Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as Andrographis, has been traditionally used in Asia for treating infections and fever. In recent decades, its use to support and treat colds—particularly those accompanied by fever—has been studied in clinical trials and systematic reviews. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have indicated that standardized Andrographis extracts may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, including those with fever, when compared to placebo. The proposed mechanisms of action include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, as well as potential antiviral activity.

A 2017 Cochrane review and other systematic reviews have found moderate-quality evidence that Andrographis may be more effective than placebo for relieving symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infections, particularly when used within the first few days of illness. Reported benefits include reduced sore throat, cough, and fever severity, with generally mild adverse effects. However, the quality of available studies varies, and some are limited by small sample sizes or inconsistent standardization of extracts.

Overall, while Andrographis is supported by both traditional use and a moderate level of modern scientific evidence for treating colds with fever, more high-quality research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.