Synopsis

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

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as "king of bitters," has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating infections, including the common cold. In recent decades, its use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), including the common cold, has been evaluated in several clinical studies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that Andrographis extracts, particularly standardized formulations such as Kan Jang, may reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms compared to placebo. Notably, a 2017 Cochrane review concluded that Andrographis may be more effective than placebo for improving overall symptoms of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children, although the quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate. The proposed mechanism involves both anti-inflammatory and modest antiviral effects, attributed mainly to andrographolide, the principal bioactive compound. However, the antiviral activity is not as strongly established as its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. Adverse effects are generally mild and comparable to placebo in published trials.

Despite these positive findings, the evidence is not yet robust enough for definitive clinical recommendations, as studies exhibit variability in quality, dosing, and standardization. Nevertheless, the scientific literature does provide support for Andrographis paniculata as a symptomatic treatment for the common cold, distinguishing it from remedies used solely on the basis of tradition.

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