Greater attention is now focused on the need to reduce the rampant overprescribing of antibiotic medications for upper respiratory infections (Kligler, Ulbricht, Basch, Kirkwood, Abrams, Miranda, Khalsa, Giles, Boon & Woods, 2006). In a systematic review carried out by The Natural Standard Research Collaboration, it was reported that the herb, Andrographis Paniculata, is effective in reducing the severity and the duration of upper respiratory infections when treatment is started within the first 36 to 48 hours of symptoms (Kligler, Ulbricht, Basch, Kirkwood, Abrams, Miranda, Khalsa, Giles, Boon & Woods, 2006). In this review, researchers from the Universities of Bastyr, Toronto and North Eastern found that the literature screened was encouraging regarding the effectiveness of Andrographis in treating upper respiratory infections, however, the mechanism by which it elicits its effect remains unclear (Kligler, Ulbricht, Basch, Kirkwood, Abrams, Miranda, Khalsa, Giles, Boon & Woods, 2006). Based on animal studies, the apparent effectiveness of this herbal may be based on either its anti-inflammatory properties or on its immunomodulatory properties.
Kligler, B., Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Kirkwood, C.D., Abrams, T.R., Miranda, M., Khalsa, K.P.S., Giles, M., Boon, H & Woods, J. 2006. Andrographis paniculata for the treatment of upper respiratory infection: A systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. Explore, 2, 1, 25-29.
