Synopsis

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

Andrographis paniculata has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for managing respiratory infections and symptoms like cough. In recent years, its use for cough and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) has also been evaluated in clinical studies. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined Andrographis extracts (often standardized to andrographolide content) for their effects on cough, sore throat, and other URTI symptoms. Notably, a 2017 systematic review (Hu et al., 2017, PLoS One) concluded that Andrographis was more effective than placebo and comparable to conventional treatments in reducing the severity and duration of cough and other URTI symptoms. The proposed mechanisms include anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects, which may help reduce cough associated with infections. However, while the evidence is promising, study quality and product standardization vary, and most research focuses on acute cough related to colds rather than chronic cough. Overall, the use of Andrographis for general cough has scientific support, particularly for acute infectious cough, but more high-quality studies are needed to further clarify its efficacy and optimal use.

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