Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Andrographis vs Fireweed
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 Fireweed: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Andrographis | Fireweed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Infection (general) | 8/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 2/10 | 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
Astringent ellagitannins, notably oenothein B, are associated with the plant's traditional anti-inflammatory and prostate-supportive reputation in the related Epilobium species.
Antioxidant polyphenols retained even after simulated digestion of the infusion.
Minor triterpenoid constituents contributing to the plant's bioactivity.
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).
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
inferred from digestive action
inferred from vulnerary action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
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.
Generally considered safe at culinary and traditional tea-preparation doses. No major contraindications established for healthy adults in normal use. The young shoots and leaves are widely eaten as a spring vegetable in many cultures without adverse effects. At higher supplemental doses, limited human safety data are available; caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of robust safety studies. Tannin content may cause digestive upset or constrain iron absorption at very high doses. Rarely, contact dermatitis has been reported with topical preparations in sensitive individuals (Kozhevnikov and Kozhevnikova, 2021).
Duke (2002) includes fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) as ++ with primarily experimental (score 1) evidence. It is used in European phytomedicine as an anti-inflammatory and astringent for gastrointestinal complaints. The related species Epilobium parviflorum has clinical support for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), though data for E. angustifolium specifically is limited. Duke does not note major safety concerns at customary herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
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]
Tall, upright perennial herb spreading by rhizomes, forming large colonies especially on disturbed or burned ground (hence 'fireweed'). The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and willow-like, arranged spirally up the stem. Bright pink-purple, four-petalled flowers are borne in a tall, tapering terminal spike (raceme), opening progressively from the base upward as the plant flowers through summer.[1]
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]
A classic pioneer plant of disturbed, burned or cleared ground, forest clearings, roadsides and riverbanks; native across the temperate and boreal Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America).[1]
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]
Young shoots are gathered in spring while still tender (traditionally eaten like asparagus); leaves and flowers are picked through summer at flowering, with the leaf sometimes fermented for 'Ivan-chai' tea. Careful identification against the deadly false hellebore (Veratrum), which can share early-spring habitat, is essential when gathering young shoots.[1]
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]
Fireweed has a long circumpolar tradition as a food plant (young shoots as a spring vegetable, fermented leaf as 'Ivan-chai' tea) and as a folk remedy for digestive complaints and topically as a poultice for wounds and skin inflammation, reflecting its astringent, anti-inflammatory character.[1]
Preparations
Dried aerial parts infused or lightly decocted in hot water as a very bitter traditional fever and cold remedy.
Fresh or fermented, dried leaf infused in hot water as a traditional tea, valued both as a beverage and a mild digestive/anti-inflammatory 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 EU herbal monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L. and/or Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., herba - which covers this species under its Epilobium name - gives 1.5-2.0 g of the comminuted herb in 250 mL of boiling water as an infusion, twice daily, in adults and elderly; long-term use is possible. A doctor should be consulted if fever, spasms, blood in the urine, painful urination or urinary retention occur. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
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
