Researchers tested 40 different Andrographis paniculata products (a popular herbal supplement used for colds and respiratory infections) bought from stores and online in 13 countries. They found that most products didn’t contain the amount of active ingredient listed on the label—some had too little, some had too much. Even more concerning, three products bought online contained toxic substances like mercury and pesticides that weren’t mentioned anywhere. This study shows that herbal supplements aren’t always as safe or accurate as people think, and that better rules are needed to protect consumers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether Andrographis paniculata products (a plant-based supplement for colds) actually contain what the label says they do, and whether they have any harmful substances in them.
  • Who participated: 40 different Andrographis paniculata products purchased from pharmacies and online stores across 13 countries, with 13 bought from physical stores and 27 bought online.
  • Key finding: Only 2 out of 40 products had the correct amount of active ingredient on the label. 20 products had less than promised, 1 had more than promised, and 3 online products contained dangerous contaminants like mercury and pesticides.
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering using Andrographis supplements, you may not be getting what the bottle says. Online products appear to carry higher risks of contamination. Talk to your doctor before using these supplements, especially if you buy them online.

The Research Details

Scientists purchased 40 different Andrographis paniculata products from stores and websites in 13 countries. They used advanced laboratory equipment (special machines that can identify and measure chemicals) to test each product. They measured how much of the active ingredient (called andrographolide) was actually in each product and compared it to what the label claimed. They also tested for harmful substances like heavy metals and pesticides that shouldn’t be there.

The researchers used two main testing methods: one that uses light to identify chemicals (UHPLC-UV) and another that uses mass spectrometry (a technique that weighs molecules to identify them). They also tested for toxic metals using a special technique called inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and checked for pesticides using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These are all standard, reliable methods used by quality control labs worldwide.

This research approach is important because herbal supplements aren’t regulated as strictly as medicines in most countries. Companies can sell them without proving they’re safe or that they contain what they claim. By testing actual products people can buy, this study shows real-world problems that consumers face. The researchers used the same testing methods that official pharmacies use, making the results trustworthy and comparable to professional standards.

This study is reliable because it used internationally recognized testing methods and purchased products from real stores and websites that consumers actually use. The researchers tested 40 different products, which is a reasonable sample size. However, the study doesn’t tell us how many people actually use these products or whether the contamination levels found would cause harm to real people. The study is published in a respected medical journal (Swiss Medical Weekly), which means other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was that labeling accuracy was extremely poor. Only 2 out of 40 products (5%) had the correct amount of active ingredient listed on the label. This means 95% of products were inaccurate. Twenty products contained less andrographolide than claimed (underdosed), meaning customers weren’t getting what they paid for. One product contained more than claimed (overdosed), which could potentially be unsafe.

The amount of active ingredient varied wildly—ranging from 29% to 174% of what the label said. This huge variation means some products were nearly three times stronger than labeled, while others had less than one-third of the promised amount. This inconsistency makes it impossible for people to know what dose they’re actually taking.

Most concerning were the contamination findings. Three products purchased online contained toxic substances: one had mercury (a poisonous heavy metal), and two had pesticides (strychnine and butralin) that are known to be harmful to humans. These contaminants weren’t listed on any labels, meaning consumers had no way of knowing they were exposed to these toxins.

Two products contained a substance called quercetin that interfered with the testing process. This suggests these products may have had unlisted ingredients that could affect how the supplement works in your body. Almost all products (39 out of 40) actually did contain Andrographis paniculata, so at least the main ingredient was present in most cases—just in the wrong amounts.

This study adds to growing evidence that herbal supplements often don’t match their labels. Previous research has found similar problems with other herbal products, but this is one of the first comprehensive studies specifically looking at Andrographis products, which have become much more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings align with what quality control experts have been warning about: that herbal supplements lack the same oversight as prescription medicines.

The study tested 40 products, which is a good sample but doesn’t represent every Andrographis product on the market. The researchers didn’t test whether the contamination levels found would actually make people sick—they just identified that the contaminants were present. The study also doesn’t tell us how common these problems are (whether this is typical or unusual). Additionally, the study was done at one point in time, so it’s possible that product quality varies from batch to batch or changes over time.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering using Andrographis supplements: (1) Talk to your doctor first, especially if you take other medications. (2) Buy from established pharmacies rather than online retailers, as online products showed higher contamination rates. (3) Be aware that the amount of active ingredient you’re getting may not match the label. (4) Don’t rely on these supplements as your only treatment for respiratory infections—use proven treatments recommended by your doctor. Confidence level: High for the contamination and labeling problems; moderate for health recommendations since this study doesn’t test health outcomes.

Anyone considering using Andrographis supplements should care about these findings, especially people who buy supplements online. Parents considering giving these to children should be particularly cautious. People with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and those taking medications should definitely consult their doctor first. Healthcare providers should be aware of these quality issues when patients ask about these supplements.

This isn’t about how long it takes to see health benefits—it’s about safety right now. The contamination and mislabeling problems exist in products available today. If you’re already taking one of these products, the risks from contamination or incorrect dosing are immediate, not something that develops over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using an Andrographis supplement, track: (1) Which product you’re using (brand name and where purchased), (2) Reported symptoms (cough, sore throat, congestion) on a daily scale of 1-10, (3) Any unusual side effects or health changes. This helps you notice if the product is actually helping or if something seems wrong.
  • Instead of relying on unregulated supplements, use the app to: (1) Track symptoms of respiratory infections and share with your doctor, (2) Set reminders to use proven treatments (rest, fluids, prescribed medicines), (3) Log when you consult with healthcare providers about supplement use, (4) Monitor for any adverse reactions if you do use supplements.
  • Create a long-term log that includes: the specific product used (with batch number if available), symptom severity before and after use, any side effects experienced, and conversations with your healthcare provider. This personal data helps you and your doctor determine if the supplement is actually beneficial for you, despite the quality concerns identified in this research.

This research identifies serious quality and safety concerns with Andrographis paniculata products currently available for purchase. These products are not approved as medicines and are not subject to the same safety testing as prescription drugs. If you are considering using Andrographis supplements, especially for treating respiratory infections or any medical condition, consult with your healthcare provider first. Do not use these products as a replacement for medical treatment recommended by a doctor. The contamination and mislabeling issues identified in this study pose potential health risks. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and people with medical conditions or taking medications should be especially cautious and seek medical advice before use. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking any supplement, contact your healthcare provider immediately.