Andrographis- Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Andrographis paniculata Wall (family Acanthaceae) is one of the most well-known medicinal plants that has been used for centuries in Asia, America, and Africa to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcer, leprosy, bronchitis, skin diseases, flatulence, colic, influenza, dysentery, dyspepsia, and malaria. Numerous photochemical components with distinct and intriguing biological effects are present in it.

What is Andrographis? 

Andrographis is a medicinal plant with a bitter taste that is indigenous to South Asian nations like India and Sri Lanka. The plant's leaves and subterranean stem are used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, heart disease, and digestive difficulties.

Andrographis paniculata, sometimes referred to as "Indian echinacea," has a long history of usage in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The plant's primary constituents, andrographolides, are well known for their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. As a result, androphraphis can be used as a natural immune-booster to treat cold and flu symptoms and combat infections.

Health benefits of Andrographis:

1. Prevents Common Cold

Cold symptoms like a sore throat and a cough are made to last less time with andrographis. The plant has long been used in Indian and Chinese herbal therapy to treat coughs, colds, and influenza.

According to studies, the plant's extracts seem to be helpful and safe for reducing respiratory symptoms and the amount of time it takes for symptoms to go away.

Additionally, studies on andrographis alone have produced promising outcomes for upper respiratory infections.

2. Reduces Fever

Andrographis is a plant with a cooling effect that helps to reduce body heat and fever. According to research, it's also employed to remove toxins from the body.

The strategy also strengthens immunity while reducing inflammation and fighting infections.

3. Reduction of Inflammation

According to research, the plant's active ingredient, andrographolide, can dramatically lessen inflammation brought on by histamine, adrenaline, and dimethyl benzene.

Andrographis has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Enhances Immunity and Fights Infections

Andrographis has long been used to improve immunity and alleviate the signs of respiratory infections. It has established antiviral and antibacterial qualities that help it combat illnesses.

Compounds from the plant have been shown to be effective against Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, studies show that andrographolide has antiviral characteristics and can halt viral pathogenesis and replication.

5. Functions as an Antioxidant

According to studies, andrographis includes antioxidants that guard bodily parts from oxidative damage. It has been discovered that A. paniculata considerably boosts the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes.

It has also demonstrated the capacity to scavenge free radicals.

6. May Have Cancer-Preventive Effects

According to certain research, andrographis possesses anticancer properties. It has demonstrated considerable cytotoxic action against cancer cells, and andrographolide, the plant's primary ingredient, is thought to have potent anticancer effects that cause cellular alterations.

7. Has Diabetes-Preventive Effects

Research in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggests that andrographolide may play a role in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Andrographis extract has been shown in animal experiments to have anti-diabetic activity. The plant has been used in folk medicine for diabetes and liver disease, but human studies are still required.

In addition to these benefits that have been established, research indicates that chemicals found in andrographis may aid with the following health problems:

Diarrhea

A cardiovascular condition

Renal disease and high cholesterol