Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Andrographis vs Astragalus
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Andrographis and Astragalus: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), cold & flu, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Andrographis | Astragalus | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cold & flu | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Immune support | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Infection (general) | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Major bioactive saponin with cardio-, neuro-, hepato- and renoprotective effects.
Pharmacological Actions
Andrographolide, the principal diterpene lactone of Andrographis paniculata, suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis across breast, lung, colon, cervical, hepatic and haematological cancers via NF-kappaB and PI3K/Akt inhibition (preclinical).
Astragalus membranaceus and its constituents (astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, Astragalus polysaccharide) inhibit tumour growth, invasion and metastasis and enhance antitumour immunity across lung, colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers (preclinical, incl. in vivo).
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Andrographolide (from Andrographis paniculata) acts as a chemopreventive and antitumour agent against breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, prostate and hepatocellular cancers and leukaemia, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting NF-kappaB and PI3K/AKT signalling (preclinical).
Symptomatic relief of the common cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection (reduces symptom severity and duration)
Immunostimulant / immune support
Symptomatic relief of the common cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection (reduces symptom severity and duration)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Astragalus membranaceus protects against gastrointestinal cancers; astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer metastasis via macrophage repolarization, cycloastragenol boosts CD8+ T-cell antitumour immunity (with anti-PD-1 synergy), and Astragalus polysaccharide suppresses inflammation-induced colorectal cancer (preclinical).
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Adaptogenic tonic for fatigue and low vitality (traditional 'Qi' tonic)
Immune support / immunomodulation (activates macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes); Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
Supports resistance to colds and respiratory infection (immune)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Renoprotective (kidney support) - as an adjunct in chronic kidney disease, reduced proteinuria and raised haemoglobin and serum albumin across trials (Cochrane review; study quality low)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in pregnancy and when trying to conceive: high doses have shown reproductive toxicity in animals and the herb has a traditional reputation as an abortifacient.
High doses have caused nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity in studies; use standardized products at recommended doses and avoid prolonged high-dose use.
Astragalus stimulates immune activity; on theoretical grounds it should be used cautiously in autoimmune disease and with immunosuppressant medicines (for example after organ transplant) - discuss with a clinician.
Generally well tolerated; high-quality long-term human safety and toxicity data remain limited.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoid medicinal doses.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Erect, branching annual herb with a slender, quadrangular (square-sectioned), dark green stem. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped and glabrous, with a short stalk. Small, two-lipped, white flowers with purple-pink markings are borne in loose, spreading axillary and terminal racemes. The whole plant, and especially the leaves, is intensely and characteristically bitter.[11]
Erect perennial herb with a long, fibrous, pale yellow taproot. The leaves are pinnately compound with numerous small, oval leaflets, giving a soft, ferny appearance. Small, pale yellow, pea-like flowers are borne in loose axillary clusters (racemes), followed by membranous, inflated seed pods that give the species its name.[5]
Habitat
Native to India and Sri Lanka and widely distributed through South and Southeast Asia, growing wild in plains, hillsides, roadsides and cultivated fields; also grown commercially as a medicinal crop.[11]
Native to the grasslands, sunny slopes and forest margins of northern and north-eastern China, Mongolia and parts of Korea; widely cultivated as a medicinal crop across East Asia.[5]
Harvesting
The aerial parts (leaves and tender stems) are cut just before or at the onset of flowering, when andrographolide content is typically highest, and dried in shade to preserve the bitter diterpenoid lactones.[11]
The root is dug from plants at least four years old, typically in spring or autumn, then cleaned and dried, often sliced into the characteristic pale, fibrous 'coin' slices used in traditional decoctions.[5]
Traditional Uses
Andrographis, the 'king of bitters', is a cornerstone bitter tonic of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine (Chuan xin lian), used for fevers, colds, sore throat, infections and liver complaints. This traditional reputation for treating the common cold and upper respiratory infections is now supported by clinical trials of standardised extracts.[10, 12]
Preparations
Dried aerial parts infused or lightly decocted in hot water as a very bitter traditional fever and cold remedy.
