Doctors are trying out a non-traditional treatment for colds and flu.
Superbugs are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, resulting in 700,000 global deaths annually. The United Nations has declared this a global health crisis, with projections showing the death toll rising to 10 million by 2050.
This resistance is primarily due to the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and inappropriate prescribing by doctors. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases such as colds and flu, yet they are often prescribed for these conditions.
In response to this issue, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is prioritizing the reduction of antibiotic prescriptions for certain infections and exploring alternative non-drug treatments.
If successful, UK doctors may soon be able to recommend an herbal remedy known as Andrographis paniculata for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). This herb, also called Indian echinacea and the king of bitters, has a long history of use in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for various ailments.
Andrographis has been studied extensively in laboratories and is known to possess numerous active compounds that offer a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, early tests on Andrographis have shown promising results. A 2017 review involving 33 randomized controlled trials and over 7,000 patients found that the herb improved symptoms of RTIs, such as cough and sore throat, with minimal side effects.
The positive outcomes of these studies have led NHS officials to initiate a trial involving 20 doctors' practices to assess the efficacy of Andrographis in reducing antibiotic prescriptions. The trial will involve participants taking capsules of Andrographis or a placebo multiple times a day for a week.
Dr. Michael Dixon, NHS England’s National Clinical Lead for Social Prescription, expressed optimism about the potential of natural remedies like Andrographis in reducing antibiotic reliance, calling it a "big step forward."
Andrographis can typically be purchased at health food stores in the US. In addition to Andrographis, other cold and flu remedies like elderberry extract, echinacea, goldenseal, NAC, and quercetin are recommended for symptom relief and prevention.