of Andrographis paniculata: |
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The primary source of Andrographis Paniculata is from the natural plant - and extracts are produced by refining the plant. The dry herb along with Andrographis drinks have been commonly used to stimulate the immune system. Andrographis supplements can now be found in many nutritonal supplement stores.
Andrographolide is the main bioactive component of Andrographis paniculata.
The important medicinally-useful chemical substances in A.paniculata are being marketed under the brand name ParActin by the company Herbal Powers to treat a range of diseases and discomforts in the body. ParActin is patented and contains a mixture of andrographolide, neoandrographolide and 14-deoxyandrographolide. ParActin is being marketed separately as 'anti-inflammatory', 'immune support' and 'transdermal'. While the basic ingredients are the same in all the three marketed forms of ParActin, immunostimulatory ParActin has additives like cellulose, stearate, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate to boost the properties of A.paniculata extracts. ParActin transdermal is still waiting for FDA approval.
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Recommended Dosage of Andrographis paniculata: |
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Researchers observed that a 200 mg/day regimen of Andrographis paniculata reduced incidence of colds by 50% in young adults.
In adults who already had colds, acute intake (1200 mg/day for 4 days) of Andrographis paniculata significantly reduced cold symptoms. Symptoms that improved included earache, sleeplessness, nasal drainage, and sore throat.
Research on this subject:
Caceres DD, et al. Prevention of common colds with Andrographis paniculata dried extract. A pilot double blind trial. Phytomed. 1997;4:101-104.
Caceres DD, et al. Use of visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomized double-blind-placebo study. Phytomed. 1999;6:217-223.
Kulichenko LL, et al. A randomized, controlled study of Kan Jang versus Amantadine in the treatment of influenza in Volgograd. J Herb Pharmcother. 2003;3(1):77-93.
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Safety and Side Effects of Andrographis paniculata: |
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Animal studies consistently show that Andrographis paniculata has very little toxicity. However, very high doses can cause vomiting, anorexia, gastrointestinal discomfort and very rarely utricaria.
In conjunction with other classes of drugs, there can be significant beneficial or harmful interactions of Andrographis. When being administered with anti-coagulants, there can be increased risk of bruising and bleeding since Andrographis itself inhibits platelet inhibition and prevents blood clots. Reduced drug activity in case of immunosuppressants might be possible since Andrographis paniculata is shown to be immunostimulatory. Andrographis is also known to terminate pregnancies. Hence, professional advice or help is mandatory while consuming Andrographis with other drugs.
Research on this subject:
Ernst E, et al. (2001). The desktop guide to complementary and alternative medicine: An evidence based approach. St Louis:Mosby.
Mills S, Bone K. (2000). Principles and practice of phytotherapy. London:Churchill Livingstone.
Puri A, Saxena R, Saxena RP, et al. Immunostimulant agents from Andrographis paniculata. J Nat Prod. 1993;56(7):995-9.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Andrographis paniculata: |
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Can Andrographis paniculata treat heart diseases and other heart ailments?
Although there are no human clinical studies yet, studies in animals have shown that Andrographis may be useful in preventing coronary heart diseases and restenosis. Restenosis is a condition in which there is rapid return of blockage in the heart valves following angioplasty (mechanism of widening the narrowed or blocked heart valve). Anti-thrombolytic and fibrinolytic activity of Andrographis prevents platelet aggregation and helps dissolve blood clots. Andrographolide is also shown to relax myocardial smooth muscles along with the smooth muscles of blood vessels - leading to lower blood pressure. Experimental studies in dogs have shown that Andrographis paniculata aided in treating myocardial ischemic reperfusion (a condition where there is decreased blood flow to the heart due to blocked heart valves) by stimulating mitochondrial enzymes such as ATPase. This in turn increased the levels of Ca+2 and Na+2 and hence protected the body from harmful effects of oxygen free radicals. Oxygen free radicals are very small but highly reactive ions that accumulate during stress and are responsible for aging. Moreover, studies have also shown that pre-treating animal models with intravenous Andrographis extract, prevented malignant arrythmia (irregular rhythmic beating of the heart) development after reperfusion by protecting the myocardium from ischemic reperfusion injury.
