Andrographis and herbal formulas that include andrographis are perhaps best known for their potential to treat or prevent the common cold. You might take andrographis for a variety of other health purposes as well, but you should talk with your doctor beforehand.
Function
Herbal remedies containing Andrographis paniculata appear to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects. The herb is also used for its pain-relieving, blood-pressure-lowering and fever-reducing actions.
Uses
Andrographis is most commonly used in herbal medicine to prevent or treat colds and flus, as well as to support your immune system. The herb is often combined with other herbal extracts such as Eleutherococcus senticosus to make complexes for colds and flus. Andrographis may potentially help in treating familial Mediterranean fever, preventing heart disease, protecting the liver and stimulating gallbladder contraction.
Warning
Andrographis could impair fertility in both men and women, cause allergic reactions in some people, and interact with certain medications. Andrographis complexes may increase your bleeding risks if you're taking anticoagulants such as Coumadin, increase the effects of blood-pressure-lowering medications and reduce the effects of chemotherapy drugs. Talk with your physician about these and other possible dangers before taking andrographis.
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