ANDROGRAPHIS
Updated: Oct 23
I have used andrographis in my own protocols, and it comes up often in Lyme groups, so I wanted all the info gathered in one place for you.
Short on time or energy? A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
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WHAT IT IS
-Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is an herb native to India.
-Dr. Bill Rawls describes it as having antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties.
-It is one of the herbs on my Babesia - Possible Solutions list.
-At a 2012 integrative medicine conference, Dr. Richard Horowitz, who has treated more than 12,000 patients with chronic Lyme, named andrographis as one of the herbs with strong scientific backing for people with ongoing symptoms and inflammation.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE RESEARCH
-In a 2020 Johns Hopkins lab study of 14 natural products against Lyme bacteria, andrographis did not show much direct activity against the bacteria in the dish. The researchers shared that it may work through the immune system instead, and that more study is needed on this.
-In a 2021 Johns Hopkins lab study on Babesia, andrographis was tested but did not make the top group of herbs.
-These were lab studies, so human studies are still needed. Lab results are only one piece of the picture, and some Lyme practitioners, like Dr. Rawls, still include andrographis in their protocols.
-Every Lyme doctor has their own approach, and that's okay. What you use is between you and your doctor.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL
-Dr. Rawls shares that about 1% of people get an allergic reaction with hives and itching. If that happens, stop and call your doctor.
-A 2022 review of clinical studies found the herbal forms of andrographis (the kind sold as supplements) to be generally safe. Stomach upset and skin reactions like rash or itching were the most common side effects. The serious reactions in the review came from injected andrographis drugs, not the herbal supplements.
-Both product labels below say to talk with your doctor first if you are pregnant or nursing.
ANDROGRAPHIS OPTIONS ON FULLSCRIPT
EuroMedica Andrographis EP80 Extra Strength (capsules):
NOW Foods Andrographis Extract (capsules, a lower-priced option):
RELATED POSTS
Babesia - Possible Solutions
Babesia (education)
Babesia Directory
Pain / Inflammation - Possible Solutions
EBV and Viral - Possible Solutions
Cat's Claw / Black Walnut / Chinese Skullcap
Japanese Knotweed
Cryptolepis
Brands Often Recommended by Lyme Literate Doctors
SOURCES
Frontiers in Pharmacology - Adverse effects of andrographolide derivative medications compared to the safe use of herbal preparations of Andrographis paniculata, review of clinical studies (January 2022)
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology - Botanical medicines with activity against Babesia duncani, Johns Hopkins lab study (March 2021, older source, still worth reading)
LymeDisease.org - Dr. Bill Rawls, Natural remedies for the chronic inflammation of Lyme disease (January 2021, older source, still worth reading)
Frontiers in Medicine - Evaluation of natural and botanical medicines for activity against growing and non-growing forms of B. burgdorferi, Johns Hopkins lab study (February 2020, older source, still worth reading)
Pharmacy and Therapeutics - Dr. Richard Horowitz, Pain-management strategies in the chronically ill Lyme disease patient, 2012 Integrative Healthcare Symposium (April 2012, older source, still worth reading)
Bay Area Lyme Foundation - Seven herbal medicines are capable of killing Lyme disease bacteria, according to new lab study (February 2020, older source, still worth reading)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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