Synopsis

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

Andrographis paniculata has a long-standing history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in South and Southeast Asia, for treating febrile illnesses including malaria. In Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used as a bitter tonic and for treating infections and fever, which would include malarial fever before the identification of malaria as a specific disease. The plant contains andrographolide and related diterpenoids that have shown some antimalarial activity in in vitro studies and animal models. However, clinical evidence in humans is extremely limited. A handful of animal studies (e.g., in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei) and in vitro assays have demonstrated modest inhibitory effects on malaria parasites, but these results have not consistently translated into significant clinical benefit in humans. Most authoritative reviews and clinical guidelines do not recommend Andrographis paniculata as a replacement for standard antimalarial drugs. Its use for malaria today is primarily based on traditional practices and anecdotal reports, rather than robust scientific validation. Well-designed human trials are lacking, and current evidence does not support its efficacy as a stand-alone antimalarial therapy.

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