Please Note: This article will be the first in a new series of Articles regarding supplements that I feel may be helpful in combating COVID-19 and it's effects. In fact, instead of writing one big article, I have decided to write separate articles regarding each of the supplements I regard are most effective should you catch COVID-19.  While individual results may of course vary, I believe it is important to explore other options than just those currently provided by the Health Care Industry. I will also describe how I use each of these supplements as a point of reference. However, you may want to do your own research or seek advice from a Nutritionist. Don't get me wrong there are some really good Therapeutics out there. However, I have chosen to go the route of Supplementation. It is my personal choice. In fact I prefer Supplements any day of the week and twice on Sunday over the Clot Shots or Boosters. As for today, I am here to introduce you to a little known Herb known as Andrographis.

Andrographis is a herb that has been around a long time. It has been "used traditionally in Indian and Chinese medicine for several conditions, including the common cold." In fact it can even be used in synergistically with Echinacea as well as other AntiViral and or Antimicrobial Supplements.

Of course, if you are deeply into Supplementation or a Nutritionist it may however be a Supplement you are not only familiar with but something you might recommend to your friends and family during the present set of conditions we are currently facing. In other parts of the World like Thailand who "has made a decision to clear the use of Andrographis paniculata as an herbal medicine to treat COVID-19," as well as Countries like India where Ayurveda Medicine is performed or in China where Tradional Chinese Medicine is practiced it is indeed a lot more popular. With this in mind Andrographis has the potential if used correctly to be an effective "Immune Modulator" or "Immunomodulators." "Immunomodulators are molecules that act on the pathways that regulate the immune system’s activity."

During a search for such potent plant compounds we found a recent study on potential plant compounds which are able to inhibit the Mpro is in a process of publication (Khaerunnisa et al., 2020), while discussing the findings on the paper with group of Siddha and Ayurvedic doctors, they have advised us to examine the properties of the traditional available plant, several plant molecules obtained from medicinal plants were explored. The outcome was that Andrographis paniculata which was found to have anti-viral property and already reported in ancient texts could be investigated as a good bet. We examined the main compound in Andrographis paniculata and found that the main compound in the plant was Andrographolide. The plant compound has been evidenced to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and anti-diabetes (Dai et al., 2019) (NIH; Andrographolide as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico approach

Now, if you have been coming to this blog since the beginning or just snooping around here as of late, you may have also read a post regarding Antiviral Supplements. That post from April of 2020; Have you Considered Antiviral Alternatives in The Age of Coronavirus? only briefly mentions Andrographis. I did not go into any details at that particular time regarding it's use and or benefits simply because the article was merely took a broader look at Antiviral Supplementation in general. For those with some awareness regarding Andrographis like myself, know of it's reputation for shutting down Colds and Flu's. So, why not COVID-19?

Normally, I use the product as directed. In fact, I mostly use it during cold and flu season. However, if I were to come down with COVID again I would definitely use it 3 -5 times per day especially since this is a fairly well tolerated herb. It is important that you use this product as soon possible after you test positive or believe you are infected with COVID-19. It makes no sense to wait until you are ready to make a trip to the hospital to start using it. The whole idea is to prevent the Virus from getting out of control. If you get to the point where you are quite ill or if the Cytokine Storms hits, you may have already lost the battle. So don't wait! Be proactive not reactive! 

Andrographis paniculata is a well-known plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine and the principle bioactive compounds has shown credible pharmacological benefits such as supporting healthy inflammation responses, healthy blood sugar levels, healthy immune functions, promoting healthy cardiovascular functions and promoting liver functions. (Nutraceutical Business Review)

In fact, even our own National Institute of Health has a number of studies and Similar Articles found or linked right to the NIH Web Site. One such example is "Andrographolide as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico approach," (Published online, May 05, 2020) At first, I surprised that there is so much information regarding Andrographis on the NIH Web Site? However, I am not surprised at what the studies have found.

