Andrographis paniculata
An Ayurvedic and TCM bitter herb with the strongest evidence of any single herb for shortening colds. Used clinically in Scandinavia.
Strong for shortening common cold duration and severity (Cochrane support). Moderate for prevention. Some evidence in rheumatoid arthritis adjunct and as antiviral. Effects: 1–3 days for cold symptoms.
Andrographis paniculata ('king of bitters') is used in Ayurveda and TCM as an immune and 'cold-clearing' herb. Modern Scandinavian RCTs are among the strongest in herbal immune research: andrographis shortens cold duration by 1–2 days and reduces severity meaningfully. Active compound is andrographolide. Often paired with eleuthero in the proprietary Kan Jang formulation. Bitter — capsules preferred over tinctures.
- Form
- Standardised andrographis extract to ≥10% andrographolide. Kan Jang (andrographis + eleuthero) is the well-studied Scandinavian formulation.
- Dose
- 200–400 mg standardised extract 3x daily during acute illness. 100 mg/day for prevention.
- Timing
- With food (bitter). Split across the day.
- Schedule
- Acute: 5–10 days at onset. Prevention: cycle 4–6 weeks on / off through respiratory season.
- Side effects
- Bitter taste, GI upset, headache. Rare allergic reactions. Some testosterone-lowering effects at high doses (animal data).
- Interactions
- Anticoagulants — mild additive. Antihypertensives — additive BP lowering. Immunosuppressants — opposing. Diabetes medications — mild additive.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy (uterine stimulant, abortifacient). Autoimmune disease (immune-stimulating). Active fertility goals in men (androgen effects). Bleeding disorders.
- Lab markers
- Not standard.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Eleuthero (Kan Jang — synergistic). Echinacea, elderberry, vitamin C, zinc (immune stack).
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