Health Benefits of Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known commonly as "King of Bitters," is a member of the plant family Acanthaceae, and has been used for centuries in Asia to treat GI tract and upper respiratory infections, fever, herpes, sore throat, and a variety of other chronic and infectious diseases. It is found in the Indian Pharmacopoeia and is the prominent in at least 26 Ayurvedic formulas; whereas in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is an important "cold property" herb: it is used to rid the body of heat, as in fevers, and to dispel toxins from the body. In Scandinavian countries, it is commonly used to prevent and treat common colds. Research conducted in the '80's and '90's has confirmed that Andrographis, properly administered, has a surprisingly broad range of pharmacological effects, some of them extremely beneficial:

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) has a record of effective treatment rooted in its mechanisms of immune boosting. Andrographis has demonstrated significant activity in fighting common cold, flu, and upper respiratory infections. Scientists today, however, are focusing on the herb's application in treating the 'killer' diseases that blight modern life, such as heart disease, cancer and even AIDS. Cancer results when cells do not respond to signals that are intended to limit growth. Andrographis paniculata extracts from the leaves of the plant are also cytotoxic (cell-killing) against cancer cells.

The main active constituent in andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is andrographolide, which in herbal medicine is referred to as a 'bitter' principle so called because of its bitter taste. Indeed, andrographis is known as the 'King of Bitters'. Bitter herbs generally have an affinity with the heart, liver and gall bladder and most have a cooling effect on the body and can bring down a temperature.

Other benefits of Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) include:

Andrographis promotes a healthy heart by preventing blocked arteries and blood clots


Andrographis helps your body fight infection and can reduce the length of a cold


Performs as well as many conventional drugs but without the harmful side-effects


Andrographis paniculata has anti-carcinogenicity properties.


Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems

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