Mateusz Ramut, Weronika Borymska, Maria Zych

The role of Andrographis herb (Andrographidis herba) in the treatment of viral respiratory tract infections

DOI: 10.32383/farmpol/235950

2026-10-02

Research’s subject. Infectious diseases remain a significant burden on healthcare systems, which is exacerbated by the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This situation necessitates the search for safe, broad-spectrum therapeutic alternatives, including the use of phytotherapy. One of the plants that recently attracted particular interest from researchers worldwide is Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees. The raw material derived from it – Andrographis herb (Andrographidis herba) – exhibits numerous antiviral and immunomodulatory properties.

Purpose. The objective of this study was to review the scientific literature and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the use of Andrographis paniculata herb preparations in the treatment of viral respiratory tract infections, with a special focus on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), and non-specific viral infections.Material and methods. This literature review is based on a thorough search of Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The literature search was conducted using the following terms: “Andrographis paniculata”, “Andrographolide” “COVID-19”, “RSV”, “Respiratory syncytial virus”, “influenza”, “upper respiratory tract infection”, “common cold”, “antiviral”, “clinical trial”, “double‑blind”, “quadruple‑blind”, “in vitro”, “in vivo”, “drug resistance”, “phytochemistry”.

Results. The reviewed literature indicates that Andrographis herb extracts, particularly their main active compound, andrographolide, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and antiviral activity against viruses causing respiratory tract infections, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Clinical data demonstrate their efficacy in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms in non-specific upper respiratory tract infections. In the context of mild COVID-19 cases, current observations are promising, yet definitive clinical evidence remains insufficient, whereas reports on activity against influenza and RSV are currently based on preclinical data, with results regarding the inhibition of RSV replication being inconclusive. The overall therapeutic potential is notably limited, mainly due to the poor aqueous solubility and low systemic bioavailability of the active phytochemicals, driving the need for novel drug delivery systems.

Conclusions. Preparations of the Andrographis herb could serve as a valuable supportive therapy in mild, non-specific respiratory tract infections, yet definitive confirmation of their clinical efficacy still requires large-scale, multicenter trials. Development of locally acting preparations (e.g., aerosols) may serve as a solution to bypass the problem of low systemic bioavailability of the Andrographis herb active compounds. Such dosage forms allow for achieving a therapeutic concentration within the respiratory tract mucosa while additionally reducing the risk of systemic adverse effects.

Keywords: Andrographidis herba, respiratory tract infections, COVID-19, phytotherapy, RSV.

© Farm Pol, 2026, 82(4): 183–196