Andrographis Extract 90 Veggie Capsules 400 milligrams

What is Andrographis?

Andrographis or andrographis paniculata is a plant. The aerial dried above-ground are used to make medicine. Andrographis paniculata contains a chemical called andrographolide. This chemical might stimulate the immune system. People have been using andrographis for centuries to treat infections, wounds, and fevers. It is also used as a "stomach tonic" for digestive problems.

Today, andrographis is primarily used for the common cold, certain types of flu, and swine flu. It is also used for sinus infections (sinusitis), upper respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and tonsillitis, sore throat, and fever.

Andrographis is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections. It is also a very important medicinal plant in traditional medicine. It is sometimes taken to reduce fever, increase appetite, stimulate the liver, and aid in digestion.

Other uses include treatment of snakebites, malaria, cancer, heart problems, stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sexual dysfunction in men (erectile dysfunction), and to increase sex drive (libido).

Andrographis paniculata is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and infections.

Andrographis Paniculata Nees is a flowering plant that is native to China, India, and Sri Lanka. The plant grows in tropical climates and can reach up to 3 feet in height. It has thin, pointy leaves and small white or purple flowers. Andrographis Paniculata Nees is also known as Kalamegha, Indian Echinacea, and "King of Bitters" because of its bitter taste.

Andrographis Extract Veg capsules by NOW provide 400 mg of andrographis paniculata per serving.

How does Andrographis work?

Andrographis paniculata appears to stimulate the immune system. These medicinal plants also might have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Uses & Effectiveness

This natural dietary supplement has been shown to be effective to treat the following health conditions:

Treat the common cold.

The common cold is a viral upper respiratory tract infection. There is some evidence that andrographis may help treat or prevent upper respiratory tract infections. A 2008 study found that a combination of andrographis and Siberian ginseng reduced the duration and severity of cold symptoms in children better than echinacea.

Andrographis may work by stimulating the immune system. Some people take andrographis at the first sign of a cold, in the hopes of preventing the cold from taking hold.

Some scientific research shows that taking a specific andrographis paniculata extract in combination with Siberian ginseng by mouth as a symptomatic treatment improves symptoms of the common cold when started within 72 hours of feeling sick. Some symptoms can improve after 2 days of treatment, but it usually takes 4-5 days of treatment before most symptoms go away. Some research suggests this combination of andrographis and Siberian ginseng relieves cold symptoms in children better than echinacea.

Also, early research suggests that taking an andrographis extract might help treat colds while other research suggests that taking a standardized andrographis paniculata extract product might help prevent colds.

Reducing the fever and sore throat due to tonsillitis.

Some research shows that high dose andrographis (6 grams daily) works about as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol) after 3 to 7 days of treatment.

Allergies.

Andrographis is sometimes used as a natural treatment for allergies. There is some scientific evidence to support this use, although more research is needed.

One study found that andrographis may help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. Researchers gave 60 people with hay fever either andrographis or a placebo for four weeks. Those who took andrographis had significantly less sneezing, congestion, and runny nose than those who took the placebo.

Another study looked at the effects of andrographis in people with seasonal allergies. Researchers found that andrographis may help reduce symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose.

Andrographis may also help relieve symptoms of allergic asthma. In one study, people with allergic asthma were given andrographis or a placebo for four weeks. Those who took andrographis had significantly less wheezing and coughing than those who took the placebo.

Sinus infections.

Andrographis is sometimes used as a natural treatment for sinus infections.

Some people believe that andrographis can help clear up sinus congestion and speed up the healing process. There is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, but andrographis does have some properties that might make it effective for treating sinus infections.

Andrographis is an immunostimulant, which means that it can help to boost the immune system. A strong immune system is important for fighting off infection, so andrographis might be helpful in treating sinus infections.

Additionally, andrographis paniculata has antimicrobial properties. This means that it can help to kill bacteria and other microbes that can cause sinus infections.

Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).

Early research suggests that taking andrographis extract daily for 8 weeks reduces symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease about as well as the drug mesalamine.

