Plant Comparison
Andrographis vs Lions mane
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 Lions mane: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), cold & flu, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Andrographis | Lions mane | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cold & flu | 8/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Andrographis |
| Immune support | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
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 erinacines (concentrated in the mycelium) and aromatic hericenones (in the fruiting body) are the signature low-molecular-weight compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis and underlie the mushroom's neurotrophic and neuroprotective 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).
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 anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from digestive 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.
Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, bloating, diarrhoea) is the most common side effect. Rare allergic reactions can occur, particularly in individuals sensitive to mushrooms, and it may slightly lower blood sugar or have mild blood-thinning effects, so caution is advised for people on diabetes or anticoagulant medications.
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]
Wood-decay fungus (not a true plant) forming a distinctive rounded, cushion-like fruiting body covered in long, dangling, tooth-like spines rather than gills or pores, resembling a white or cream 'lion's mane' or icicle cluster. It grows as a single mass rather than a typical cap-and-stem mushroom, on wounds or dead wood of hardwood trees.
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 wounds, dead or dying wood of hardwood trees (notably oak and beech) in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere; also widely cultivated commercially on hardwood logs or sawdust substrate.
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]
Wild fruiting bodies are collected once mature; cultivated material is harvested from logs or substrate at maturity, then used fresh, dried, or processed into mycelium-based supplements.
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]
Lion's mane has a long East Asian culinary and medicinal tradition, valued in Chinese and Japanese medicine as a digestive tonic and, more recently, intensively studied for its unique ability to stimulate nerve growth factor, giving it a modern reputation as a neurotrophic and cognitive-support mushroom.[1]
Preparations
Dried aerial parts infused or lightly decocted in hot water as a very bitter traditional fever and cold remedy.
Fruiting-body or mycelium extract standardised to erinacine or hericenone content, taken as capsules or powder; the form used in most clinical cognitive-support studies.
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.
A 49-week double-blind randomised trial in mild Alzheimer's disease used three erinacine A-enriched H. erinaceus mycelia capsules per day at 350 mg per capsule, i.e. 1050 mg daily. Other clinical studies of cognitive support commonly use around 1-3 g of dried fruiting body extract daily. 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
- Szucko-Kociuba, I., Trzeciak-Ryczek, A., Kupnicka, P. and Chlubek, D (2023) 'Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(21). doi:10.3390/ijms242115960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115960 - Contato, A.G. and Conte-Junior, C.A (2025) 'Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus): A Neuroprotective Fungus with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Potential - A Narrative Review', Nutrients, 17(8), pp. 1307. doi:10.3390/nu17081307 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081307 - Li, I.C. and Chang, H.H. and Lin, C.H. and Chen, W.P. and Lu, T.H. and Lee, L.Y. and Chen, Y.W. and Chen, Y.P. and Chen, C.C. and Lin, D.P (2020) 'Prevention of Early Alzheimer's Disease by Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Pilot Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study', Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 12, pp. 155. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00155 - Friedman, M (2015) 'Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) Mushroom Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia and Their Bioactive Compounds', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 63(32), pp. 7108-7123. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02914 - Xie, G. and Tang, L. and Xie, Y. and Xie, L (2022) 'Secondary Metabolites from Hericium erinaceus and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities', Molecules, 27(7), pp. 2157. doi:10.3390/molecules27072157 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072157 - Li, H., Feng, J., Liu, C., Hou, S., Meng, J., Liu, J.Y. and others (2024) 'Polysaccharides from an edible mushroom, Hericium erinaceus, alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasomes and reestablish intestinal homeostasis', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131251 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131251 - Shi, X.Z., Zhang, X.Y., Wang, Y.Y., Zhao, Y.M. and Wang, J (2024) 'Polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus and its immunomodulatory effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134947 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134947 - Liu, J.H., Li, L., Shang, X.D., Zhang, J.L. and Tan, Q (2016) 'An experimental research on the anti-gastric-cancer activity of hericenone B extracted from Hericium erinaceus', 37(1), pp. 1--8. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=An%20experimental%20research%20on%20the%20anti-gastric-cancer%20activity%20of%20hericenone%20B%20extracted%20from%20Hericium%20erinaceus - Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y. and Tuchida, T (2009) 'Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial', 23(3), pp. 367--372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634 - National Institutes of Health (2023) 'Hericium erinaceus'. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=hericium+erinaceus Traditional / reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=hericium+erinaceus - Pellegrino, R. and Gravina, A.G (2025) 'Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in gastrointestinal disorders: Hericium erinaceus in chronic atrophic gastritis', World Journal of Gastroenterology, 31(20). doi:10.3748/wjg.v31.i20.106615 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v31.i20.106615 - Docherty, S., Doughty, F.L. and Smith, E.F (2023) 'The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study', Nutrients, 15(22). doi:10.3390/nu15224842 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842 - Surendran, G., Saye, J., Binti Mohd Jalil, S., Spreadborough, J., Duong, K., Shatwan, I.M. and others (2025) 'Acute effects of a standardised extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane mushroom) on cognition and mood in healthy younger adults: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled study', Frontiers in Nutrition. doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1405796 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1405796 - 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
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.