Plant Comparison

Andrographis vs Blessed Thistle

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.

First plant

Second plant

Plant AAndrographisAndrographis paniculataAcanthaceaeFull monograph →

Plant BBlessed ThistleCnicus benedictusAsteraceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Andrographis and Blessed Thistle: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.

AndrographisBlessed Thistle

Constituents33

Pharmacological actions67

Indicated uses1010

Safety notes33

Cited sources1712

Indicated uses

Only Andrographis

Cold & fluFeverImmune supportSore throat

Shared (6)

Arthritis / joint painCancer (anticancer research)Infection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationWounds

Only Blessed Thistle

Loss of appetiteBloatingIndigestionLactation support

Pharmacological actions

Only Andrographis

Antipyretic (reduces fever)AntiviralImmunomodulator / immune support

Shared (3)

Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)Antimicrobial

Only Blessed Thistle

Appetite stimulantBitter digestive tonic / stomachicDigestive aidGalactagogue (supports lactation)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Andrographis	Blessed Thistle	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	5/10	1/10	Stronger for Andrographis
Cancer (anticancer research)	2/10	2/10	Comparable evidence
Infection (general)	8/10	1/10	Stronger for Andrographis
Inflammation (general)	5/10	1/10	Stronger for Andrographis
Skin irritation	5/10	1/10	Stronger for Andrographis
Wounds	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

Diterpenoid lactones^{[2, 3, 10, 11]}

Andrographolide is the principal active compound; also neoandrographolide and deoxyandrographolide.

Flavonoids^[11]

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents.

Flavonoids

Polyphenols and other phenolics^[11]

Contribute to antioxidant activity.

Phenolic compounds

Sesquiterpene lactones (cnicin, arctigenin, arctiin)^[4]

Cnicin is the principal bitter principle and main bioactive compound.

Sesquiterpene lactonesSesquiterpenesArctigenin / arctiin

Flavonoids, lignans and tannins^[4]

Additional antioxidant and astringent constituents.

FlavonoidsLignansTannins

Volatile oil^[4]

Aromatic constituents of the herb.

Essential (volatile) oil

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[2, 7, 9, 10, 11]}

Anticancer (preclinical)^{[14, 15, 16]}

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).

Antimicrobial^{[1, 6, 8, 10, 11]}

Antimicrobial and antiviral

Antipyretic (reduces fever)^{[11, 17]}

Antipyretic (fever)

Antiviral^{[1, 5, 8, 10, 11]}

Antimicrobial and antiviral

Immunomodulator / immune support^{[10, 11]}

Immunostimulant / immune support

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 4, 7]}

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory (attributed to cnicin)

Anticancer (preclinical)^[5]

Antimicrobial^{[1, 4, 6]}

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory (attributed to cnicin)

Appetite stimulant^{[4, 11]}

Appetite stimulant for loss of appetite (approved use under German Commission E)

Bitter digestive tonic / stomachic^{[4, 11]}

Bitter digestive / stomachic for indigestion and dyspepsia (stimulates saliva and gastric secretion)

Digestive aid^{[4, 11]}

Bitter digestive / stomachic for indigestion and dyspepsia (stimulates saliva and gastric secretion)

Galactagogue (supports lactation)^{[11, 12]}

Galactagogue to support breast-milk supply (traditional; no valid clinical-trial evidence)

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[10, 11]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Cancer (anticancer research)^{[14, 15, 16]}Traditional · 2/10

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).

Evidence: 2

Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

Cold & flu^{[10, 12, 17]}Good · 8/10

Symptomatic relief of the common cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection (reduces symptom severity and duration)

Evidence: 8

Label: Cold & flu

Fever^{[11, 17]}Traditional · 2/10

Antipyretic (fever)

Evidence: 2

Label: Fever

Immune support^{[10, 11]}Moderate · 5/10

Immunostimulant / immune support

Evidence: 5

Label: Immune support

Infection (general)^{[10, 12, 17]}Good · 8/10

Symptomatic relief of the common cold and acute upper respiratory tract infection (reduces symptom severity and duration)

Evidence: 8

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[10, 11]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Inflammation (general)

Skin irritation^{[10, 11]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Skin irritation

Sore throat^{[12, 17]}Good · 7/10

Evidence: 7

Label: Sore throat

Wounds^{[10, 11]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5

Label: Wounds

Loss of appetite^{[4, 11]}Traditional · 1/10

Appetite stimulant for loss of appetite (approved use under German Commission E)

Evidence: 1

Label: Loss of appetite

Arthritis / joint pain^[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Bloating^{[4, 11]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Cancer (anticancer research)^[5]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2

Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

Indigestion^{[4, 11]}Traditional · 1/10

Bitter digestive / stomachic for indigestion and dyspepsia (stimulates saliva and gastric secretion)

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

Lactation support^{[11, 12]}Traditional · 1/10

Galactagogue to support breast-milk supply (traditional; no valid clinical-trial evidence)

Evidence: 1

Label: Lactation support

Skin irritation^[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^[4]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[10, 17]}Caution

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.

