Andrographis has been mostly studied for colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections.

Andrographis paniculata is used in traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases and fevers. In the lab, it exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunostimulating properties.

Preliminary studies suggest andrographis alone or in combination with other herbs may reduce duration and severity of upper respiratory infections associated with the common cold or flu. Other data suggest it may help some inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, but more studies are needed.

Patients should use caution before using this herb as it may interact with many drugs.

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Colds and Flu
Either alone or in combination with other herbs, andrographis may reduce duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.

Immune function
In a small trial of patients with HIV, andrographolides, the active ingredients in andrographis, increased the number of lymphocytes, suggesting improved immune function. However, the trial was interrupted midway due to an adverse event.

Cancer
Lab studies suggest antioxidant and anticancer properties, but this has not yet been studied in humans.

Inflammation
Small trials suggest benefit for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, but additional studies are needed to confirm these effects.

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