Medicinal useSince ancient times, A. paniculata has been used in traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic[7] systems of medicine as well as in tribal medicine in India and some other countries for multiple clinical applications.
The herb has a number of purported medicinal uses, although research has found evidence of its effectiveness is limited to treatment of symptoms of upper respiratory infection, ulcerative colitis and rheumatic symptoms;[medical citation needed] in particular, there is no evidence of its effectiveness in cancer treatment.[8]
This plant is major ingredient of the polyherbal formulation by name "Nilavembu kudineer choornam" in Siddha medicine.[9]
According to the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, "A specific product (andrographis combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus) may shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms of common cold."[10] It also says, "Pregnant women shouldn't use andrographis because it could terminate pregnancy."[10]
In one Chilean study from 1999, the herb had a significant drying effect on the nasal secretions of cold sufferers who took 1,200 milligrams of andrographis extract daily for five days.[11] A 2012 study suggested that Andrographis paniculata extracts may have the potential to be used as a mosquito repellant.