Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as "king of bitters," has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems across Asia, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been used traditionally to support the treatment of febrile illnesses, including malaria. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys document its use as an antipyretic and for its supposed antimalarial properties. The use of Andrographis for malaria is largely based on traditional practices rather than strong scientific validation. While some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that extracts of Andrographis may have antiplasmodial activity (i.e., activity against the malaria parasite), high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. Systematic reviews generally conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend Andrographis as a standalone or adjunct treatment for malaria. Modern antimalarial drugs are far more effective and should be preferred. Thus, while Andrographis is indeed used to support/treat malaria in folk medicine, the evidence supporting this use is modest, with a rating of 2 out of 5, reflecting primarily traditional rather than scientific endorsement.

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