A bitter medicinal herb best known for easing colds and respiratory infections, speeding relief of cough and sore throat and, taken preventively, cutting how often colds occur. Weaker signals cover joint pain, blood-sugar handling, and aging-related inflammation. Serious harm from the oral herb is rare, though digestive upset and skin reactions are common. (Full Review)

Protocol

Acute infection

~400 mg, 2–3×/day

Standardized extract supplying ≥60 mg andrographolide daily; start within 36–48 hours of onset

Joint / preventive use

~300 mg/day

Branded standardized extract (e.g., ParActin); preventive cold-season doses lower over several weeks

Dosing frequency

Split 2–3×/day

Short ~2-hour half-life; take with meals to reduce bitterness and stomach upset

Time to effect

Cold symptoms

1–2 days

Symptom relief during an active infection

Cold prevention

Weeks

Preventive benefits build with consistent use

Joint pain

Weeks–months

Improvements generally take several weeks to a few months

Benefits

High: Relief of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

Medium: Prevention of common colds; knee osteoarthritis pain relief

Low: Rheumatoid arthritis symptom relief; ulcerative colitis improvement; glycemic and metabolic support

Speculative: Reduced chronic inflammation for longevity; anticancer activity; liver protection; neuroprotection and multiple sclerosis support

Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Andrographis or Acanthaceae-family allergy

Organ-transplant recipients / essential immunosuppression

Active bleeding disorders

Within ~2 weeks of scheduled surgery

Gallbladder duct obstruction

Key Interactions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants, aspirin, clopidogrel

Antihypertensive drugs: ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics

Antidiabetic drugs: metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin

Immunosuppressants: cyclosporine, tacrolimus, corticosteroids

Over-the-counter medications: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)

CYP-metabolized drugs: many statins, some blood thinners, certain immune drugs

Supplements with additive effects: echinacea, elderberry, garlic, CoQ10, berberine, cinnamon, ginkgo, high-dose fish oil

Other interventions: curcumin, boswellia

Risk & Side Effects

High: Gastrointestinal disturbance; allergic and skin reactions

Medium: Anaphylaxis; additive blood pressure lowering

Low: Liver enzyme elevation; additive blood-sugar lowering; reduced male fertility

Speculative: Autoimmune overstimulation; pregnancy loss; increased bleeding risk

Monitoring

Marker	Target	Why
ALT	~10–25 U/L	Detects liver stress from prolonged use
AST	~10–25 U/L	Complements ALT for liver monitoring
hs-CRP	<1.0 mg/L (ideally <0.5)	Tracks whether inflammation is falling
Fasting glucose	70–85 mg/dL	Watches for additive blood-sugar lowering
Systolic blood pressure	110–120 mmHg	Watches for additive blood-pressure lowering

Cadence: Baseline before prolonged use; liver enzymes at 4–8 weeks, then every 6–12 months; blood pressure and blood sugar at 1–2 weeks if on interacting drugs, then periodically

Qualitative Assessment

Frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections over a season
Energy levels and post-illness recovery time
Joint comfort and stiffness
Digestive comfort (appetite, nausea, bowel habits)
New rash, itching, or hives, which warrant stopping the herb
Easy bruising or bleeding signs

Andrographis for Health & Longevity

Protocol

Benefits

Risk & Side Effects

Monitoring

Qualitative Assessment