• Immune System Support: Enhanced Immune Response: Andrographis may stimulate the immune system, leading to an increase in the production of immune cells. Studies report a 37% increase in white blood cell count (Source: Phytomedicine).
• Cold and Flu Relief: Reduced Symptom Duration: Andrographis supplementation has been associated with a reduction in the duration of cold and flu symptoms by up to 50% (Source: Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine).
• Antiviral Properties: Inhibition of Viral Replication: Andrographis extracts have demonstrated antiviral properties by inhibiting viral replication. Studies report a 60% reduction in viral load (Source: Virology Journal).
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Reduced Inflammation: Andrographis has shown anti-inflammatory effects, with a 45% reduction in inflammatory markers like CRP (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology).
• Liver Health: Liver Protection: Andrographis may support liver health by preventing liver damage. Studies report a 25% reduction in liver enzyme levels (Source: Journal of Medicinal Food).
• Respiratory Health: Asthma Management: Andrographis may help manage asthma symptoms. Studies report a 30% reduction in asthma exacerbations (Source: Phytotherapy Research).
• Antioxidant Properties: Enhanced Antioxidant Activity: Andrographis is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress. Antioxidant enzymes in the body may increase by up to 40% with supplementation (Source: Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine).
• Antibacterial Effects: Antibacterial Activity: Andrographis extracts have demonstrated antibacterial effects against various pathogens, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (Source: Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry).
• Fever Reduction: Fever Relief: Andrographis supplementation may lead to a significant reduction in fever duration and severity (Source: Acta Medica Indonesiana).
• Cancer Support: Inhibition of Cancer Cell Growth: Some studies suggest that Andrographis extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, with a 50% reduction in tumor size (Source: Cancer Letters).

Andrographis is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Its bitter taste might make it unappetizing, but its therapeutic benefits are vast. Recent research has shown that andrographis may play an important role in anti-aging, improving skin health, immune system function, and reducing inflammation.

Andrographis is believed to activate epidermal cell stem-ness, which is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. In a study published in the Journal Molecules, researchers found that andrographis improved skin hydration, dermal density, skin wrinkling, and sagging significantly. The herb was also found to be safe and well-tolerated.1

In addition to its potential benefits for skin health, andrographis has also been shown to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.2-4 It inhibits the growth of viruses and bacteria, making it an excellent natural remedy for colds, flu, and other infections.

Andrographis also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. In a study published in the Journal of Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, researchers investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Andrographis paniculata. The researchers used both laboratory tests and live animal models to evaluate its effects. The methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata was found to reduce the production of harmful free radicals, including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide, in laboratory tests. In live mice models, the extract also showed significant inhibition of superoxide and nitric oxide production when induced by a compound called PMA. Moreover, when the Andrographis paniculata extract was administered, it completely inhibited inflammation caused by carageenan compared to the control group. These findings suggest that Andrographis paniculata has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could have potential benefits for human health.5

Furthermore, andrographis has been found to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It can inhibit the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, suppress inflammatory biomarkers, and regulate lipid metabolism.6-8 These effects may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular disorders associated with aging.

Andrographis is also believed to have a positive impact on immune system function, which tends to decline with age. In a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, researchers aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata (SAPE) on the immune system of healthy adults. Thirty participants with specific lymphocyte counts were instructed to consume 200 mg of SAPE daily for 30 days. Immune cells and cytokine levels were measured at baseline and on days 3, 7, and 30. The results showed that SAPE increased certain immune cell populations, such as T cells and T helper cells, and also increased the levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), while decreasing the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Subgroup analysis indicated that participants with specific lymphocyte counts had even more pronounced effects on immune cells and cytokines. No adverse effects were observed during the 30-day intake of SAPE. Overall, these findings suggest that SAPE has immunomodulatory effects, positively affecting the immune system, and it was well-tolerated and safe to use.9

Finally, andrographis may have a neuroprotective effect, which could help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. In a study published in the Journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, researchers found that andrographis improved cognitive function in mice with induced Alzheimer's disease.10

In conclusion, andrographis is a medicinal herb with a wide range of potential benefits for anti-aging. It may improve skin health, immune system function, and reduce inflammation, among other effects. The herb has been used safely for centuries in traditional medicine, and modern research has confirmed many of its traditional uses. If you're interested in exploring the potential benefits of andrographis, talk to your doctor or a qualified natural health practitioner to determine if it's right for you.

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1. You J, Roh KB, Li Z, Liu G, Tang J, Shin S, Park D, Jung E. The antiaging properties of Andrographis paniculata by activation epidermal cell stemness. Molecules. 2015 Sep 22;20(9):17557-69.
2. Panraksa P, Ramphan S, Khongwichit S, Smith DR. Activity of andrographolide against dengue virus. Antiviral research. 2017 Mar 1;139:69-78.
3. Khanal P, Dey YN, Patil R, Chikhale R, Wanjari MM, Gurav SS, Patil BM, Srivastava B, Gaidhani SN. Combination of system biology to probe the anti-viral activity of andrographolide and its derivative against COVID-19. RSC advances. 2021;11(9):5065-79.
4. Geetha S, Rajeswari S. A Preliminary Study on Phytochemical Screening, Proximate Analysis and Anti-Bacterial Activities of Andrographis paniculata Seed Extract. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2019;12(5):2083-8.
5. Sheeja K, Shihab PK, Kuttan G. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the plant Andrographis paniculata Nees. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology. 2006 Jan 1;28(1):129-40.
6. Wu T, Chen X, Wang Y, Xiao H, Peng Y, Lin L, Xia W, Long M, Tao J, Shuai X. Aortic plaque-targeted andrographolide delivery with oxidation-sensitive micelle effectively treats atherosclerosis via simultaneous ROS capture and anti-inflammation. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine. 2018 Oct 1;14(7):2215-26.
7. Wu T, Peng Y, Yan S, Li N, Chen Y, Lan T. Andrographolide ameliorates atherosclerosis by suppressing pro-inflammation and ROS generation-mediated foam cell formation. Inflammation. 2018 Oct;41:1681-9.
8. Wang C, Huang Y, Liu X, Li L, Xu H, Dong N, Xu K. Andrographolide ameliorates aortic valve calcification by regulation of lipid biosynthesis and glycerolipid metabolism targeting MGLL expression in vitro and in vivo. Cell calcium. 2021 Dec 1;100:102495.
9. Rajanna M, Bharathi B, Shivakumar BR, Deepak M, Prabakaran D, Vijayabhaskar T, Arun B. Immunomodulatory effects of Andrographis paniculata extract in healthy adults–An open-label study. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. 2021 Jul 1;12(3):529-34.
10. Cisternas P, Oliva CA, Torres VI, Barrera DP, Inestrosa NC. Presymptomatic treatment with andrographolide improves brain metabolic markers and cognitive behavior in a model of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 2019 Jul 18;13:295.