Andrographis is called the "King of Bitters" in Ayurveda and is one of the most validated herbal cold/flu treatments. Kan Jang® (standardized andrographolide extract) has been studied in 7 RCTs totaling over 1,000 patients for upper respiratory infections. A Cochrane review confirmed it significantly reduces symptom severity and duration of the common cold. Our research shows andrographolides have genuine antiviral (blocks viral RNA replication), anti-inflammatory (NF-κB inhibition), and immune-stimulating (increased antibody production) activity. In Scandinavia, it's the #1 selling cold remedy and has been for decades.
Andrographolides work through: (1) NF-κB covalent inhibition — andrographolide forms a Michael adduct with the p50 DNA-binding domain of NF-κB, blocking inflammatory gene transcription; (2) enhanced immune cell function — increased phagocytic activity and antibody production (IgG, IgM); (3) antiviral — inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and blocks viral entry; (4) hepatoprotective — increases glutathione and SOD activity, protecting liver from oxidative damage. The anti-inflammatory mechanism (covalent NF-κB binding) is pharmacologically unique — most anti-inflammatory compounds use reversible binding.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.