
06/09/2022
Results from a recent clinical trial suggest that the herb Andrographis does indeed improve immune function. The study was an open-label, single-centre study. Thirty participants with normal lymphocyte counts took 200 mg of a standardised extract from the leaf of Andrographis paniculata daily for 30 days. It contained diterpene lactones (>33%) with andrographolide >30.0% by weight, as analysed by HPLC.
At day 30, Andrographis increased T cell numbers, T helper cells (not significantly) and significantly increased interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), while decreasing interleukin-2 (IL-2). A subgroup analysis of participants with lower lymphocyte counts of 1000 to 3000 cells/mm3 indicated there was a significant increase in T cells, T helper cells at both days 7 and 30. Blocking IL-2 signals weakens regulatory T cell (Treg) activity and hence promotes immune responses. It is also reported that it is sufficient to only transiently inhibit IL-2 to bias the helper T cell:Treg balance more towards an immune response. For more information see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34376353/