Andrographis in Sweden

• In Sweden, andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season. [Source]
• Andrographis has become popular in Scandinavia for use during winter season for immune support. [Source]
• Extracts from the leaves of andrographis (Andrographis paniculata [Burm. f.] Nees, Acanthaceae) are becoming more popular in the United States as an increasing amount of published research strongly supports the benefits of this traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic herb for treating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, usually secondary to colds and flu. This trial attempts to study the safety of andrographis in a fixed combination extract (Kan Jang, Swedish Herbal Institute, Gothenburg, Sweden) on male fertility compared to 2 commonly used herbs: Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Araliaceae) and valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L., Valerianaceae). The study medications were well tolerated and the subjects reported no adverse events resulting from the study medications. No significant changes in the testicles of the subjects were observed. The study medications did not reduce male fertility parameters in any of the subjects in the study. The authors found no significant differences in male fertility parameters between the Kan Jang groups and the valerian and ginseng groups. The authors conclude that Kan Jang is safe with regards to male fertility parameters at doses of up to 3 times the recommended daily dose for 10 days. In addition, Asian ginseng and valerian show no negative effects on male fertility when administered at 3 times the recommended daily dose for a duration of 10 days. [HerbalGram. 2006;71:27 © American Botanical Council - Find]
  
• Acute respiratory infections (commonly known as a cold or flu) are often treated by health practitioners with antibiotics, even though they may not be effective for such conditions, which are often based on a viral infection. The leaves of andrographis (Andrographis paniculata [Burm f.] Wall ex Nees, Acanthaceae) have been used in traditional Ayurvedic, Thai, and Chinese medicine to treat fever associated with infectious diseases. Pharmacological studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (anti-fever), antiviral, and immunostimulatory properties for andrographis. A leading remedy containing principally a fixed combination with a special andrographis extract has become popular in Scandinavia as a cold and influenza remedy. The product, called Kan Jang® (also known by its code name, SHA-10, produced by the Swedish Herbal Institute, Goteborg, Sweden), contains 60mg andrographis leaf extract and 120mg eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus [Rupr. & Maxim.], Harms, Araliaceae) extract. Kan Jang has been extensively evaluated as to its safety and efficacy in pharmacological and clinical trials.... more at http://www.herbalgram.org/iherb/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=2810. [HerbalGram - Find]
  
• More will add to this blog as and when collect further literature - check out later. TQ