- Karakaya, S., Suntar, I., Yakinci, O.F., Sytar, O., Ceribasi, S. and Dursunoglu, B (2020) 'In vivo bioactivity assessment on Epilobium species: A particular focus on Epilobium angustifolium and its components on enzymes connected with the healing process', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 262, pp. 113207. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113207 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113207 - Esposito, C., Santarcangelo, C., Masselli, R., Buonomo, G., Nicotra, G. and Insolia, V (2021) 'Epilobium angustifolium L. extract with high content in oenothein B on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 138, pp. 111414. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111414 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111414 - Kaskoniene, V., Stankevicius, M., Drevinskas, T., Akuneca, I., Kaskonas, P. and Bimbiraite-Surviliene, K (2015) 'Evaluation of phytochemical composition of fresh and dried raw material of introduced Chamerion angustifolium L. using chromatographic, spectrophotometric and chemometric techniques', Phytochemistry, 115, pp. 184-193. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.005 - Kowalik, K., Polak-Berecka, M., Prendecka-Wrobel, M., Pigon-Zajac, D., Niedzwiedz, I. and Szwajgier, D (2022) 'Biological Activity of an Epilobium angustifolium L. (Fireweed) Infusion after In Vitro Digestion', Molecules, 27(3), pp. 1006. doi:10.3390/molecules27031006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27031006 - Nowak, A., Zagorska-Dziok, M., Peruzynska, M., Cybulska, K., Kucharska, E. and Ossowicz-Rupniewska, P (2022) 'Assessment of the Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Anti-Aging Properties and Possible Use on the Skin of Hydrogels Containing Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, pp. 896706. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.896706 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.896706 - Nowak, A., Duchnik, W., Makuch, E., Kucharski, L., Ossowicz-Rupniewska, P. and Cybulska, K (2021) 'Epilobium angustifolium L. Essential Oil-Biological Activity and Enhancement of the Skin Penetration of Drugs-In Vitro Study', Molecules, 26(23), pp. 7188. doi:10.3390/molecules26237188 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237188 - Olennikov, D.N., Kirillina, C.S. and Chirikova, N.K (2021) 'Water-Soluble Melanoidin Pigment as a New Antioxidant Component of Fermented Willowherb Leaves (Epilobium angustifolium)', Antioxidants, 10(8), pp. 1300. doi:10.3390/antiox10081300 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10081300 - Dreger, M., Adamczak, A. and Foksowicz-Flaczyk, J (2023) 'Antibacterial and Antimycotic Activity of Epilobium L. Extracts: A Review', Pharmaceuticals, 16(10), pp. 1419. doi:10.3390/ph16101419 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16101419 - Nowak, A., Zagorska-Dziok, M., Ossowicz-Rupniewska, P., Makuch, E., Duchnik, W. and Kucharski, L (2021) 'Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts as Valuable Ingredients in Cosmetic and Dermatological Products', Molecules, 26(11), pp. 3456. doi:10.3390/molecules26113456 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113456 - Nowak, A., Zielonka-Brzezicka, J., Peruzynska, M. and Klimowicz, A (2022) 'Epilobium angustifolium L. as a Potential Herbal Component of Topical Products for Skin Care and Treatment - A Review', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3536. doi:10.3390/molecules27113536 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113536 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L. and/or Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf - Battinelli, L., Tita, B., Evandri, M.G. and Mazzanti, G (2014) 'Antimicrobial activity of Epilobium spp', pp. extracts. doi:10.1016/S0014-827X(01)01092-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-827X(01)01092-0 - http://Latvijasdaba.lv (n.d.) 'ugunspuķe – Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub'. Available at: http://Latvijasdaba.lv Traditional / reference
http://Latvijasdaba.lv - Kozhevnikov, A.Y. and Kozhevnikova, N.A (2021) 'Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Chamerion angustifolium (Fireweed)', 10(11). doi:10.3390/plants10112295 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112295 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:19659-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:19659-1 - Zhivoderov, A., Laletina, D. and Ushakova, I (2021) 'Ivan-chai: the history and properties of Russian herbal tea', 7(2), pp. 62. doi:10.3390/fermentation7020062 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation7020062 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Forage-ology 'Foraging Fireweed: How to Identify and Use Every Part of This Stunning Wild Plant'. Available at: https://forage-ology.com/foraging-fireweed-how-to-identify-and-use-every-part-of-this-stunning-wild-plant/ Traditional / reference
https://forage-ology.com/foraging-fireweed-how-to-identify-and-use-every-part-of-this-stunning-wild-plant/ - Garnier, R. and Carlier, P. and Hoffelt, J. and Savidan, A (1985) 'Acute dietary poisoning by white hellebore (Veratrum album L.). Clinical and analytical data. A propos of 5 cases', Annales de Medecine Interne (Paris), 136(2), pp. 125-8. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4073696/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4073696/
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.