Research - Benefits of Andrographis Paniculata (Andro-G)

Andrographis paniculata (Andro-G)

In recent years, the role of Andrographis paniculata (ANDRO-G as promoted by dxn2u.com) in the management of the common cold has received a lot of attention. 

Andrographis does a great job of relieving upper-respiratory infections, such as colds or sinusitis, says new research. A study in the journal Phytomedicine reported that the herb eased symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness, sore throat, and runny nose up to 90%.

The Kalmegh extract and its active constituents, andrographolides were found to have liver protective properties. These compounds helped to increase bile flow and repair chemically induced liver damage.

Also read:  http://www.andrographispaniculata.com/content/research.asp

Anticancer and immunostimulatory compounds from Andrographis paniculata.

Andrographis contains a rare plant chemical called andrographolide, which has been found to significantly boost the concentration of certain cancer-fighting cells called cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

These lymphocytes circulate in your blood stream and attack any cancerous cells that they encounter. Because andrographis has the ability to stimulate their activity, this means that your body becomes better protected against the disease.

In addition, andrographis increases the amount of other immune-protective chemicals, such as interleukin-2 and gamma-interferon, which help shield your organs against infection and cancer (Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2007;29(1):81-93).

Discovery Research, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Miyapur, Hyderabad 500050, India.  J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jun;92(2-3):291-5.

In the above study, the researchers  evaluated the anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of andrographis paniculata in human cancer and immune cells. Andrographolide showed anticancer activity and it significantly inhibits the proliferation of HT-29 (colon cancer) cells and augments the proliferation human peripheral blood lymphocytes at low concentrations.

Anti-inflammatory action helps reduce swelling and pain

Another active ingredient in andrographis is neoandrographolide. Research has revealed that it is also effective in the fight against cancer particularly cancers of the liver, stomach and bowel. Scientists recently found that both andrographolide and neoandrographolide are able to block certain enzymes (such as glucosidase) that are involved in the development of cancer (Bioorg Med Chem. 2007 Jun 15;15(12):4247-55).

Neoandrographolide also possesses another important health benefit one that could help sufferers of arthritis. Scientists from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine discovered that neoandrographolide is an effective anti-inflammatory agent which helps reduce tissue swelling, pain and redness (Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(2):317-28). 

Offers vital protection against strokes and heart attacks

Aandrographis is a popular treatment in China for the prevention of thrombosis. Scientists from the Mahidol University in Thailand recently confirmed the plants potential in this area. They found that certain ingredients in the plant namely andrographolide and didehydroandrographolide help prevent premature clotting of the blood by stopping platelets from sticking together.

Normally your platelets (minuscule-sized fragments of organic material in your blood) become activated after a cut or an injury and clump together to seal the injured site and prevent bleeding. However, these platelets may become overactive and cause excessive and abnormal clotting in some people, which increases the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack.

Aspirin helps prevent this abnormal clotting mechanism but can cause unpleasant side effects such as stomach upset, vomiting and nausea. The good news is that andrographis works in a similar way to aspirin but without the side effects. Commenting on their findings the researchers concluded: Our results indicate that the standardized andrographis paniculata extract may contain other anti-platelet compounds, which contribute to high anti-platelet activity. Therefore, the consumption of andrographis paniculata products may help to prevent or treat some cardiovascular disorders i.e. thrombosis (Eur J Pharmacol. 2006, 28;553(1-3):39-45).

Andrographis just as effective at promoting liver health as the popular herb silymarin

With regards to its liver-protecting abilities, andrographis was studied by scientists working at the Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Vidyasagar University in India. The scientists found that andrographolide is able to protect liver cells against alcohol-induced damage.

They compared the effects of andrographis with silymarin, a well known herbal liver protector from milk thistle, and found that the two are equally as effective at protecting the liver from the effects of excess alcohol (J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr 20;111(1):13-21).

Other benefits of andrographis benefits

Scientists have found that andrographis is able to fight infectious bugs such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. This is thought to be due to its immune-boosting properties, which help your cells identify and attack any infectious bugs in your bloodstream (Int Immunopharmacol. 2007 Apr;7(4):515-23).

The very latest research findings have revealed the herbs effectiveness in another area against colds and flu. US scientists, from the Thorne Research centre in Dover, reviewed and analysed several different herbal remedies, including andrographis, for their ability to fight cold and flu symptoms.

Their research uncovered that andrographis in addition to echinacea (3,200mg once or twice a day), sambucus nigra (1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day), garlic (two raw garlic cloves, or 300mg three times a day), eleutherococcus senticosus (1,000mg a day) and olive leaf (500mg of standardized extract a day) significantly helps reduce cold and flu symptoms (J. Altern Med Rev. 2007 Mar;12(1):25-48).

What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for andrographis is 400mg in capsule or tablet form taken twice a day for 7 to 10 days.

Contraindications: You should not take andrographis if you are on blood thinning medication, such as warfarin or heparin, as it may cause abnormal bleeding as both treatments reduce the clotting action of your blood.

Action: 

If you are in Australia  or NZ, please visit www.dxnaus.com.au. You can sign up for a membership online and place your order at a discounted price. You need to key in my DXN ID 011311655 as your sponsor when the system requests for it. 

You can easily purchase a bottle of andro-g at your nearest DXN service centre or stockist in most parts of the world.See dxn2u.com. Any further queries, contact me at dr.puven329@yahoo.com. Best wishes for a HEALTHY and WEALTHY life. You can text me on +61432976703 or skype me, drpuven.