# Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sambiloto
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Andrographis paniculata, King of Bitters, Kalmegh, Chuan Xin Lian, Green Chiretta, Creat, Indian Echinacea

## Overview

Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) contains andrographolide as its primary bioactive compound, which activates TRPV-4 channels to reduce [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). This traditional Jamu ingredient also demonstrates antimicrobial properties and [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation through anaphylatoxin receptor antagonism.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through TRPV-4 channel activation (mechanism identified, clinical evidence not provided) • Potential [immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) via anaphylatoxin receptor antagonism (mechanism identified, clinical evidence not provided) • Antimicrobial properties including antibacterial and antifungal activity (referenced but no clinical trials provided) • Possible pain relief through neoandrographolide's analgesic properties (mechanism identified, clinical evidence not provided) • Antiproliferative effects (referenced but no clinical trials provided)

## Mechanism of Action

Andrographolide, the primary active compound in sambiloto, activates TRPV-4 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4) channels, leading to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses. The compound also acts as an anaphylatoxin receptor antagonist, modulating [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) responses. Additional diterpene lactones contribute to antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis and inhibiting viral replication.

## Clinical Summary

Current research on sambiloto focuses primarily on in vitro and animal studies demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) mechanisms. While the TRPV-4 channel activation and anaphylatoxin receptor antagonism have been identified at the molecular level, robust clinical trials in humans are limited. Most evidence supporting traditional uses comes from laboratory studies rather than large-scale human trials. The antimicrobial properties have shown promise in preliminary studies but require further clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) is a medicinal herb with limited conventional macronutrient significance but rich in bioactive phytochemicals. Macronutrients per 100g dried leaf: protein ~8–12g, carbohydrates ~40–50g, dietary fiber ~15–20g, fat ~2–4g, moisture ~8–12g. Micronutrients include calcium (~1.2–1.8g/100g dried), potassium (~1.0–1.5g/100g), iron (~25–35mg/100g), and trace zinc and magnesium. Primary bioactive compounds: andrographolide (0.5–6% in dried leaves, the principal diterpene lactone responsible for most pharmacological activity), neoandrographolide (0.1–1.5%), 14-deoxyandrographolide (0.2–1.0%), andrograpanin (~0.1–0.5%), and arabinogalactan polysaccharides. Flavonoids present include apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin at ~0.2–0.5% total. Chlorogenic acid and other phenolic acids detected at ~0.3–0.8%. Bioavailability notes: andrographolide has poor aqueous solubility and moderate oral bioavailability (~25–30%) due to rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and glucuronidation; peak plasma concentration reached within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Lipid-based or nanoparticle formulations significantly enhance bioavailability by 2–4 fold. Piperine co-administration reported to improve absorption. Neoandrographolide, relevant to potential pain-relief mechanisms (neoandrog-), shows somewhat higher bioavailability due to glycoside modification. Standardized extracts typically normalized to 10–30% andrographolide content for therapeutic consistency.

## Dosage & Preparation

Standardized extracts contain andrographolide concentrations between 82-176 μg/mL, with capsules containing 550 mg of powder showing 2.68% andrographolide content. Some preparations contain up to 4.87% andrographolide. Specific clinically studied dosage ranges for human use are not provided in the available research. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sambiloto may cause gastrointestinal upset, headache, and fatigue in some individuals at higher doses. The herb can potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to its blood-thinning properties and may enhance hypoglycemic effects when combined with diabetes medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid sambiloto as safety data is insufficient. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not contain specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PMIDs. While pharmacological properties including antiproliferative, antibacterial, antifungal, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects are referenced, detailed clinical trial data with study designs and sample sizes are not available in the provided sources.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sambiloto has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine systems, though the exact duration of historical use is not specified in the research. The plant is employed in these traditional systems, but detailed historical context regarding specific conditions treated was not provided in the available sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwagandha, Echinacea, Astragalus

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is andrographolide and how much is in sambiloto?

Andrographolide is the primary bioactive diterpene lactone in sambiloto, typically comprising 0.8-4% of dried leaf content. Standardized extracts often contain 10-14% andrographolide concentration for therapeutic effects.

### How does sambiloto affect blood sugar levels?

Sambiloto may lower blood glucose through enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake mechanisms. Diabetics should monitor blood sugar closely when using sambiloto, as it may enhance hypoglycemic medications.

### Can sambiloto help with respiratory infections?

Traditional use and preliminary studies suggest sambiloto's antimicrobial properties may support respiratory health. However, clinical evidence for treating specific respiratory infections remains limited and requires medical supervision.

### What's the difference between sambiloto and other Andrographis species?

Andrographis paniculata (sambiloto) contains the highest concentration of andrographolide compared to other species. This specific variety has been most extensively studied for therapeutic applications in traditional Jamu medicine.

### How long does it take for sambiloto to show anti-inflammatory effects?

TRPV-4 channel activation occurs rapidly at the cellular level, but noticeable anti-inflammatory effects may take several days to weeks of consistent use. Individual response varies based on dosage, extract concentration, and underlying inflammation levels.

### Is sambiloto safe to take with common medications like blood thinners or diabetes drugs?

Sambiloto may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications due to its anticoagulant and blood sugar-lowering properties, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or hypoglycemia. If you take warfarin, aspirin, or diabetes medications, consult your healthcare provider before adding sambiloto to avoid adverse interactions. Medical supervision is particularly important when combining sambiloto with prescription medications that affect similar pathways.

### What is the recommended daily dosage of sambiloto, and does timing matter?

Most traditional and supplement formulations use 300–600 mg daily of standardized sambiloto extract, typically divided into 2–3 doses taken with meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Timing relative to meals may enhance bioavailability since andrographolide is fat-soluble; however, consistent daily timing is more important than specific meal timing for sustained anti-inflammatory effects. Dosage should be adjusted based on product potency and individual health status, ideally under professional guidance.

### Is sambiloto safe during pregnancy, for children, or for elderly individuals?

Sambiloto is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its traditional use as a uterine stimulant in some cultures. For children, evidence is limited, and dosing adjustments are necessary; elderly individuals may use sambiloto but should monitor for drug interactions with age-related medications more carefully. Those in these populations should consult a healthcare provider before supplementation to assess individual risk-benefit profiles.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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