Plant Comparison
Andrographis vs Cranberry
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 Cranberry: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Andrographis | Cranberry | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | 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 | 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
The A-type proanthocyanidins are considered responsible for inhibiting bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract lining.
Give the fruit its characteristic tartness and are traditionally credited with a mild urinary-acidifying effect.
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 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.
Food amounts are generally considered safe (berries in meals, drinks, sauces). (Williams et al., 2023).
Duke (2002) includes cranberry primarily at the experimental level for its astringent, diuretic, and antioxidant properties. Commission E has not approved cranberry for specific indications, though there is evidence supporting its role in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inhibiting bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells (proanthocyanidins). Duke notes the high vitamin C and organic acid content. Food-grade consumption is considered safe and beneficial as a urinary acidifier (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]
Low, creeping, evergreen dwarf shrub (Ericaceae) with slender, wiry stems that root at the nodes. Leaves are tiny, alternate, leathery and ovate with in-rolled margins, dark green above and whitish beneath. Flowers are small, pink and four-petalled, sharply reflexed backward so that the protruding stamens and style resemble a crane's head and neck - the origin of the name 'craneberry', later shortened to 'cranberry'. The fruit is a small, round, tart red berry.[8]
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 boggy, acidic wetlands - sphagnum bogs and marshes - across northern and central Europe and northern Asia, requiring waterlogged, nutrient-poor, acidic peat soils.[8]
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]
Berries are hand-picked or wet-harvested (traditionally by hand-raking the bog) in autumn once fully ripe and deep red.[8]
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]
Cranberry has a long northern-European and Native American tradition as a food and folk remedy for urinary complaints, valued for its tart, astringent, vitamin-C-rich fruit. Modern research on its proanthocyanidins supports a role in reducing bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract, consistent with the traditional use for cystitis and recurrent urinary tract infections.[2, 11]
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.
Not documented
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
- Shareef, S.M., Khaleel, R.A. and Maryoosh, T.M (2024) 'Nephroprotective effect of cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) in streptozocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in mice', Drug Metabolism and Personalized Therapy, 39(1), pp. 35-45. doi:10.1515/dmpt-2023-0092 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/dmpt-2023-0092 - Jurikova, T., Skrovankova, S., Mlcek, J., Balla, S. and Snopek, L (2018) 'Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Biological Effects of European Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos)', Molecules, 24(1), pp. 24. doi:10.3390/molecules24010024 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010024 - Sedbare, R., Raudone, L., Zvikas, V., Viskelis, J. and others (2022) 'Development and Validation of the UPLC-DAD Methodology for the Detection of Triterpenoids and Phytosterols in Fruit Samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L', Molecules, 27(14), pp. 4403. doi:10.3390/molecules27144403 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144403 - Sedbare, R., Sprainaityte, S., Baublys, G., Viskelis, J. and Janulis, V (2023) 'Phytochemical Composition of Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) Fruits Growing in Protected Areas of Lithuania', Plants (Basel), 12(10), pp. 1974. doi:10.3390/plants12101974 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101974 - Brown, P.N., Turi, C.E., Shipley, P.R. and Murch, S.J (2012) 'Comparisons of large (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) and small (Vaccinium oxycoccos L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) cranberry in British Columbia by phytochemical determination, antioxidant potential, and metabolomic profiling with chemometric analysis', Planta Medica, 78(6), pp. 630-640. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1298239 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1298239 - Harini, K., Janani, K., Teja, K.V., Mohan, C. and Sukumar, M (2022) 'Formulation and evaluation of oral disintegrating films using a natural ingredient against Streptococcus mutans', Journal of Conservative Dentistry, 25(2), pp. 128-134. doi:10.4103/jcd.jcd_143_21 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/jcd.jcd_143_21 - Cesoniene, L., Daubaras, R., Jasutiene, I., Vencloviene, J. and Miliauskiene, I (2011) 'Evaluation of the biochemical components and chromatic properties of the juice of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L', Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 66(3), pp. 238-244. doi:10.1007/s11130-011-0241-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-011-0241-5 - Van Rossum, F., Vereecken, N.J., Bredat, E. and Michez, D (2012) 'Pollen dispersal and fruit production in Vaccinium oxycoccos and comparison with its sympatric congener V. uliginosum', Plant Biology, 15(2), pp. 344-352. doi:10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00646.x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1438-8677.2012.00646.x - Kawash, J., Colt, K., Hartwick, N.T., Abramson, B.W. and others (2022) 'Contrasting a reference cranberry genome to a crop wild relative provides insights into adaptation, domestication, and breeding', PLoS One, 17(3), pp. e0264966. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0264966 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264966 - Stobnicka, A. and Gniewosz, M (2017) 'Antimicrobial protection of minced pork meat with the use of Swamp Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) fruit and pomace extracts', Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(1), pp. 62-71. doi:10.1007/s13197-017-2770-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-017-2770-x - Hooton, T.M., Vecchio, M., Iroz, A., Tack, I., Dornic, Q., Seksek, I. and Lotan, Y (2018) 'Effect of increased daily water intake in premenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections: a randomized clinical trial', 178(11), pp. 1509--1515. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.4204 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2018.4204 - Jepson, R.G., Williams, G. and Craig, J.C (2012) 'Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cranberries%20for%20preventing%20urinary%20tract%20infections - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - 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.