Research on this subject:
Guo Z, Zhuo H, Fu L. Protective effects of API0134 on myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. J Tongji Med Univ. 1996;16(4):193-7.
Guo ZL, Zhao HY, Zheng XH. An experimental study of the mechanism of Andrographis paniculata nees (APN) in alleviating the Ca(2+)-overloading in the process of myocardial ischemic reperfusion. J Tongji Med Univ. 1995;15(4):205-8.
Huang LY. The effects of andrographolides on experimental blood deficiency of cardiac muscle. Chinese Herbal Med. 1987;18(7):26-8.
Wang DW, Zhao HY. Experimental studies on prevention of atherosclerotic arterial stenosis and restenosis after angioplasty with Andrographis paniculata and fish oil. J Tongji Med Univ. 1993;13(4):193-8.
Zhao HY, Fang WY. Antithrombotic effects of Andrographis paniculata nees in preventing myocardial infarction. Chin Med J. 1991;104(9):770-5.
How effective is Andrographis in treating diabetes?
Different studies on rat models show that extracts from Andrographis exhibit dose-dependant hypoglycemic effect. Andrographolide is also shown to lower blood glucose levels by enhancing glucose utilization in diabetic rats. Moreover, it has been shown that in alloxan-induced (a toxic glucose analogue that destroys insulin-producing cells) diabetic rats, andrographolide is also responsible for repairing impaired estrous cycle. Another important medicinal property of Andrographis leaf extract is that it increased the body weight in rat models without any significant changes in their cholesterol levels. This a positive sign since diabetic patients tend to lose a lot of weight.
Research on this subject:
Jain DC, Gupta MM, Saxena S, et al. LC analysis of hepatoprotective diterpenoids from Andrographis paniculata. J Pharm Biochem Analy. 2000;22: 705-9.
Rao KY, Vimalamma G, Rao CV, et al. Flavonoids and andrographolides from Andrographis paniculata. Phytochem. 2004;65(16):2317-21.
Reyes BAS, Bautista ND, Tanquilat NC, et al. Anti-diabetic potentials of Momordica charantia and Andrographis paniculata and their effects on estrous cyclicity of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;105(1-2):196-200.
Subramanian R, Asmawi MZ, Sadikun A. In vitro alpha-glycosidase and alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract and andrographolide. Acta Biochim Pol. 2008;55(2):391-8.
Xang XF, Tang BK. Antihyperglycaemic and anti-oxidant properties of Andrographis paniculata in normal and diabetic rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2000;27(5-6):358-63.
Does Andrographis paniculata have a role in treatment/prevention of cancers? Can it treat autoimmune diseases?
Many in vitro experiments have directed a possible role of andrographolide in treating cancers. It has been shown to prevent proliferation of human cancer cells by increasing the production of cells of the immune system like interleukins. It has also been shown to induce cell death of prostate cancer cells by activating machinery that induces programmed cell death. Andrographolide has also shown to be highly effective in treating breast cancers. Another study reports that andrographolide prevents the adhesion of gastric cancer cells to stimulated vascular cells by blocking the expression of certain proteins and hence prevent cancers.
Studies in mice have shown that Andrographis can have immuno-suppressive effects by decreasing levels specific immune cells like interferon. This immunosuppressive property is being studied for the potential benefits of Andrographis to treat autoimmune diseases (conditions where antibodies are produced against the body's native and useful proteins; examples include multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis). In mice, andrographolide was able to inhibit both T-cell and antibody responses in the autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Research on this subject:
Burgos RA, Seguel K, Perez M, et al. Andrographolide inhibits IFN-gamma and IL-2 cytokine production and protects against cell apoptosis. Planta Med. 2005;71(5):429-34.
