Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-08-29 Origin: Site
Andrographis paniculata is an herb that grows all over Asia. It is used in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Andrographis paniculata is known as "Indian Echinacea" in Western cultures because of its similar use in supporting immune health, especially during challenging times. There is significant scientific support for Andrographis paniculata extracts rich in andrographolides, the active compounds responsible for the plant's health benefits. While research has focused on its beneficial effects on immune function, andrographis paniculata extract has also shown many other effects in supporting health.
Andrographolide, a bitter compound in Andrographis paniculata, has been identified in scientific investigations as a particularly active compound in this plant and its extracts. Andrographolide has been shown to have many effects on immune function, and it is believed that andrographis has the benefit of supporting immune function during viral challenges, especially common cold. In addition to immune-boosting activity, andrographolide may help protect the lungs from damage during infection, as well as some specific antiviral activity.
Many viruses produce proteases that enable them to infect human cells. Compounds that control viral proteases are known to control virus entry into human cells. Andrographolide has been shown to control viral proteases. In fact, for some specific viruses, andrographolide is suggested to be more effective in controlling this than other compounds.
Andrographolide also exhibits other antiviral effects, including controlling certain aspects of viral replication and the ability of certain viruses to use their specific proteins to attach to receptor sites on human cells to allow the virus to enter cells.
1. Immune system health
Andrographolide exerts several important immune-boosting effects. For example, it boosts the production of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK cells.
Andrographolide also enhances the action of another type of white blood cell called T helper cells. These cells are key to generating an efficient immune response. T cells have essential chemicals that enable the immune system, including antiviral compounds like interferons.
These nonspecific effects of andrographolide on immune function allow it to strengthen the overall immune defense mechanism.
2. Gut Health
Andrographolide has been shown to strengthen the gastrointestinal barrier and reduce gut "leaky" by increasing the growth of a very important microorganism, Akkermansia muciniphila. The bacteria work with cells in the gut to produce mucus proteins that protect the gut lining from damage. For example, it also turns on cells in the intestinal lining called M cells, which are also crucial in regulating the connections between intestinal cells, by acting on the tight junction proteins that hold them together.
Under normal conditions, the lining of the small intestine is nearly leak-proof (impermeable), and only fully digested food molecules are allowed to pass through this lining into the blood and lymphatic vessels. When the lining of the gut becomes too permeable or leaky, large amounts of "molecular debris" such as undigested and partially digested food components and fragments of microorganisms can eventually enter the bloodstream. This puts a lot of stress on the immune system, liver, and almost every other organ or system in the body. It can also lead to inflammatory reactions and a wide range of health problems.
Andrographis paniculata is commonly used as a general tonic in both traditional and Ayurvedic medicines. This effect on the gut barrier supports this application. Leaky gut syndrome is characterized by gas, bloating, other digestive problems, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, irritability, lethargy, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory difficulties, sleep disturbance, and other problems.
3. Inflammation and joint health
Research has also shown that Andrographis paniculata extract optimizes relief of inflammation by naturally activating a signaling protein (PPAR-gamma) that controls the formation of a key inflammatory facilitator (NF-kappa B). The result of these actions is a reduction in the production of inflammatory compounds in the body. These effects are well used to support the body's response to inflammation wherever it occurs. For example, medical studies have shown that andrographis paniculata extract promotes joint health by reducing joint swelling and pain, as well as reducing cartilage damage. It also optimizes medical scores for joint stiffness, physical function and fatigue.
4. Dosage and Interactions
For immune support, a typical dose of Andrographis paniculata extract is 100 mg twice daily, which contains >30% andrographolide. For other uses, various Andrographis paniculata extracts are available in dosages ranging from 300 to 600 mg per day.
Andrographis paniculata extract is mainly used in cosmetics and skin care products as a skin conditioner and astringent. It is relatively safe and can be used with confidence. Generally, it has no effect on pregnant women. Andrographis paniculata extract does not cause acne.
Made from Andrographis paniculata, it is a natural extraction product, which has many functions such as clearing away heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and so on. Often used in cosmetics, it can make the skin delicate, smooth and radiant.
Andrographis paniculata extract ingredients are suitable for 8 types of skin: pigmented skin, non-pigmented skin, firm skin, sensitive skin, tolerance skin, wrinkled skin, oily skin, and dry skin.