Andrographis paniculata or Green Chirette is a medicinal plant used to treat respiratory infections and fever, very effective in cases of flu or colds.
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Medicinal plants in Thailand
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Description
In Thai: Fa Thalai Djonne – ฟ้าทะลายโจร
Other names: andrographis, justicia, green chirreta, carmantine, mahalita, king of bitters, Indian echinacea, Chuanxinlian.
Property of Andrographis Paniculata ( Green Chirette )
In 1919, when the Spanish flu was ravaging the world, Andrographis Paniculata was successfully used to contain the epidemic in India.
This is the plant to have in case of a flu epidemic!
Andrographis Paniculata is a very bitter plant, this is due to the presence of andrographolide and very similar molecules such as deoxyandrographolide and neoandrographolide.
These molecules have recently been studied in Asia and are known to be:
Anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenger. Many of their pharmacological properties are related to this ability to neutralize highly reactive chemical radicals that damage or destroy cells.
Antimicrobial and antiviral , useful for fighting respiratory infections such as flu, colds, bronchitis, etc.
Anti-acute diarrhea (collibacillosis), used to relieve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (chronic disorder of the colon and rectum).
Strengthening the immune system . The anti-infectious power of Andrographis paniculata is probably more the result of an increase in the body's defenses than of an action on the agents of infection.
Anti-diabetes (type 2) , studies mainly carried out on animals.
Prevention of cancerous degeneration or slowing of cancer development (perhaps through an anti-angiogenic effect): notably prostate cancer, colon cancer, and bronchopulmonary cancer.
Protection of liver cells : in cases of chemical or viral aggression, hepatitis, cirrhosis. – Andrographolide and certain very similar compounds (Dehydroandrographolide) are being studied and tested in China to combat certain cancers that are difficult to treat, such as gliomas (brain cancer).
Andrographis Paniculata in traditional medicine
Green Chirette has been used for hundreds of years to treat fever and respiratory infections.
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine
It is used to stimulate appetite, biliary function and digestion, as well as to treat gastrointestinal ailments.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
It is used to rid the body of excessive heat and toxins, especially those lodged in the lungs, throat and urinary tract.
Studies on Andrographis Paniculata
Andrographis paniculata – Fa Thalai Djonne
Treatment of respiratory tract infections (cold, flu, pharyngitis).
In February 2004, the authors of a review of four double-blind trials concluded that andrographis , alone or in combination with eleutherococcus, is more effective than a placebo in treating uncomplicated respiratory infections.
Cold prevention.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 107 subjects were followed for 3 months. Those taking andrographis extract (Kan Jang®, 200 mg daily) were half as likely to develop a cold as those taking the placebo.
Traditional uses: bacillary dysentery and acute diarrhea
The WHO cites two studies in which the plant was found to be as effective as conventional medications in treating bacillary dysentery and acute diarrhea.
Animal studies indicate that Green Chirette has hepatoprotective (liver disease) properties.
New use of green chirette against Covid-19
The Thai Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine announced several months ago that this plant had cured more than 300 patients with mild symptoms of Covid-19.
Since the first wave of Covid-19 broke out in Thailand, some hospitals, including Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr, have been using andrographis paniculata along with other medications to treat Covid-19 patients.
The patients apparently recovered without side effects.
Recently, the Thai Correctional Department gave green chirette to about 11,800 infected inmates and 99.02% of them recovered.
See: Thailand approves green chirette as treatment for Covid-19
Thailand supports use of green chirette to treat Covid-19 patients
Green chirette could reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Wednesday (May 26).
It should be given alongside the antiviral drug favipiravir to treat patients with Covid-19, especially those with inflammation, he added.
The Thai Department of Traditional and Alternative Medicine confirmed the properties of green chirette, but also warned that it does not prevent Covid-19 infection, Anucha said.
He cited the department as saying that the green chiretta contained andrographolide, a substance that has been shown to kill the virus and some bacteria in test tubes.
See :
Thailand supports use of medicinal plant to treat Covid-19
Covid-19: Thailand authorizes the use of medicinal plants
Dosage
Respiratory infections (cold, flu, pharyngitis).
Take 400 mg of standardized extract (containing 4% to 6% andrographolide), 3 times a day.
Whether you take it before or after meals doesn't matter, but some people experience intestinal upset when taking andrographis. If this happens, reduce the amount taken or take it with meals.
The dangers of Andrographis paniculata
Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital has warned people that consuming andrographis paniculata in large quantities can damage the kidneys and liver.
See: Thailand warns against using andrographis paniculata to treat Covid-19
A preliminary uncontrolled study using isolated andrographolide found that, although it tended to decrease viral load and increase CD4 lymphocyte counts in HIV-infected individuals, at the amount used, the preparation caused side effects, including headache, fatigue, a bitter/metallic taste in the mouth, and elevated liver enzymes (which returned to normal after stopping treatment).
It is not known whether the andrographolides used in this study directly killed HIV or had an immune-boosting effect ( source ).
Pregnant women beware!
Andrographis may have abortifacient effects
Where to buy andrographis paniculata?
If you are in Thailand, you will have no trouble finding it, it is a well-known plant found in many gardens, just ask your Thai friends.
You will also find them in pharmacies in capsules.
If you are not in Thailand, you can find it at the best price on Iherb here .
Source: passportsante.net ; www.phytomania.com ; wikipedia.org ; Photo: H. Zell
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4 comments
At over 70, we are looking for an effective antiviral against respiratory illnesses like the flu (sometimes very nasty). Is this the case? Are there other effective plants? Thanks
CB
I am younger but in poor health and a smoker, which means I get sick often.
Finally, now whenever I start to feel unwell, I take vitamin C and zinc, quercetin (very effective) and echinacea as a plant.
It really strengthens the body and helps to cope with the illness, and I regularly take vitamin D3 and magnesium citrate, not other magnesiums which are poorly absorbed and do nothing except for diarrhea.
We only find tempting information about this product or the plant but no link to get it! It's the same on all the sites!!!
Hi Joy,
There is a link to Iherb at the end of the article to get some.