Characteristics and Functions of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata​

Plant Description

Andrographis paniculata is a perennial herb widely praised for its unique medicinal properties. Its main components have a significant effect on supporting the human immune system, especially in preventing colds and flu.

Andrographis paniculata is a wild herb with extremely high medicinal value. Its rhizome has significant medicinal effects and is rich in various alkaloids and polysaccharides. It is often used in the preparation of modern and traditional medicines.

The anti-inflammatory effects of Andrographis paniculata

As a widely used anti-inflammatory herb, Andrographis paniculata is suitable for regulating digestion and enhancing the liver's detoxification ability, helping to regulate the body's metabolic function and promote health.

Andrographis paniculata is used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral herb, with liver-regulating properties. It is considered a key ingredient for improving digestive health and significantly improving various health conditions. 

Health Benefits

Andrographis paniculata is known as an "antidote" in traditional Chinese medicine . It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and has positive effects in combating a variety of chronic diseases. It can improve immune function through conditioning and maintain a healthy balance of the body.

Andrographis paniculata has significant anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and is often used as an adjunct treatment for bronchitis and digestive disorders. Its deep detoxifying properties are crucial for overall health.

Herbal Product Development

Based on the excellent efficacy of Andrographis paniculata, more and more health product developers have begun to incorporate it as a key ingredient into product design to meet the health needs of modern people, and its market competitiveness has also been gradually improved.

Application

Andrographis paniculata can be made into extracts or pills, suitable for long-term maintenance and adjustment of sub-health conditions. Its unique medicinal properties make it popular, especially for patients with chronic diseases. 

Medicinal Properties of Andrographis paniculata

Botanical properties and traditional applications

Andrographis paniculata is considered a classic herb for clearing heat and detoxifying, and is often used in famous doctors' prescriptions to treat infectious diseases. Its rich active ingredients make it an important part of herbal therapy. 

Morphological characteristics

The stem is quadrangular, multi-branched, and swollen at the nodes; the leaves are opposite, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 4 to 8 cm long , entire, smooth on both sides, dark green on the upper surface, and gray-green on the lower surface .

The flowers are lavender or white with purple spots, with lip-shaped corolla and terminal or axillary panicles; the capsule is oblong, with many seeds and wrinkles .

Origin of the name : According to the Five Elements Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine , " bitterness enters the heart " , and if you hold its leaves, you can feel the bitterness penetrate directly into the heart meridian, hence the name " Andrographis paniculata " .

Traditional efficacy and indications

Nature and flavor

Bitter and cold; enters the Heart, Lung, Large Intestine and Bladder meridians . 

Core Benefits

It clears away heat and detoxifies, cools blood and reduces swelling. It is mainly used to treat colds and fever, sore throat, mouth and tongue ulcers, dysentery, stranguria, carbuncles, ulcers and snake bites .

Application of ethnic medicine 

Dai people

Mash the fresh leaves and apply them to treat snake bites

Fujian Folk

Grind it into powder and mix it with honey to treat stomatitis, and boil it in water to treat pneumonia . 

Modern pharmacology and active ingredients 

Main active ingredients

Diterpene lactones

Andrographolide (anti-inflammatory core), dehydroandrographolide (lipid-lowering), and neoandrographolide (immunomodulatory), among which the leaves have the highest content (the pharmacopoeia requires that the leaves account for ≥30% ).

Other ingredients

Flavonoids (andrographolide) and polyphenols (chlorogenic acid) synergistically enhance antioxidant and antibacterial effects. 

Pharmacological effect verification

Anti-pathogenic microorganisms

Inhibit influenza virus ( H1N1 , respiratory syncytial virus), Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella dysenteriae.

Anti-inflammatory and immune regulation

Inhibit inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α , IL-6 ) and enhance the phagocytic ability of macrophages. 

Cardiovascular protection

Lowers total cholesterol ( TC ) and triglycerides ( TG ), and fights atherosclerosis (medium dose of andrographolide reduces TC by 23% ). 

Anti-tumor and liver protection

Induce tumor cell apoptosis and alleviate chemical liver damage.