Pharmacological Properties of Andrographis Paniculata in Disease Treatment
Summary
Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the “king of bitters,” harbours a range of bioactive diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids and polyphenols that underpin its diverse therapeutic actions. Central among these is andrographolide, which exerts immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer effects. Mechanistically, andrographolide attenuates pro-inflammatory signalling by inhibiting NF-κB activation, suppresses microbial virulence and biofilm formation, disrupts viral RNA replication and induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in neoplastic cells via BAX upregulation and caspase-3 activation. Preclinical work has also demonstrated hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and antioxidant capacities, while controlled clinical trials endorse its safety and efficacy in acute respiratory tract infections. Recent advances in nano- and phytosomal delivery systems have overcome solubility and permeability limitations, widening its scope in oncology, virology and dermatology. Globally, A. paniculata represents a promising, cost-effective candidate for drug development and integrative therapies across multiple disease domains.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent foundational work has demonstrated the potent antiviral activity of andrographolide against chikungunya virus. In vitro studies showed a ≥3 log10 reduction in viral titres at non-toxic concentrations, with andrographolide impairing viral RNA replication across diverse cell lines. Time-of-addition experiments revealed that the compound targets post-entry replication stages, highlighting its potential as a lead for broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Pharmacological Properties of Andrographis Paniculata in Disease Treatment publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological properties of andrographis paniculata in disease treatment across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Andrographolide: A diterpenoid lactone extracted from A. paniculata, responsible for most of its pharmacological effects.
Phytosome: A complex of natural compounds with phospholipids designed to enhance solubility and cellular absorption.
Entrapment efficiency: The proportion of active compound successfully incorporated into a delivery vehicle relative to the total amount used.
G2–M arrest: A cell-cycle blockade between DNA synthesis and mitosis that precedes programmed cell death in cancer cells.
Caspase-3: A central executioner protease in the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptosis pathway.
Biofilm: A structured microbial community encased in extracellular matrix, often exhibiting heightened resistance to antimicrobials.
References
- Andrographolide nanophytosomes exhibit enhanced cellular delivery and pro-apoptotic activities in HepG2 liver cancer cells. Drug Delivery (2023).
- Antioxidant Effects of Catechins (EGCG), Andrographolide, and Curcuminoids Compounds for Skin Protection, Cosmetics, and Dermatological Uses: An Update. Antioxidants (2023).
- Activity of andrographolide against chikungunya virus infection. Scientific Reports (2015).
- Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial Pharmacology, and Clinical Safety and Efficacy. Life (2021).
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