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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Andrographis wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 8 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (3)
Outcomes where both Agarikon and Andrographis have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
500-1500mg extract daily
With or without food
Agarikon extract
400mg extract (standardized to 10-30% andrographolides), 3x daily for acute use
At first sign of cold symptoms, With meals
Standardized extract (10-30% andrographolides)
4-8 weeks
Ongoing
N/A
2-5 days
2-5 days
2-5 days
Fomitopsis officinalis: a Species of Arboreal Mushroom with Promising Biological and Medicinal Properties
Chemistry & biodiversity (2020) · Systematic review
Because of its valuable biological properties and its use in 18th and 19th-century pharmacy, Fomitopsis officinalis used to be mass-collected.
An antitumor fungal polysaccharide from Fomitopsis officinalis by activating immunity and inhibiting angiogenesis
International journal of biological macromolecules (2024) · Observational
The following mechanism examination discovered that FOBP50-1 interacted with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF to activate immunity and inhibit angiogenesis according to a series of cell, transgenic zebrafish, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments.
A fungal polysaccharide from Fomitopsis officinalis as a multi-target molecule to combat cancer
International journal of biological macromolecules (2024) · Observational
The following mechanistic analysis discovered that the in vivo antitumor effect was linked to immune activation and angiogenesis inhibition.
Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
In pooled analyses, when compared with placebo, clinical response rates were significantly higher for Indigo naturalis (IN) (RR 3.70, 95% CI 1.97-6.95), but not for Curcuma longa (CL) (RR 1.60, 95% CI 0.99-2.58) or Andrographis paniculata (AP) (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71-1.26).
Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety (2021) · Meta analysis · n=1000
Incidence of serious AEs was very rare with the pooled incidence (95% CI) from RCTs of 0.02 per 1000 patients (0.0-0.5).
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata standardized extract (ParActin®) on pain reduction in subjects with knee osteoarthritis
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2019) · Rct · n=103
Patients treated with 300 or 600 mg/day of ParActin® showed a significant reduction in pain at days 28, 56, and 84 compared with a placebo group.
Evidence primarily from animal studies and in-vitro research. Polysaccharide compounds show immunomodulatory activity through TLR-4 interactions. Human clinical data limited. Conservative estimates due to lack of RCT data.
Based on RCT showing significant improvement in cough (SMD -0.39) and sore throat symptoms. Conservative effectiveness estimates due to moderate effect sizes in meta-analysis of respiratory infections.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Andrographis has a higher evidence score (7/10 vs 3.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support immune system, Andrographis has a higher relevance score (90 vs 70).
No known interactions between Agarikon and Andrographis have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.