NOW Andrographis Extract 400mg: Targeted Immune & Upper Respiratory Support
When seasonal changes challenge your body, you need botanical support that works fast. NOW Andrographis Extract 400mg delivers a concentrated extract of Andrographis paniculata, an herb celebrated for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian wellness systems. Modern science reveals why: its active plant compounds, known as andrographolides, help prime your immune defenses and maintain clear, comfortable breathing in the upper respiratory tract.
Quick Takeaway: Each single vegetarian capsule delivers a verified 400 mg of pure aerial extract standardized to a minimum of 10% andrographolides (40 mg per serving). It is designed for short-term seasonal activation or targeted daily wellness without artificial fillers or harsh stimulants. At VitaNet, we have evaluated dietary botanicals for over 31 years to bring you authentic, tested supplements backed by our risk-free guarantee[cite: 1].
✓ 400 mg Standardized Extract per capsule
✓ Guaranteed 10% active Andrographolides
✓ Clinically studied for seasonal upper respiratory comfort
✓ Non-GMO, 100% Vegan & Vegetarian friendly
Clinically Proven Benefits & How It Works in Layman’s Terms
In traditional herbal practice, Andrographis earned the title “King of Bitters” (or Chuan Xin Lian) because of its intense taste and cooling properties. Today, scientific research confirms that its bioactive compounds (diterpene lactones) interact directly with key cellular pathways:
1. Rapid Seasonal Respiratory Relief
Clinical trials demonstrate that standardized Andrographis extract helps soothe throat irritation, clear nasal passages, and support general comfort during acute respiratory challenges. A landmark systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials published in PLoS ONE (Hu et al., 2017) demonstrated that Andrographis extract significantly relieved cough and sore throat symptoms while shortening recovery time compared to placebo.
2. Intelligent Immune Modulation
Unlike stimulants that forcefully push your immune system into overdrive, andrographolides act as immunomodulators. Peer-reviewed research (Poolsup et al., 2004; Jayakumar et al., 2013) highlights how Andrographis helps balance key signaling proteins (such as NF-κB) and supports the activity of macrophage white blood cells. This keeps your defense network alert and responsive without triggering excessive inflammation.
3. Antioxidant & Liver Vitality Support
In Ayurvedic traditions, this bitter herb has long been used to support the liver and digestive tract. Modern pharmacology reveals that andrographolides help activate your body’s natural antioxidant defenses (such as the Nrf2 pathway), aiding normal liver detoxification during periods of physiological stress (Dai et al., 2019).
NOW® Testing Standards & Contaminant Verification
Herbal extracts can vary wildly in purity and strength depending on growing conditions and manufacturing standards. Because dietary supplements represent an important health decision, NOW Foods subjects every single lot of raw botanical material to comprehensive laboratory screening in its ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited laboratories before and after encapsulation:
High-Performance Testing (HPLC)
Uses High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to verify the exact 10% active andrographolide concentration, ensuring the exact bioactivity stated on the bottle.
Heavy Metal Clearance (ICP-MS)
Screened with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry down to parts per billion (ppb) for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, meeting strict California Proposition 65 thresholds.
DNA Botanical Authentication
Employs botanical HPTLC fingerprinting and next-generation DNA barcoding to confirm genuine Andrographis paniculata aerial parts, eliminating species substitution.
Pesticides & Microbial Screen
Verified free from 300+ agricultural pesticide residues via GC-MS/LC-MS, and screened per USP protocols for yeast, mold, Salmonella, and E. coli.
Complete Supplement Facts & Ingredient Listing
Full ingredient transparency ensures you know exactly what is inside every capsule. This product conforms to USP <2091> for capsule weight uniformity and meets USP <2040> disintegration standards for rapid digestive breakdown.
Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Rice Flour, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), and Silicon Dioxide.
Allergen Information: Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
Practical Usage Guide: How to Take for Maximum Results
While standard supplement bottles provide basic directions, three decades of customer feedback and clinical literature suggest practical strategies to get the most benefit out of this botanical:
✓ Suggested Use
Take 1 capsule 2 to 3 times daily as needed, swallowed with a full glass of water.
