---
title: Andrographis to Support Healthy Microbial Environment
description: Andrographis paniculata may support a healthy microbial environment, with clinical trials showing benefits for common cold symptoms and prevention.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_452722715.jpg
---

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# Andrographis to Support Healthy Microbial Environment

DM Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN Nov 11, 2022

![Andrographis to Support Healthy Microbial Environment](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_452722715.jpg?width=960)

Andrographis, also known as *Andrographis paniculate* or *A. paniculate*, is an annual medicinal plant belonging to the [Acanthaceae family](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/). It is commonly known as the “[king of the bitters](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/).” *A. paniculate* is native to India and Sri Lanka and can be widely found throughout Southeastern Asia. One of the most well-researched benefits of *A. paniculate* is its ability to promote of a [healthy microbial environment](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/). For centuries, it has been used regularly for the [common cold](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) as a part of traditional medicine. 

In addition, *A. paniculate* has been traditionally used to support individuals with [respiratory tract infections, chronic and seasonal fevers, cough, skin infections, and more](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/). The active ingredient of *A. paniculate* is called [andrographolide](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/). Extracts are commonly standardized to have 4% to 6% of andrographolide. The use of andrographolide and its derivatives have been shown to promote [a healthy inflammatory and immune response](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/), specifically attenuating the production of various downstream inflammatory cytokines, regulating host immunity, and potentially mitigating microbial virulence.

Numerous [in vitro studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) have demonstrated the anti-microbial properties of *A. paniculate,* including studies examining its efficacy on [pathogens](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) like *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, *Shigella* spp., *Salmonella* spp., *Candida* spp., *Streptococcus pneumoniae*. Furthermore, a [systematic review](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) investigated the anti-microbial properties of *A. paniculate* in 23 human clinical trials (n = 2,760) spanning 13 countries. These randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated the clinical benefits of standardized *A. paniculate* extracts or andrographolide in supporting a healthy microbial environment across a variety of populations. 

One [clinical study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) (n = 158) administered 1.2 g per day of dried *A. paniculate* extract to men and women for 5 days to investigate its efficacy in supporting individuals with common cold symptoms. Compared to the placebo, the individuals receiving the extract had a higher reduction of symptom intensity of tiredness, sleeplessness, sore throat, and nasal secretion starting 2 days after administration. By day 4 in the experimental group, all symptoms disappeared without any adverse effects. In another [randomized controlled trial](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) (n = 107), an *A. paniculate* administration resulted in a 2.1-fold higher prevention rate of the common cold compared to a placebo after 3 months of supplementation. 

Various [in vitro and in vivo studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072717/) have investigated other potential clinical benefits of *A. paniculate,* such as supporting healthy lipid metabolism, cardiovascular health, or liver health. Although more research is needed, *A. paniculate* may be a promising tool for supporting a healthy microbial environment, especially during the colder seasons. 

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### Danielle C. Male, MS, CNS, LDN

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

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