Andrographis

Andrographis

Sometimes called "Indian Echinacea," andrographis is a
shrub found throughout India and other parts of Asia.

In the past few years it's become popular in Scandanavian
countries for treating colds and flu.

Studies show that it is useful in reducing the severity of cold
and other upper respiratory infection symptoms and in preventing
these infections.

A Russian study found andrographus as effective as the drug
amanditine in treating the flu.

Andrographis contains many anti-inflammatory flavonoids, such
as andrographolide.

Studies have found no side effects from andrographis.

However, it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Because it may stimulate gallbladder contraction, it should not be
taken by anyone with gallbladder disease, except under doctor supervision.

My recommendation is that you take andrographus as part of a
supplement that also contains many other immune-boosting
ingredients.

I recommend

Viral-Protec



References:

Hancke J, Burgos R, Caceres D, et al. A double-blind study with a new monodrug
Kan Jang: decrease of symptoms and improvement in the recovery from
common colds. Phytother Res. 1995;9:559–562.

Puri A, Saxena R, Saxena RP, et al. Immunostimulant agents from Andrographis
paniculata. J Nat Prod. 1993;56:995–999.

Leelarasamee A, Trakulsomboon S, Sittisomwong N. Undetectable anti-bacterial
activity of Andrographis paniculata (Burma) wall. ex ness. J Med Assoc
Thai. 1990;73:299–304.

Caceres DD, Hancke JL, Burgos RA, et al. Use of visual analogue scale
measurements (VAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardized
Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of
common cold. A randomized double blind-placebo study. Phytomedicine.
1999;6:217–223.

Melchior J, Palm S, Wikman G. Controlled clinical study of standardized
Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold—a pilot trial.
Phytomedicine. 1996/1997;34:315–318.

Melchior J, Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled
pilot and phase III study of activity of standardized Andrographis paniculata
Herba Nees extract fixed combination (Kan jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated
upper-respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2000;7:341–350.

Thamlikitkul V, Dechatiwongse T, Theerapong S, et al. Efficacy of Andrographis
paniculata (Nees) for pharyngotonsillitis in adults. J Med Assoc Thai.1991;74:437–442.

Caceres DD, Hancke JL, Burgos RA, et al. Prevention of common colds with
Andrographis paniculata dried extract: a pilot double blind trial. Phytomedicine
1997;4:101–104.

Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, et al. A double blind,
placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan
Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including
sinusitis. Phytomedicine. 2002;9:589–597.

Coon JT, Ernst E. Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory
tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Planta Med. 2004;70:293-8.

Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, Chernikov MV, et al. Comparative
controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination, Kan Jang(R)
and an echinacea preparation as adjuvant, in the treatment of uncomplicated
respiratory disease in children. Phytother Res. 2004;18:47-53.

Kulichenko LL, Kireyeva LV, Malyshkina EN, et al. A randomized, controlled
study of Kan Jang versus amantadine in the treatment of influenza in Volgograd.
J Herb Pharmcother. 2003;3:77-92.