✓ The Real-World Practical Tip: Always Take With Food
Because Andrographis paniculata is exceptionally bitter, taking it on an empty stomach can trigger mild digestive upset or stomach acid reflux in sensitive individuals. Always swallow your capsule alongside a light meal or snack to buffer the stomach lining.
✓ Acute Protocol vs. Daily Maintenance
In clinical studies, Andrographis yields the strongest results when taken at the earliest onset of seasonal throat or respiratory discomfort for 3 to 10 consecutive days. It is not generally intended as a continuous 365-day supplement; cycle off after 2 to 4 weeks unless directed by your healthcare professional.
Safety Information, Trade-Offs & Precautions
Responsible health guidance requires evaluating who should not take a supplement. Please review the following medical precautions before adding Andrographis to your routine:
Pregnancy & Nursing: Do not use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing. Traditional records and animal studies suggest potential abortifacient and antifertility effects.
Gallbladder or Bile Duct Disorders: As a potent bitter tonic, Andrographis stimulates bile flow and gallbladder contractions. Avoid use if you have active gallstones or bile duct obstructions.
Blood Pressure & Blood Thinners: Andrographis may naturally support vasodilation (lowering blood pressure) and display mild anti-platelet activity. Consult your physician if taking antihypertensives or anticoagulant medications (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin).
Autoimmune Conditions: Because andrographolides stimulate immune cell activity, individuals with autoimmune diagnoses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS) should seek medical supervision prior to use.
Adult Use Only: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Scientific References & Clinical Studies
Our content is rigorously cited using peer-reviewed medical and pharmacological literature:
Hu, X. Y., et al. (2017).Andrographis paniculata (Chuan Xin Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 12(8), e0181780. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181780.
Poolsup, N., et al. (2004).Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 29(1), 37–45. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00537.x.
Gabrielian, E. S., et al. (2002). A double blind, placebo-controlled study of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in children and adults with upper respiratory tract disease. Phytomedicine, 9(7), 589–597. doi:10.1078/094471102321147721.
Jayakumar, T., et al. (2013). Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology of Andrographis paniculata and Its Major Bioactive Phytochemical Andrographolide. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 846740. doi:10.1155/2013/846740.
Dai, Y., et al. (2019). Overview of pharmacological activities of Andrographis paniculata and its major compound andrographolide. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(sup1), S17–S29. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1501657.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Andrographis Extract 400mg used for?
NOW Andrographis Extract 400mg is primarily used to support immune system resilience and promote comfort in the upper respiratory tract during seasonal transitions or environmental challenges. It also provides traditional botanical support for liver and digestive health.
What does “Standardized to min. 10% Andrographolides” mean?
Standardization ensures potency and batch-to-batch consistency. Rather than offering crushed, unverified raw leaf powder, NOW verifies by HPLC testing that each 400 mg capsule contains at least 40 mg of active andrographolides, the exact compounds responsible for the herb's physiological benefits.
Can I take Andrographis everyday all year long?
Andrographis is generally best used on an acute, short-term basis. Most clinical trials observe optimal outcomes when taken for 3 to 10 days during seasonal challenges. For sustained use longer than 2 to 4 weeks, consult with an integrative healthcare practitioner.
Why is Andrographis called the “King of Bitters”?
In traditional Asian herbalism, it has an intensely bitter taste profile. In herbal theory, bitter botanicals stimulate digestive secretions, activate bile release, and provide cooling properties to clear internal heat. Encapsulating the extract in vegetarian capsules avoids the strong bitter taste.
How does NOW test for purity and heavy metals?
NOW tests every botanical lot in their ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analytical laboratories. They utilize Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to screen for lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic down to parts per billion, ensuring the extract complies with strict California Prop 65 and USP safety standards.
Why purchase NOW Andrographis from VitaNet?
VitaNet has been an independent, family-owned discount retailer providing authentic, factory-sealed dietary supplements online since 1995[cite: 1]. Every purchase is backed by our full 100% money-back guarantee, ensuring quality, fresh inventory, and dedicated customer support[cite: 1].
