Evidence supporting the use of: Andrographis
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Andrographis paniculata has a history of use in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions, including cough. More recently, scientific studies have investigated its potential in treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which commonly include cough as a symptom. Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest that standardized extracts of Andrographis, particularly in combination with other herbs, may reduce the severity and duration of cough associated with colds and uncomplicated URTIs. The proposed mechanisms involve anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and possibly antitussive effects, largely attributed to its active compound andrographolide.

However, most clinical trials focus on general URTI symptoms or acute pharyngotonsillitis, rather than specifically on spastic or persistent cough. The evidence for Andrographis in treating cough specifically is thus moderate, and the studies often do not distinguish between different types of cough (productive, dry, spastic, etc.). Nonetheless, meta-analyses (e.g., Poolperm et al., 2021; Coon & Ernst, 2004) have concluded that Andrographis may be more effective than placebo in relieving cough and other symptoms of acute respiratory infections, with a generally favorable safety profile. Despite promising results, further high-quality research is needed to confirm its efficacy specifically for spastic cough.

More about Andrographis
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Products containing Andrographis

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