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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Vitamin C 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
12 of 17 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Andrographis and Vitamin C 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)
500-1000mg
With meals, Split doses if taking >500mg
Ascorbic acid or buffered vitamin C
2-5 days
2-5 days
2-5 days
Ongoing
1-2 weeks
4-8 weeks
With high doses (>2g)
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.
Vitamin C supplementation for prevention and treatment of pneumonia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=2774
We are uncertain of the effect of vitamin C supplementation on mortality due to pneumonia (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.66; 1 study, 57 participants; very low-quality evidence).
Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015) · Meta analysis · n=20038
Conversely, the risk of term PROM was increased when supplementation included vitamin C and vitamin E (average RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.23; 3060 participants; two studies; I² = 0%).
Enhanced Vitamin C Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Alternative Supplement Forms in Healthy Adults
Nutrients (2025) · Systematic review
Most studies (77%) had a low risk of bias.
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 3 meta-analyses of sepsis patients. One study showed RR 0.60 for mortality reduction, but another showed increased risk (RR 1.21). Evidence quality rated as low to very low. Effect limited to intravenous administration in critically ill patients.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Vitamin C has a higher evidence score (8/10 vs 7/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support immune system, Andrographis has a higher relevance score (90 vs 85).
No known interactions between Andrographis and Vitamin C have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.