Evaluation of Andrographis paniculata in a mouse model of influenza A viral infection using oral administration and a translationally relevant dose

Authors: SHAMIM, KASHIF - University Of Mississippi; BURNETT, GRACE - University Of Mississippi Medical Center; ZHANG, JIN - University Of Mississippi; AHMED, NESSMA - University Of Mississippi; KHAN, SHABANA - University Of Mississippi; CHITTIBOYINA, AMAR - University Of Mississippi; KHAN, IKHLAS - University Of Mississippi; MARSHALL, GAILEN - University Of Mississippi Medical Center; BATES, JOHN - University Of Mississippi Medical Center; PUGH, NIRMAL - University Of Mississippi

Submitted to: FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2026
Publication Date: 2/5/2026
Citation: Shamim, K., Burnett, G.C., Zhang, J., Ahmed, N.H., Khan, S.I., Chittiboyina, A.G., Khan, I.A., Marshall, G.D., Bates, J.T., Pugh, N.D. 2026. Evaluation of Andrographis paniculata in a mouse model of influenza A viral infection using oral administration and a translationally relevant dose. FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY. 17:1749384. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1749384.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1749384

Interpretive Summary: Andrographis paniculata, a plant used in traditional medicine, has been relied upon for relieving colds, sore throats, and viral infections. While its benefits are widely recognized, we still don’t fully understand how it works or the best way to use it in practice. In this study, we tested a commercially available extract of the plant in mice using oral doses similar to what humans would normally take. Lab experiments showed that the extract influences key cellular pathways that control inflammation and immune defense, and while one compound, andrographolide, accounts for some of this activity, other compounds in the plant are likely contributing as well. Mice infected with influenza A who received the extract had significantly lower levels of virus in their lungs compared to untreated mice, without any harm. These findings suggest that Andrographis paniculata can help the immune system fight viral infections and lay the groundwork for future studies to determine optimal doses and treatment strategies in humans.

Technical Abstract: Ethnobotanically, Andrographis paniculata aerial parts have been used to alleviate the symptoms of viral infections, colds, and sore throats. Although the utility of Andrographis for these indications is widely accepted, multiple knowledge gaps, regarding mechanisms and specific clinical applications, exist for this botanical. Prior rodent studies have limited applicability to inform future clinical applications due to routes of administration used, nonclinical high doses tested, and exclusive evaluation of chemically purified compounds. The aim of the current research was to use a preclinical mouse model that closely reflects the more traditional use of A. paniculata. The long-term objective of our research program is to focus on establishing and maintaining resilience - incorporating the contribution of host protective pathways, particularly the immune system, to fully evaluate the antiviral properties of this botanical. In vitro analysis revealed that hydroalcoholic extracts from A. paniculata aerial parts inhibited NF-'B and iNOS, as well as activated Nrf2. Although andrographolide partially accounted for these activities, the data suggest that additional bioactive compounds remain to be identified. A nonlethal influenza A infection mouse model was used to investigate a commercial crude extract of A. paniculata using oral administration at a dose equivalent to the label-recommended daily intake for humans. Lung viral load decreased 5-fold on day 3 post-infection (p<0.021) compared to control. These results lay the groundwork for future preclinical research to determine optimal treatment schedule/dosage and immune mechanisms, thereby informing the design for future resilience efficacy clinical trials.