Andrographis Quality Study Reveals 25% Supplements Fail Tests
Quick Summary: A new study analyzed Andrographis supplements and found that a surprising number don't meet quality standards. The research looked at the levels of key compounds in the plant and found big differences between products, with some supplements potentially losing their effectiveness.
What The Research Found
Researchers developed a new way to test Andrographis supplements. They found that many supplements have inconsistent levels of important plant chemicals. A concerning 25% of the supplements tested didn't meet quality standards. This means some products might not work as well as they should.
Study Details
- Who was studied: The study looked at Andrographis plant samples and commercial supplements.
- How long: The study's duration was not specified.
- What they took: The study didn't involve people taking anything. It analyzed the ingredients already in supplements.
What This Means For You
- Check the label: Look for supplements that have been tested and certified for quality.
- Be aware: Not all Andrographis supplements are created equal. Some may not contain the right amount of active ingredients.
- Consider the source: Choose supplements from reputable brands that have a good track record.
Study Limitations
- The study didn't test how well the supplements work in people.
- It only looked at the ingredients, not the overall effects on health.
- The study didn't identify all the possible ingredients in the supplements.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study developed a validated UHPLC-PDA and LC-QToF-MS method to quantify phenolic acids (0.3–13 mg/g), flavonoid glycosides (0.2–2 mg/g), diterpene lactones (1.4–31 mg/g), and diterpene lactone glycosides (0.6–17 mg/g) in A. paniculata. Over 100 phytochemicals were tentatively identified. Crucially, 25% of commercial supplements failed pharmacopeia standards due to inconsistent phytochemical profiles. Andrographolide (the primary quality marker) ranged from 0.4–23 mg/g in plant materials but varied wildly in supplements (0–278 mg/serving). A 13% decrease in andrographolide with a corresponding increase in 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide in capsules indicated processing-induced dehydration, compromising active compound stability.
Study Design
This was an analytical chemistry study (not clinical) evaluating plant samples and commercial supplements. Method validation included LOD (10,300 ng/mL) and LOQ (251,000 ng/mL) for 14 reference standards. Researchers analyzed multiple A. paniculata plant parts and dietary supplement products using UHPLC-PDA and LC-QToF-MS. No human or animal subjects were involved; sample size refers to botanical/supplement batches tested. Duration of analytical procedures was not specified.
Dosage & Administration
No intervention or dosing was tested. The study quantified existing phytochemical content in raw plant materials and commercial supplements. Supplement serving sizes varied by product, with andrographolide content reported per serving (0–278 mg).
Results & Efficacy
The method confirmed significant inter-product variability:
- Diterpene lactones (e.g., andrographolide) ranged from 1.4–31 mg/g in plants but 0–278 mg/serving in supplements.
- 25% of supplements failed quality standards due to substandard or excessive phytochemical levels.
- Capsules showed a 13% mean reduction in andrographolide with elevated 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (p-values not reported for this comparison), indicating thermal degradation during manufacturing. No efficacy data on immune or health outcomes were assessed.
Limitations
The study lacked clinical correlation between phytochemical profiles and biological activity. Plant part-specific variations (e.g., leaves vs. stems) were noted but not systematically linked to product failures. Processing methods causing dehydration were inferred but not experimentally replicated. Unmeasured adulterants or undisclosed fillers could contribute to failures but were not investigated. Future research should correlate phytochemical profiles with standardized bioactivity assays.
Clinical Relevance
Supplement users should be aware that 1 in 4 A. paniculata products may not meet quality standards, with andrographolide content varying up to 278 mg/serving (vs. typical 4–6 mg/serving in compliant products). Inconsistent diterpene lactone levels—critical for immune effects—suggest unreliable dosing. Manufacturers must optimize processing to prevent andrographolide degradation. Consumers should prioritize products with comprehensive phytochemical certification beyond single-marker testing.
Original Study Reference
Phytochemical analysis of phenolics and diterpene lactones in Andrographis paniculata plant samples and dietary supplements.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2025-09-01
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 40252245)
