Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Andrographolide, the primary active compound from Andrographis paniculata, has been traditionally used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating infections, including respiratory illnesses. However, regarding influenza specifically, its use is supported by some scientific evidence. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have evaluated standardized Andrographis extracts (containing andrographolide) for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which often include influenza-like illnesses. These studies suggest that andrographolide may help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and fever.

Mechanistically, andrographolide exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and direct antiviral activities in preclinical studies. In vitro and animal models have shown that andrographolide can inhibit replication of influenza viruses and modulate the host immune response by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, human clinical trials rarely enroll patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza, instead grouping influenza with other viral URTIs. Therefore, while the overall evidence supports its use for viral respiratory infections, high-quality human trials specifically targeting influenza are limited.

In summary, there is moderate scientific validation for andrographolide’s use in influenza-like illnesses, with a plausible mechanism of action and some supportive clinical data, but more direct evidence in confirmed influenza cases is needed.

More about andrographolide
More about Influenza

Other ingredients used for Influenza

Other health conditions supported by andrographolide

Products containing andrographolide