The andrographis herb is a member of the Acanthaceae family. Andrographis paniculata is also popularly known as green chiretta in some parts of the world. It is a native herb of India and Sri Lanka, and is widely cultivated in Southern and Southeast Asia. This herb extract is used as an alternative therapeutic remedy for curing a wide range of diseases. Andrographis herb is used to treat severe chronic diseases as well as common flu. It enhances the general immunityof the body and promotes good health. Apart from pharmaceuticals, the herb has applications in food preservation, livestock growth, and as a food supplement to increase nutritional value.
Growing realization of the medicinal capabilities of andrographis herbs in the medical community and increasing adoption in healing practices are projected to favour their demand in the future.
This herb is so potent and effective that it has been used to treat the symptoms of one of the deadliest viruses humans have ever known. The COVID-19 pandemic plagued the world and shook the medical industry’s foundations to its core, which forced people to explore all possibilities of treatment, from herbal treatments to modern medicine.
- In December 2020, the health ministry of Thailand announced the approval for the use of Andrographis paniculata extract to reduce the severity of COVID-19 and cut treatment costs. The herbal extract was used to treat mild symptoms of coronavirus and was made available at five state-owned hospitals in the country.
A paradigm shift toward herbal and ayurvedic medicines will also turn the tide in favour of andrographis herb providers and create new revenue-generation opportunities going forward.
- In March 2023, the government of Thailand revealed its intent and plans to hasten exports of Thai black ginger, turmeric, and the andrographis herb to neighboring South East Asian countries for topical and medicinal applications. The government has termed the aforementioned products as 'Herbal Champions'.
- In December 2021, Doi Kham, a company based in Thailand, announced its plans to add a new herbal extract as it had recorded a staggering 50% revenue growth from its herbal products. The extract would be of 'fah talai jone' (Andrographis paniculata), which is also known as the king of bitters.
Increasing research on the effects of the andrographis herb on different ailments, inspired by surging consumption of herbal and traditional medicines, will also open up new pathways for andrographis herb suppliers over the coming years. Regulatory concerns and misuse issues could however hurt the popularity of the andrographis herb if the matter is not handled with care.
Multiple drug resistance, restrictions on use of synthetic antioxidant drugs, and side-effects of antibiotics have regenerated the demand for herbal extracts in medicines. Researchers are working on various medicinal herbs to develop a wide range of drugs. Andrographis herb is highly recommended for stomachic, hepatoprotective, dyspepsia, anthelmintic, and febrifuge. The herbal extract has great potential as a major component in around 27 Ayurvedic medicines and as a fragrance and flavoring agent in foods.
Andrographis herb extract market can be segmented by application into pharmaceuticals, food service, dietary supplements, and others. The market potential for Andrographis herb is high as it is used in a broad spectrum of drugs. It is a niche herb currently being used in Asian countries. However, Andrographis herb extract is projected to enter the mainstream market owing to growth in demand for dietary supplements and herbal medicines. Bioprex Labs, Kisalaya Herbals Limited, Konark Herbals and Health Care, and Perennial Life sciences Pvt. Ltd. are some companies operating in this market.
