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 such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating sore throats, upper respiratory tract infections, and fever. Its application for strep throat specifically stems from these broader uses for throat and respiratory ailments. While there are clinical studies and meta-analyses suggesting that Andrographis may be effective in reducing symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections, the evidence is mainly for conditions like the common cold and general sore throat, not specifically for Streptococcus pyogenes (the causative agent of strep throat).

Several studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mild antimicrobial properties of Andrographis extracts. For sore throat relief, randomized controlled trials have found modest benefits over placebo. However, these trials rarely confirm bacterial etiology, and there is no direct clinical evidence showing efficacy against confirmed strep throat infections. In summary, its use for strep throat is justified by traditional practice and some supportive evidence for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections, but scientific validation specifically for strep throat is limited and not robust enough for strong recommendations.

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