Common Andrographis Herb

The leaves contain diterpene lactones, including andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, neoandrographolide, dehydroandrographolide, and panicolide. They also contain andrographane, andrographone, andrographosterol, β-sitosterol-D-glucoside, and other constituents.

The decoction of this product inhibits pneumococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, dysentery bacilli, and others to varying degrees; it can enhance leukocyte phagocytosis; and it can terminate pregnancy in mice at early, middle, and late stages. The various lactone constituents of Andrographis paniculata all have anti-inflammatory effects to varying degrees, and the total flavonoids have a protective effect against experimental myocardial injury. In addition, it has anti-snake venom, antitumor, antipyretic, sedative, and choleretic effects.

It may impair stomach function; prolonged or excessive use is not advised. As it is extremely bitter, the dosage should not be too large.