It has been referred to as “Indian Echinacea” due to its similar popular and traditional uses as Echinacea, but its more common names are Kalmegh, King of Bitters, or just “Andrographis”.
KP Phyto has invested heavily in understanding the points along the supply chain that must be controlled for the best quality outcomes in Andrographis ingredient quality. We also invest into the understanding and development of the research behind Indian traditional botanicals…with a focus this month on Andrographis!
Andrographis is most popular in the Winter season for supporting immunity, and its actions are multifaceted. Besides having a number of health-supporting activities, it is also known as a bitter herb.
Bitters & Immunity
Herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners have long been using ‘bitters’ for digestive support and for most of this time the scientific community didn’t know why. A little over a decade ago, though, we had a major breakthrough in understanding. It turns out there are bitter sensors that are found not only on the tongue where we knew we sensed taste, but all throughout the digestive tract! And what is even more surprising is that the bitter sensors play an important role in the metabolic process of digestion and blood sugar regulation. The most recent advances on bitter receptors and their role in human health have uncovered that they play an important role in regulating innate immune responses.
Although research has not been conducted yet specifically on the bitter flavour of Andrographis and its alteration of bitter sensors, a wide range of bitter compounds are known to stimulate these receptors. We also know that when human jejunal crypts (special cells in the digestive tract) sensed bitter agonists, they respond by releasing antimicrobial peptides, as well as regulating the expression of other innate immune factors. This field is newly evolving, an exciting area of research for botanicals, especially those that are bitters and known traditionally to play a role in immune support, such as Andrographis—“The King of Bitters”.
With regard to supporting digestion, Andrographis has several activities that are thought to contribute to its activity. The digestion of starches and sugars are supported through improved production of brush border enzymes by the small intestine. Additionally, Andrographis supports cytokine balance and the production of healthy liver enzymes and bile flow, thereby supporting digestion and detoxification.
Preliminary research on the effect of Andrographis on the immune system also indicates that Andrographis may increase antibody activity, as well as phagocytosis by macrophages. Additionally, Andrographis has been observed to exhibit mast-cell stabilizing activity as well as immunomodulating activity.
The Andrographolides
The andrographolides, members of the isoprenoid family of natural products, are the focus phytochemicals that are studied from Andrographis for their various benefits. Andrographolide is an extremely bitter substance that has exhibited support blood sugar balancing, antioxidant, cognitive, respiratory and digestive health activities through research.
Specifically, andrographolide is known to play a role in cell signalling and immunomodulation. Other possible mechanisms of action of Andrographis for supporting traditional use include support of comfort, microbial balance, cytokine balance, antiplatelet effects, cardioprotection, hepatoprotection and blood sugar balance.
Andrographis and Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, Andrographis is one of the most regularly used rejuvenating plants with all-round wellness promoting activities, and used in at least 26 Ayurvedic formulas. In Ayurveda, bitter flavor is known to generally balance the Kapha and Pita doshas, which is also true of Andrographis.
Andrographis is considered soothing to the out of balance Kapha and Pita doshas, and cooling to the body, reducing Pita and Kapha in the head and chest to support normal body temperature. It is has a drying and penetrating quality that can balance the phlegm of out of balance Kapha. Additionally, its very bitter flavor promotes liver health and digestion, contributing to its all-round wellness promoting uses.
Andrographis and Future Research
Just as mentioned in previous newsletters on how botanical exert their effects, science is confirming the multiple mechanistic targets of Andrographis. Andrographis shows activity in multiple upstream areas of the health and metabolism, which may widely affect health outcomes downstream.
With the very exciting advances in our understanding of bitters and bitter receptors in the GI tract, Andrographis is poised to be an herb that can play an important role in addressing the emerging importance of the intersection of digestion, immunity and metabolic health.
Thank you for Reading!
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
