98% of you will answer this question wrong

Which of the following herbs or vitamins can help treat the common cold or flu quicker?  Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Mushrooms (Chaga, Reishi, Cordyceps) or Probiotics?

Answer: None of them. 

I already know what you are thinking. “That’s not true” or “that’s not been my experience.”  Experience aside, as there are too many variables that can alter an outcome of an illness, what truly helps drive good decisions is good clinical data.  And sorry to say, none of those herbs, vitamins or even probiotics have any good clinical data to show it will have any effect on your cold or flu once you are ill. 

Now, that is not to be confused with supporting your immune system when you are not ill.  That’s different.  In that scenario, I would say any of those herbs or vitamins are a good choice.  There are plenty of studies that show both Vitamin C and D can have a significant impact on the number of colds you will experience in any given year.  The same can be said for probiotics and their ability to restore gut microbiome which has been linked to a stronger immune system overall.

However, when the question is about treatment, those options differ significantly once you are infected with a virus, and develop cold or flu symptoms.  Those supplements mentioned earlier are not going to help.  Thankfully there are several herbs that can help.  But out of all the herbs I have studied, there is only one herb that is considered King of them all.  Yes, just one and it is not even close.  This herb is called Andrographis.

King of Bitters

Andrographis is called the "King of Bitters" due to its extremely bitter taste, which is one of its most notable characteristics. The plant, Andrographis paniculata, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its bitterness is attributed to its high content of andrographolides, which are bioactive compounds believed to offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. The term "King" emphasizes its strong potency and widespread use for promoting health

What makes Andrographis particularly noteworthy is that it has both a longstanding historic and clinical use against many infections.  One of the most notable uses of Andrographis was its recorded use in the treatment of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.  The Spanish flu pandemic was one of the deadliest in history, infecting one-third of the global population and killing an estimated 50 million people.

History aside, Androgrpahis continues to be studied to this day for its powerful antiviral and immune modulating abilities.

When it comes to modern day viral illness, there are three main viruses we need to concern ourselves with: rhinovirus (common cold), influenza A/B (Flu) and COVID 19.  Multiple studies have been published on Andrographis demonstrating anti-viral and immune modulating properties against all three viruses. 

Here’s a brief summary of the top clinical trials involving Andrographis paniculata, focusing on its effects against several viruses.

1. COVID-19 Treatment: Several trials, such as one from Thailand, investigated Andrographis in treating mild COVID-19. The results were mixed; while some studies suggested the extract reduced pneumonia incidence and improved viral clearance. (1)
    
2. Upper Respiratory Infections: Andrographis has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of upper respiratory infections. A trial with 223 patients found that a proprietary extract significantly reduced symptoms like cough, nasal discharge, and sore throat within 5 days, compared to placebo​ (2)
   
   
3. Pharyngotonsillitis: In a Thai study, Andrographis was evaluated for its effectiveness in treating pharyngotonsillitis (throat inflammation). It was found to be beneficial in reducing symptoms. (3)
   
4. Influenza: Randomized, double-blind trial on Andrographis for flu symptoms: In a clinical trial, Andrographis extract was shown to significantly improve flu symptoms in patients when compared to a placebo. Symptoms such as cough, fever, headache, and nasal congestion were alleviated more quickly with Andrographis treatment. (4)
5. Flu Symptom Relief: A study published in Phytotherapy Research in 2003 tested a standardized extract of Andrographis, on patients with cold and flu symptoms. This randomized trial found that standardized Andrographis provided significant symptom relief, reducing fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat. (5)
6. Immunomodulatory Effects: Studies have also examined the immune-boosting properties of Andrographis, showing it can stimulate immune responses by increasing lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production, making it potentially useful in various infectious diseases​. (2)
   
   

Skip to the good part

While I could list many more trials, in all of my years of study on hundreds of herbs, I still recommend Andrographis as my first choice of natural ingredients for combating a viral challenge. However, there are three important caveats to consider when choosing an Andrographis product. 

Standardized: Always use Andrographis that is standardized to Andrographolide.  It is the Andrographolide part of the plant that yields the therapeutic benefit.

Potency: Use a high potency Andrographolide. The higher the potency Andrographolide the better.  Depending on the manufacturer, this will range from a low as 4% up to 50% Andrographolide.

Combination: While Andrographis is an impressive herb on its own, it does work better with other herbs.  Combination herbs will almost always work better than a single herb. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about health and related topics, but it is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

About the Author

Dr. DuBois is a registered clinical pharmacist, educator and Founder of Hybrid Remedies, a natural supplement research and development company. Dr. DuBois formulated multiple award winning natural remedies such as HybridCR Rapid Immune Defense. He is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Doctorate degree in Pharmacy.  Prior to starting Hybrid Remedies, Dr. DuBois was the lead clinical pharmacist for the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Northeast Florida specializing in immunology and solid organ transplantation.  During his tenure, Dr. DuBois designed numerous clinical trials, immune protocols and has been a contributing author on several published articles.  With over 25 years of pharmacy experience, Dr. DuBois uses his clinical expertise and knowledge of Eastern and Western medicine to help patients safely integrate natural supplements, prescription, and over the counter medications together.

References

1. Efficacy and safety of Andrographis paniculata extract in patients with mild COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial. Kulthanit Wanaratna, Pornvimol Leethong, Nitapha Inchai, Wararath Chueawiang, Pantitra Sriraksa, Anutida Tabmee, Sayomporn Sirinavin
2. Saxena RC, et al. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. 2010 Mar;17(3-4):178-85.
3. Intharuksa A, Arunotayanun W, Yooin W, Sirisa-ard P. A Comprehensive Review of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Its Constituents as Potential Lead Compounds for COVID-19 Drug Discovery. Molecules. 2022; 27(14):4479.
4. Caceres, D. D., Hancke, J. L., Burgos, R. A., Wikman, G. K. (1999). "Use of visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomized double-blind placebo study." Phytomedicine. 1999.
5. Reference: Melchior, J., Palm, S., Wikman, G., & Klingberg, T. (2000). "Controlled clinical study of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold—a pilot trial." Phytomedicine 7(5): 341–350.