Possible Additional Uses

There is also some insufficient evidence which suggests that andrographis paniculata may help with the following health conditions:

Familial Mediterranean fever.

Developing research suggests that a combination of andrographis, Siberian ginseng, schisandra, and licorice (ImmunoGuard, Inspired Nutritionals) reduces the length, number, and severity of attacks of familial Mediterranean fever in children.

Treating the flu (influenza).

There is some evidence that patients with flu who take a specific Andrographis extract in combination with Siberian ginseng feel better more quickly than patients taking amantadine, a drug approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent Asian flu and treat Influenza A. Patients who take this herbal combination also seem to have fewer complications such as sinus pain, as well as breathing problems and coughing (bronchitis), after the flu.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Early research suggests that taking andrographis for 14 weeks reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis when compared with pretreatment, but not when compared to another group of people taking just a sugar pill.

NOW Andrographis Extract Veg Capsules Product Information

Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule

Servings Per Container: 90

Each capsule provides 400 mg of Andrographis Extract (Andrographis paniculata)

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Rice Flour, Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silicon Dioxide.

This product is:

• Non-GMO
• Dairy-free
• Egg-free
• Nut-free
• Soy-free
• Vegan
• Vegetarian

NOW andrographis products are also not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, fish, or shellfish. It is produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. Consult your health care professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

What are the side effects & risks of taking andrographis?

Andrographis is generally considered to be safe when taken in recommended doses. Possible side effects include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The herbal medicine may also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking andrographis, stop taking the supplement and consult with a healthcare professional.

Lung and breathing problems have been reported in people taking large doses of andrographis dietary supplements.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking andrographis if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Lung disease: Andrographis might worsen lung conditions. If you have a lung condition, don’t take andrographis.

Surgery: Andrographis might affect blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking andrographis at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Andrographis is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin in small amounts for up to 8 weeks. But it’s not known if andrographis is safe to use on the skin when applied in larger amounts or for a longer period of time.

Andrographis FAQs

Can andrographis be taken daily?

Yes, andrographis can be taken daily for short-term use. More randomized controlled trials are needed in order to determine the safety of using andrographis long-term.

Does andrographis raise blood pressure?

No. In fact, some research suggests that taking andrographis might lower blood pressure in people with hypertension (high blood pressure).

Are there any interactions with medications?

Yes. Andrographolide can increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications, which might decrease the effectiveness of these medications. To avoid this interaction take andrographis at least 2 hours before or after taking these other medications. These medications include carvedilol (Coreg), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), irinotecan (Camptosar), lamotrigine (Lamictal), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), quetiapine (Seroquel), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and others.

Do not take andrographis if you are taking medications that decrease the immune system. Taking andrographis might decrease the effectiveness of these medications. Some of these medications include adalimumab (Humira), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), and others.

Some medications used for high blood pressure might increase the effects of andrographolide on blood pressure. Taking andrographis along with some medications used for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some of these medications include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.

Andrographis seems to decrease blood sugar levels. Taking andrographis along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar level to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar level closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

Andrographis can increase how quickly the body breaks down some medications used for depression. Taking andrographis along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. Some of these medications include desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), and others.

Andrographis seems to increase a chemical in the body called "bilirubin." Statins also increase bilirubin levels. Taking andrographis along with statins might increase the risk of serious side effects including muscle damage and liver problems. Do not take andrographis if you are taking a statin. Some statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), simvastatin (Zocor), and others.

Does andrographis increase testosterone?

There is some evidence that andrographis might increase testosterone levels. However, it's not clear if this effect is strong enough to produce any benefits.

Can andrographis help people with HIV?

There is some evidence that andrographis can help improve blood cell counts in HIV positive patients, but it is not clear if this leads to any improvements in symptoms or overall health.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size:	1 Veg Capsule
Servings Per Container:	90
Description	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
* Daily Value not established.
Andrographis Extract (Andrographis paniculata) (Aerial Parts) (min. 10% Andrographolides)	400 mg	*

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Rice Flour, Stearic Acid (vegetable source) and Silicon Dioxide.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Caution: For adults only. Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.