Andrographis Paniculata for the Treatment of Upper Respiratory Infection: A Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration

Abstract

As more and more attention is focused on the need to reduce the rampant overprescribing of antibiotic medications for upper respiratory infection (URI), the need for effective options for the treatment of URI increases. Herbal medicines can play an important role in expanding the range of options physicians can offer their patients for the symptoms of URI; some of these herbals may also help speed resolution and may have a role in prevention as well. In recent years, Andrographis paniculata ,i n its standardized extract form, has become popular in Europe as a remedy for URI and influenza. To date, this herbal has not been very widely used in the United States. This systematic review summarizes the clinical literature on the efficacy of this herbal medicine to date in treatment of URI. The leaves of Andrographis paniculata, an annual herb, have been used widely as part of Indian folk medicine and Ayurveda for centuries. The Chinese and Thai herbal medicine systems have also incorporated this herb, renowned in these traditions mostly for its “bitter” properties, as a treatment for digestive problems and as a treatment for a variety of febrile illnesses. Andrographis has been used for protection against effects of snakebite in some Asian folkloric traditions. It has also been traditionally used in India for dysentery, cholera, diabetes, consumption, influenza, bronchitis, and gonorrhoea and as a “blood purifier.” Other traditional uses in India include its use fordyspepsiaandasageneraldigestivetonic,asanantihelmintic and antipyretic, as well as for “torpid liver” and jaundice.