Dosage
Clinical trials for upper respiratory infection commonly use extracts standardised to around 60-120 mg andrographolide daily, in divided doses, for up to 5-7 days. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The WHO monograph on Herba Andrographidis gives, by indication - for the common cold, 1.5-3.0 g of the powdered crude drug three times daily, after meals and at bedtime; for pyrexia, a decoction from 3 g of the crude drug twice daily; for diarrhoea, a decoction from 3-9 g as a single dose as needed, or two 500 mg tablets four times daily. Note that the EMA HMPC assessed this herb and issued a public statement rather than a monograph, so there is no EU posology. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The WHO monograph on Radix Astragali gives doses of 3-9 g per day. Traditional Chinese medicine references often cite a considerably higher 9-30 g of dried root per day; WHO's figure is the conservative regulatory-tier one and is stated here in preference. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical studies commonly use extracts providing the equivalent of several grams of dried root daily, in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- Okonogi, R. and others (2023) 'Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata spray in acute pharyngitis: A randomized controlled trial', Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics, 17(5), pp. 315-321. doi:10.5582/ddt.2023.01053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.5582/ddt.2023.01053 - Hossain, S., Urbi, Z., Karuniawati, H., Mohiuddin, R.B. and others (2018) 'Overview of pharmacological activities of Andrographis paniculata and its major compound andrographolide', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 61(10), pp. 1635-1652. doi:10.1080/10408398.2018.1501657 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2018.1501657 - Worakunphanich, W. and others (2021) 'Andrographis paniculata Formulations: Impact on Diterpene Lactone Oral Bioavailability', European Journal of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, 46(5), pp. 565-581. doi:10.1007/s13318-021-00736-7 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13318-021-00736-7 - Worakunphanich, W., Thavorncharoensap, M., Youngkong, S., Thakkinstian, A. and Chaikledkaew, U (2021) 'Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, 30(6), pp. 727-739. doi:10.1002/pds.5190 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/pds.5190 - Kumar, S., Singh, B. and Bajpai, V (2021) 'Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees and its major constituent andrographolide as potential antiviral agents', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 274, pp. 113954. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113954 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113954 - Barbosa, F.L. and others (2021) 'Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Antimicrobial Pharmacology, and Clinical Safety and Efficacy', Life, 11(4), pp. 348. doi:10.3390/life11040348 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040348 - Singh, P. and others (2022) 'Andrographis paniculata mitigates first-line anti-tubercular drugs-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats', Biomarkers, 27(4), pp. 385-394. doi:10.1080/1354750X.2022.2043444 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/1354750X.2022.2043444 - Coon, J.T. and Ernst, E (2004) 'Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 29(1), pp. 37-45. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00534.x Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2710.2003.00534.x - Rondee, N. and others (2023) 'The Effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.F.) Wall. Ex Nees and Andrographolide on Neuroinflammation in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases', Nutrients, 15(15), pp. 3428. doi:10.3390/nu15153428 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153428 - Zeng, B., Wei, A., Zhou, Q., Yuan, M., Lei, K., Liu, Y., Song, J., Guo, L. and Ye, Q (2021) 'Andrographolide: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and clinical trials and pharmaceutical researches', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.7324 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7324 - Gonde, D.P., Bhole, B.K. and Kakad, K.S (2023) 'Andrographolide, diterpenoid constituent of Andrographis paniculata: Review on botany, phytochemistry, molecular docking analysis, and pharmacology', Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises. doi:10.1016/j.pharma.2023.10.001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharma.2023.10.001 - Hu, X.Y., Wu, R.H., Logue, M., Blondel, C., Lai, L.Y.W., Stuart, B., Flower, A., Fei, Y.T., Moore, M., Shepherd, J., Liu, J.P. and Lewith, G (2017) 'Andrographis paniculata (Chuan Xin Lian) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS ONE. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181780 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181780 - World Health Organization (2002) 'Herba Andrographidis'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Tundis, R. and Patra, J.K. and Bonesi, M. and Das, S. and Nath, R. and Das Talukdar, A. and Das, G. and Loizzo, M.R (2023) 'Anti-Cancer Agent: The Labdane Diterpenoid-Andrographolide', Plants, 12(10), pp. 1969. doi:10.3390/plants12101969 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101969 - Mishra, S.K. and Tripathi, S. and Shukla, A. and Oh, S.H. and Kim, H.M (2015) 'Andrographolide and analogues in cancer prevention', Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition), 7(2), pp. 255-266. doi:10.2741/E732 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2741/E732 - Paul, S. and Roy, D. and Pati, S. and Sa, G (2021) 'The Adroitness of Andrographolide as a Natural Weapon Against Colorectal Cancer', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 731492. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.731492 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.731492 - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (n.d.) 'Andrographis (About Herbs)'. Available at: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/andrographis Traditional / reference
