Andrographis paniculata belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. This plant grows mainly in Asia and survives on almost all soil types. The leaves are the main source of the active component, andrographolide. This plant has a very bitter taste, which is why the plant was named “King of Bitterness”.
Andrographis paniculata spreads very quickly in the body. This plant’s action is mainly related to the improvement of the immune system. Its active compound increases white blood cells’ production, which fights infections. This plant also works against viruses and has been proven to, directly and indirectly, destroy cancer cells. It improves our lymphatic system, designed to protect our body from bacterial invasion. Therefore, this plant also has antibacterial action. Since Androgaphis is metabolized very quickly, this plant must be used very often to have its full effect.
Use of Andographis:
Cancerous diseases Andrographis paniculata
At the moment, the most interesting use for us is Andrographis in the treatment of cancer patients. Cancer is a painful and frightening disease in all its forms, and unfortunately, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation are very harmful to our bodies.
Cancer cells are an integral part of our body that develop and spread uncontrollably. They function on a special basis and differ from healthy cells due to many functions that are different compared to healthy cells. Cancer cells grow unhindered as an integral part of the body by drawing huge amounts of energy. At the same time, they do not produce anything useful while, on the other hand, they release huge amounts of toxins and lactic acid. Andrographis has shown an amazing ability when acting on leukemia cells. It reduces their lifespan by accelerating their development and death. Its active substance also kills cancer cells.
Andrographis has also been tested on humans. Research has shown a significant ability to limit the proliferation of cells of the digestive tract, breast, prostate, and sarcoma. In 1996, several experiments confirmed the original theory of its anticancer activity. It is now believed that its active compounds stop the synthesis of cancer cells’ DNA.
AIDS and other viral diseases
We are all well acquainted with HIV. This virus can enter the human body in various ways and is concentrated mainly in the brain and skin cells. HIV attacks the body’s immune system. It usually attacks T cells, which protect the body from foreign bodies. The development of the virus is supported by the fact that it takes over these cells, and they produce certain substances that HIV needs to survive.
Scientists have discovered that Andrographis has a degenerative effect on the virus’s communication system, reducing its replication. When it comes to cell division, they need phosphate units as sources of energy. Andrographis inhibits phosphate transfer, so there is not enough energy needed for the virus to multiply.
There are other action mechanisms, such as inhibition of a gene known as C-mos. This gene is expressed in binding the HIV to T cells. C-MOS expression causes the death of an infected T cell to stop replicating the virus.
HIV also disrupts the normal cell cycle by attacking the CDK-1 enzyme. This enzyme generally regulates the cell cycle’s smooth functioning, which causes cell division. When CDK-1 is exposed to HIV, the virus releases certain substances that inhibit the enzyme’s functionality. Research done on HIV has shown that Andrographis can prevent the release and binding of these substances to CDK enzymes’ surface.
Cold and flu
Andrographis paniculata preparation showed the ability to reduce fever. In two independent studies, patients who received Andrographis had less pronounced cold symptoms, and their recovery was much faster than in the control group. In all cases, the plant also lowered its body temperature. If given in a dose of 300 mg per kilogram of body weight, the plant reduces the temperature in the same range as aspirin. As an additional advantage, it should be emphasized that it does not create stomach problems and has a very high safety profile on toxicity which is very low.
There are various compounds in the Andrographis plant that have an anti-inflammatory effect. Dexidro andrographolide is a compound that is considered one of the best anti-inflammatory agents. This compound works by producing adrenal hormones produced by the adrenal glands and has an anti-inflammatory effect. This plant also acts as an analgesic and reduces the appearance of edema.
Anti malarial action
The two compounds present in this plant, neoandrographolides, and deocandrographolides, are very effective against malaria and parasites. It is best to use them preventively before and after infection if they are infected.
Diarrhea
Although Andrographis has not been proven to kill diarrhea bacteria, this plant still stops diarrhea. In a study involving people suffering from diarrhea, 82% of people were cured with Andrographis therapy, which they drank with a large amount of fluid. This information is essential because diarrhea is still a widespread disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.
Heart disease
Andrographis, reduces clot formation. This plant can also reduce the damage caused by a heart attack during a clot blockage and a reduced blood supply to the heart. This herb also reduces blood clotting after angioplasty and reduces heart muscle injuries. Andrographis has a very beneficial and healing effect on the heart.
Respiratory diseases
Andrographolides can cure angina and pneumonia. In the performed studies, a very high success rate of 91% in the treatment of lung infections and bronchitis was observed. This herb is also effective in tuberculosis when given with traditional tuberculosis drugs such as rifampicin.
Infertility
Andrographolides harm fertility. Research has shown that they reduce sperm production in men and reduce progesterone production in women and delay ovulation. This plant has the potential as a contraceptive without side effects.
Other effects of this plant that are very noticeable are its effect on the liver in terms of protection and treatment from hepatitis. This plant has a significant effect on kidney infections, herpes, and several other infections.