Iruretagoyena MI, Tobar JA, Gonzalez PA, et al. Andrographolide interferes with T-cell activation and reduces experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the mouse. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2005;312(1):366-72.
Jada SR, Matthews C, Saad MS, et al. Benzylidene derivatives of andrographolide inhibit growth of breast and colon cancer cells in vitro by inducing G(1) arrest and apoptosis. Br J Pharmacol. 2008;155(5):641-54.
Jiang CG, Li JB, Liu FR, et al. Andrographolide inhibit’s the adhesion of gastric cancer cells to endothelial cells by blocking E-selectin expression. Anticancer Res. 2007;27(4B):2439-47.
Kim TG, Hwi KK, Hung CS. Morphological and biochemical changes of andrographolide-induced cell death in human prostatic adenocarcinoma PC-3 cells. In vivo. 2005;19(3):551-7.
Kumar RA, Sridevi K, Kumar NV, et al. Anticancer and immunostimulatory compounds from Andrographis paniculata. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;92(23):291-5.
Zhao F, He EQ, Wang L, et al. Anti-tumor activities of andrographolide, a diterpene from Andrographis paniculata, by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting VEGF level. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2008;10(5-6):467-73.
Zhou J, Lu GD, Ong CS, et al. Andrographolide sensitizes cancer cells to TRAIL-inducedd apoptosis via p53-mediated death receptor 4 upregulation. Mol Cancer Ther. 2008;7(7):2170-80.
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Additional Research on Andrographis paniculata: |
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Andrographis paniculata and Cancer
Geethangill M, Rao YK, Fang SHl, Tzeng YM. Cytotoxic constitutents from Andrographis paniculata induce cell cyle arrest in jurkat cells. Phytother Res. 2008 Oct;22(10):1336-41.
Rajagopal S, Kumar RA, Deevi DS, Satyanarayana C, Rajagopalan R. Andrographolide, a potential cancer therapeutic agent isolated from Andrographis paniculata. J Exp Ther Oncol. 2003 May-Jun;3(3):147-58.
Sheeja K, Kuttan G. Effect of Andrographis paniculata as an adjuvant in combined chemo-radio and whole body hyperthermia treatment - a preliminary study. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2008;30(1):181-94.
Shi MD, Lin HH, Lee YC, Chao JK, Lin RA, Chen JH. Inhibition of cell-cycle progression in human colorectal carcinoma Lovo cells by andrographolide. Chem Biol Interact. 2008 Aug 11;174(3):201-10.
Verma N, Vinayak M. Antioxidant action of Andrographis paniculata on lymphoma. Mol Biol Rep. 208 Dec;35(4):535-40.
Andrographis paniculata and Diabetes
Wibudi A, Kiranadi B, Manalu W, Winarto A, Suyono S. The traditional plant, Andrographis paniculata (Sambiloto), exhibits insulin-releasing actions in vitro. Acta Med Indones. 2008 Apr;40(2):63-8.
Yu BC, Hung CR, Chen WC, Cheng JT. Antihyperglycemic effect of andrographolide in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Planta Med. 2003 Dec;69(12):1075-9.
Zhang XF, Tan BK. Antihyperglycaemic and anti-oxidant properties of Andrographis paniculata in normal and diabetic rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2000 May-Jun;27(5-6):358-63.
Andrographis paniculata and Heart Disease
Woo AY, Waye MM, Tsui SK, Yeung ST, Cheng CH. Andrographolide up-regulates cellular-reduced glutathione level and protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008 Apr;325(1):226-35.
Yoopan N, Thisoda P, Rangkadilok N, et al. Cardiovascular effects of 14-deoxy-11, 12-didehydroandrographolide and Andrographis paniculata extracts. Planta Med. 2007 Jun;73(6):503-11.
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