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/andrographis
- Xu, B., Huang, J.P., Peng, G., Cao, W., Liu, Z. et al (2024) 'Total biosynthesis of the medicinal triterpenoid saponin astragalosides', Nature Plants, 10(11), pp. 1826-1837. doi:10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01827-4 - Auyeung, K.K., Han, Q.B. and Ko, J.K (2016) 'Astragalus membranaceus: A Review of its Protection Against Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Cancers', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 44(1), pp. 1-22. doi:10.1142/S0192415X16500014 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X16500014 - Zhang, Y., Ji, W., Qin, H., Chen, Z., Zhou, Y. et al (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharides alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by restoring SCFA production and regulating Th17/Treg cell homeostasis in a microbiota-dependent manner', Carbohydrate Polymers, 349, pp. 122829. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122829 - Fu, J., Wang, Z., Huang, L., Zheng, S., Wang, D., Chen, S., Zhang, H. and Yang, S (2014) 'Review of the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi)', Phytotherapy Research, 28(9), pp. 1275-1283. doi:10.1002/ptr.5188 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5188 - Zhang, J., Wu, C., Gao, L., Du, G. and Qin, X (2019) 'Astragaloside IV derived from Astragalus membranaceus: A research review on the pharmacological effects', Advances in Pharmacology. doi:10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apha.2019.08.002 - Dong, M., Li, J., Yang, D., Li, M. and Wei, J (2023) 'Biosynthesis and pharmacological activities of flavonoids, triterpene saponins and polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5018. doi:10.3390/molecules28135018 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135018 - Chen, G., Jiang, N., Zheng, J., Hu, H., Yang, H., Lin, A., Hu, B. and Liu, H (2023) 'Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 241, pp. 124386. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124386 - Zheng, Q., Zhuang, Z., Wang, Z., Deng, L., Jin, W., Huang, Z., Zheng, G. and Wang, Y (2020) 'Clinical and preclinical systematic review of Astragalus membranaceus for viral myocarditis', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pp. 1560353. doi:10.1155/2020/1560353 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1560353 - Dai, Y., Wang, Y., Kang, Q., Wu, Y., Liu, Y., Su, Y., Wang, X., Xiu, M. and He, J (2024) 'The protective effect and bioactive compounds of Astragalus membranaceus against neurodegenerative disorders via alleviating oxidative stress in Drosophila', FASEB Journal, 38(13), pp. e23727. doi:10.1096/fj.202400390R Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202400390R - Xu, L., Xu, X., Hou, X., Wang, F., Gao, S. and Zhang, H (2019) 'Adjuvant therapy with Astragalus membranaceus for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review', Metabolic Brain Disease, 35(1), pp. 83-93. doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-019-00483-4 - Li, C.X., Liu, Y., Zhang, Y.Z., Li, J.C. and Lai, J (2022) 'Astragalus polysaccharide: a review of its immunomodulatory effect', Archives of Pharmacal Research. doi:10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-022-01393-3 - Jin, M., Zhao, K., Huang, Q. and Shang, P (2014) 'Structural features and biological activities of the polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 64, pp. 257-266. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2013.12.002 - Liu, Y. and Lv, W (2019) 'Research progress in Astragalus membranaceus and its active components on immune responses in liver fibrosis', Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 26(10), pp. 794-800. doi:10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-019-3039-1 - World Health Organization (1999) 'Radix Astragali'. Available at: https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 Traditional / reference
https://iris.who.int/items/6418d8af-5200-4e6b-9bf5-004f3aa62a37 - Xu, F. and Cui, W.-Q. and Wei, Y. and Cui, J. and Qiu, J. and Hu, L.-L. and Gong, W.-Y. and Dong, J.-C. and Liu, B.-J (2018) 'Astragaloside IV inhibits lung cancer progression and metastasis by modulating macrophage polarization through AMPK signaling', Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, 37(1), pp. 207. doi:10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-018-0878-0 - Deng, G. and Zhou, L. and Wang, B. and Sun, X. and Zhang, Q. and Chen, H. and Wan, N. and Ye, H. and Wu, X. and Sun, D. and Sun, Y. and Cheng, H (2022) 'Targeting cathepsin B by cycloastragenol enhances antitumor immunity of CD8 T cells via inhibiting MHC-I degradation', Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, 10(10), pp. e004874. doi:10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2022-004874 - Li, Q. and Zhang, C. and Xu, G. and Shang, X. and Nan, X. and Li, Y. and Liu, J. and Hong, Y. and Wang, Q. and Peng, G (2024) 'Astragalus polysaccharide ameliorates CD8 T cell dysfunction through STAT3/Gal-3/LAG3 pathway in inflammation-induced colorectal cancer', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 171, pp. 116172. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116172 - Zhang, H.W., Lin, Z.X., Xu, C., Leung, C. and Chan, L.S (2014) 'Astragalus (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008369.pub2
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.