Safety note^[10]Caution

High doses have caused nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity in studies; use standardized products at recommended doses and avoid prolonged high-dose use.

Safety note^{[10, 17]}Caution

May lower blood pressure and blood sugar and may interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet, antihypertensive and immunosuppressant medicines; allergic reactions can occur.

Safety note^[11]Info

As a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae/ragweed), it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people; high doses reportedly cause stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.

Safety note^[11]Caution

Avoid during pregnancy because of a traditional uterine-stimulating reputation.

Safety note^[12]Info

Although traditionally used to support milk supply, there is no scientifically valid clinical evidence for the galactagogue use.

External Ids

Gbif: 3173178

Powo: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:45226-1

Wikidata: Q1551608

Gbif: 3127698

Powo: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:61760-2

Wikidata: Q15548577

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]

Height: 30-110 cm

Habit: Erect, branching annual herb

Leaves: Opposite, lance-shaped, glabrous, short-stalked

Flowers: Small, two-lipped, white flowers marked with purple-pink, in loose spreading racemes

Stem: Slender, quadrangular (square in cross-section), dark green, branching

Root: Shallow, fibrous root system

Fruit: Small, elastically dehiscent capsule

Flowering Period: September-December (varies by climate)

Branching annual herb with a hairy, reddish, ridged stem and spiny, deeply lobed leaves with prominent pale veins. The flower heads are pale yellow, thistle-like, surrounded by a whorl of spiny, leaf-like bracts, giving the plant its 'spotted thistle' appearance.^[4]

Height: 20-60 cm

Habit: Branching, hairy annual herb

Leaves: Spiny, deeply lobed, with prominent pale veins

Flowers: Pale yellow, thistle-like flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts

Stem: Hairy, reddish, ridged, branching

Root: Shallow taproot

Fruit: Ribbed achene with a feathery pappus

Flowering Period: June-August

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]

Grows on dry, sunny waste ground, roadsides and rocky slopes; native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia and naturalised elsewhere as a garden escape.^[4]

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]

Parts: Aerial parts (leaves and herb)

Season: Before to early flowering

The flowering aerial parts are cut as the plant comes into flower, in summer, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the bitter principle cnicin.^[4]

Parts: Aerial parts (flowering herb)

Season: Summer, at flowering

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]}

Blessed thistle has a long European folk reputation as a bitter digestive tonic for loss of appetite and dyspepsia (an approved use under German Commission E) and, more anecdotally, as a traditional galactagogue to support breast-milk supply, though robust clinical evidence for the latter is lacking.^{[4, 11]}

Preparations

Infusion/decoction^[11]

Dried aerial parts infused or lightly decocted in hot water as a very bitter traditional fever and cold remedy.

Standardised extract^{[10, 12]}

Extract standardised to andrographolide content, taken as tablets or capsules; the form used in most clinical trials for cold/URTI symptom relief.

Infusion^[11]

Dried flowering herb infused briefly in hot water as a bitter digestive tea, taken before meals.

Dosage

Standardised extract^{[10, 12]}

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.

Dried herb^[13]

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.

Infusion^[11]

Traditional herbal references suggest around 1-2 g of dried herb per cup, taken before meals, up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-1615, REF-1616, REF-1617, REF-1618, REF-1619, REF-1620, REF-1621, REF-1622, REF-1623

REF-0773, REF-0774, REF-0775, REF-0419, REF-1995, REF-1996, REF-1997, REF-1998, REF-1999, REF-2000

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Outcome: none-known

Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)

Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

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

Rezig, K., Benkaci-Ali, F., Foucaunier, M.L., Laurent, S. et al (2023) 'HPLC/ESI-MS Characterization of Phenolic Compounds from Cnicus benedictus L. Roots: A Study of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Alzheimer's Activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(1), pp. e202300724. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202300724 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202300724
Ahmadimoghaddam, D., Sadeghian, R., Ranjbar, A., Izadidastenaei, Z. and Mohammadi, S (2020) 'Antinociceptive activity of Cnicus benedictus L. leaf extract: a mechanistic evaluation', Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 15(5), pp. 463-472. doi:10.4103/1735-5362.297849 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-5362.297849
Zhang, J., Shen, S., Zhu, S., Jia, F. et al (2024) 'Cnicus benedictus extract-loaded electrospun gelatin wound dressing for treating diabetic wounds: An in vitro and in vivo study', Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials, 22, pp. 22808000241245298. doi:10.1177/22808000241245298 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/22808000241245298
Zietal, K., Mirowska-Guzel, D., Nowaczyk, A. and Blecharz-Klin, K (2024) 'Cnicus benedictus: Folk Medicinal Uses, Biological Activities, and In Silico Screening of Main Phytochemical Constituents', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/a-2401-6049 Traditional / reference
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Drugs.com (n.d.) 'Blessed Thistle Uses, Benefits & Dosage'. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/npp/blessed-thistle.html Traditional / reference
https://www.drugs.com/npp/blessed-thistle.html
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) (2021) 'Blessed Thistle'. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501775/ Traditional / reference
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501775/

Andrographis monograph Blessed Thistle monograph Compare other plants

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.