We examined the main compound in Andrographis paniculata and found that the main compound in the plant was Andrographolide. The plant compound has been evidenced to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity and anti-diabetes (Dai et al., 2019). Andrographolide was found to have antiviral properties over many types of viral infections (Gupta et al., 2017) and was found to have activity against Chikungunya (Wintachai et al., 2015) potential inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type-1 (Seubsasana et al., 2011). (NIH; Andrographolide as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico approach)

The study above as well as other looks at a "compound Andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata as a potential inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-COV-2."  Meaning that Andrographolide acts as a Protease Inhibitor by binding itself to proteolytic enzymes (proteases) and blocks their ability to function. Thus inhibiting the viruses ability to reproduce/replicate. If you can reduce the Viruses ability to Replicate, you can then reduce the Viral Load. Obviously, leading to a positive outcome for you, the host.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Ness (AP) is naturally used to treat various diseases, including infectious diseases. Its Andrographolide has been clinically observed for anti-HIV and has also in silico tested for COVID-19 main protease inhibitors. ( The coronavirus disease 2019 main protease inhibitor from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Ness.)

By the way, not long after COVID-19 first hit Andrographis was hard to find for a while even in some of your best Nutrition Stores. I was very lucky to still have it on hand when I was hit with COVID in November of 2020. I soon ran out because I upped my dosage while testing positive. However, over the past 3 or 4 months I have been able to purchase it and once again and stocking up on it. There are a lot of upsides to Andrographis. I will have a number of links below to studies and articles related to Andrographis. Don't forget to always follow the Direction on the Packaging. If you were to up the amount of the product taken it unlikely you need to do so for too long a period of time.

As far as this Novel Coronavirus is concerned, for the most part, most people recover from SARS‑CoV‑2 pretty well. However, we still do not know if there are going to be plethora of Long Term Side Affects stemming from COVID-19. This may be regardless of how severe or mild of a case you may have had. This may also includes Asymptomatic cases where you may not have had any indication you were infected at all. If however, Coronavirus, does infect you, I wish you well and pray that you recover without any long term affects.

How I personally use Andrographis.

1. There are several manufactures of Andrographis which produce a Liquid Extract, Tablet or Capsule. Follow Directions on Packaging.

2. When I tested Positive for COVID-19 I used Andrographis 3 -4 time per day.

3. Once you have a cleared the Virus for a couple of weeks take a week to 10 days off from the product. In fact, there is not a single Supplement that I do not take a planned break from.

4. While using more than the recommended amount keep track of any possible side affects.

5. Here is a link to RxList.com which which is owned and Operated by WebMD. This will give you a 3rd Party Overview as well as other uses, side Effects and more regarding Andrographis.

Resources:

Article: Andrographis paniculata: An effective natural immune modulator

Study; Activity of phytochemical constituents of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Andrographis paniculata against coronavirus (COVID-19): an in silico approach

Article: Andrographis Benefits, Uses, And History

Study: Andrographolide as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico approach

Study: Efficacy and safety of Andrographis paniculata extract in patients with mild COVID-19: A randomized controlled trial

Article: Thailand to Use Andrographis to Treat COVID-19

Article: Andrographis tops natural cures for COVID-19

Study: The coronavirus disease 2019 main protease inhibitor from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Ness.

Reference: Andrographis

Study: Andrographolide as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico approach

Research: Immunomodulators: Checkpoint Inhibitors, Cytokines, Agonists, and Adjuvants

News is now spreading fast that a new Variant has now been identified in France. "The IHU variant is believed to be linked to a trip from the African country Cameroon. Experts have expressed concern that this variant could circumvent the existing Covid-19 vaccines, which has been mutated 46 times." If I remember correctly, Omicron had 32 Mutations. But then again who's counting? Right now however, not a lot is known about this new Variant except that it has been linked to around a Dozen or so cases in Southern France and can be traced back to Cameroon.

“It is too early to speculate on virological, epidemiological or clinical features of this IHU variant based on these 12 cases,” researchers wrote. (The Hill)

Nepal News; New COVID-19 variant found in France: IHU variant