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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Beta-Glucans wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 8 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
14 of 16 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Andrographis and Beta-Glucans have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
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)
250-500mg yeast beta-glucan OR 3g oat beta-glucan for cholesterol
Morning, With or without food
Yeast-derived 1,3/1,6 beta-glucan (Wellmune is most studied)
2-5 days
2-5 days
2-5 days
4-12 weeks
During illness
4-8 weeks
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.
Galactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
The American journal of clinical nutrition (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2685
Galactomannans had the highest effect on reducing the levels of HbA1c (SUCRA: 92.33%) and fasting blood glucose (SUCRA: 85.92%).
Effects of Oat Beta-Glucan Intake on Lipid Profiles in Hypercholesterolemic Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Nutrients (2022) · Meta analysis · n=927
The results were presented with the weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% CI.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of beta-glucan consumption on glycemic control in hypercholesterolemic individuals
International journal of food sciences and nutrition (2015) · Meta analysis · n=603
Summary estimates of weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence interval was 0.05 mmol/L (-0.11, 0.02) for fasting glucose concentration and 0.75 pmol/L (-1.82, 3.32) for fasting insulin concentrations.
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.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing 0.24-0.32 mmol/L LDL reduction. Effect specific to oat beta-glucan, not yeast forms. FDA-approved health claim at 3g dose. GI side effects more common with oat forms.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Beta-Glucans has a higher evidence score (7/10 vs 7/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support immune system, Beta-Glucans has a higher relevance score (95 vs 90).
No known interactions between Andrographis and Beta-Glucans have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.