Home Ingredients ParActin® (Andrographis Extract — HP Ingredients)
Immune SupportJoint HealthAnti-InflammatoryRespiratory Health

ParActin® (Andrographis Extract — HP Ingredients)

Andrographis paniculata
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

ParActin is a branded andrographis extract made by HP Ingredients (Florida, USA), standardized for andrographolide content. It has one published trial under its own brand name: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 103 adults with mild-to-moderate (grade I-II) knee osteoarthritis, using 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days, which reported less knee pain and better stiffness and physical function scores than placebo (PMID 30968986). That trial was run in people already diagnosed with osteoarthritis and the ingredient supplier was involved, so it is one promising trial rather than settled proof. The practical argument for a branded extract is consistency, since generic andrographis extracts vary widely in how much andrographolide they actually contain. That is a manufacturing point, not evidence of a better result. The other studies cited here are not ParActin studies: a combination product called Kan Jang (andrographis plus Eleutherococcus senticosus) in acute upper respiratory infections including sinusitis, a trial of an andrographis composition in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and a 12-month pilot study of andrographis for fatigue in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. No cited study measured inflammatory cytokines or immune markers. Safety is the part to read twice: andrographis has documented reports of liver injury and of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, it stimulates the immune system (a specific concern if you have an autoimmune condition or take immune-suppressing medicine), it may interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medicines, and it is not recommended in pregnancy.

Studied Dose The single ParActin trial used 300 mg or 600 mg a day for 84 days in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Supplement labels often suggest 100-300 mg once or twice daily, so the low end of that range is below the amounts actually tested.
Active Compound ParActin® standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (HP Ingredients); standardized andrographolide content.

Benefits

Knee comfort: studied in people with osteoarthritis

One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave 103 adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis 300 or 600 mg of ParActin a day for 84 days and reported lower WOMAC pain scores than placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, along with better stiffness, physical function, fatigue and quality-of-life scores (PMID 30968986). It is one trial, in people with a diagnosed joint condition, with the ingredient supplier involved. ParActin was never compared with NSAIDs, and this does not show what it does for everyday aches in healthy people.

Supported by Trial 1

Proposed PPAR-gamma mechanism (laboratory work)

Laboratory research suggests andrographolides can switch on PPAR-gamma, a receptor involved in inflammation signalling that is also targeted by some diabetes drugs. None of the studies cited on this page measured PPAR-gamma, inflammation markers or any metabolic outcome in people, so this is a proposed explanation rather than a proven human effect.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

No inflammation biomarker data in the cited studies

None of the studies cited on this page measured inflammatory cytokines or blood markers of inflammation. What they measured was symptoms: knee pain and function in people with osteoarthritis, joint symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. So there is no biomarker evidence to point to, and no trial in people described as having chronic inflammation.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Immune and respiratory claims come from a two-herb combination

The only immune or respiratory study cited here used Kan Jang, a fixed combination of andrographis with Eleutherococcus senticosus, in people who were already ill with an acute upper respiratory infection including sinusitis (PMID 12487322). Because two herbs were given together, the result cannot be credited to andrographis or to ParActin on its own, and it says nothing about day-to-day immune support in healthy people. Andrographis also appears to stimulate immune activity, which is a reason for caution if you have an autoimmune condition or take immune-suppressing medicine.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Standardization advantage

ParActin is standardized so that andrographolide content stays consistent from batch to batch, while generic andrographis extracts can vary a lot. That is a manufacturing consistency claim from the supplier, not evidence that the branded extract works better: no study has compared ParActin head to head against a generic andrographis extract.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

What the published research actually covers

There is one published trial on ParActin itself: knee pain and function in 103 adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis over 84 days (PMID 30968986). The other three references used andrographis products that were not ParActin, in people with rheumatoid arthritis, in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and as a two-herb combination for acute respiratory infection. No cited study measured inflammation markers or immune function, and none compared ParActin with a generic andrographis extract.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

PPAR-gamma nuclear receptor activation

Laboratory studies indicate andrographolides can activate PPAR-gamma, a receptor that helps regulate genes involved in inflammation. This is proposed mechanism work; PPAR-gamma activity was not measured in any of the human studies cited on this page.

2

NF-κB pathway modulation

In laboratory studies andrographolides quiet NF-κB signalling, a pathway that switches on pro-inflammatory messengers. None of the cited human trials measured these messengers, so 'broad anti-inflammatory effects' in people is not something the citations here show.

3

Standardized bioavailability

Standardizing the extract is intended to deliver a consistent andrographolide dose in each capsule. No study cited here measured blood levels or tissue effects, and none compared ParActin against a generic andrographis extract.

Clinical trials

1
Knee osteoarthritis trial: ParActin, 103 adults, 84 days

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial; 103 adults; 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days (Phytother Res 2019, PMID 30968986).

103 adults with mild-to-moderate (grade I-II) knee osteoarthritis

In 103 adults with mild-to-moderate (grade I-II) knee osteoarthritis, 300 mg or 600 mg of ParActin a day for 84 days lowered WOMAC pain scores compared with placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, and also improved stiffness, physical function, fatigue and quality-of-life scores (Hancke 2019, PMID 30968986). Limitations: a single trial, run in people with diagnosed osteoarthritis under medical care, with the ingredient supplier involved in the research.

2
Studies in rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis (not ParActin)

Andrographis (not the ParActin brand) studied in people with rheumatoid arthritis and, separately, in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; no inflammation biomarker outcomes reported.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis; separately, patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

No cited study measured inflammatory cytokines or biomarkers. Two of the references used andrographis products that were not ParActin, in people with serious autoimmune illness: a placebo-controlled trial of an andrographis composition in rheumatoid arthritis (PMID 19408036), and a 12-month pilot study reporting less fatigue in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (PMID 27215274). These are reported here as research in patients under medical supervision. They do not show that a supplement treats either disease, and because andrographis stimulates the immune system it is a specific caution for anyone with an autoimmune condition.

3
Respiratory study used a two-herb combination, plus safety notes

Fixed combination of andrographis plus Eleutherococcus senticosus (Kan Jang), placebo-controlled, in acute upper respiratory infection (Phytomedicine 2002, PMID 12487322).

People with an acute upper respiratory tract infection, including sinusitis

The respiratory reference is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Kan Jang, a fixed combination of andrographis with Eleutherococcus senticosus, in acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis (PMID 12487322). Because two herbs were tested together in people who were already ill, it cannot tell you what ParActin alone does. Long-term safety has not been established: andrographis has documented reports of liver injury and of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and it should not be used in pregnancy.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Liver injury has been reported with andrographis. Stop taking it and seek medical advice if you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness, nausea or pain under the right ribs.
Bitter taste — managed through capsule/tablet format.
Mild GI discomfort possible at higher doses.
May cause headache or fatigue in some users initially.
Not recommended in pregnancy. Andrographis has also been associated with menstrual disturbances at high doses.
Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Andrographis also stimulates the immune system, so it is a poor fit for anyone with an autoimmune condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus or autoimmune thyroid disease) or anyone taking immune-suppressing medicine. Long-term safety has not been established.
Liver injury has been reported with andrographis. Stop taking it and seek medical advice if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual tiredness, nausea or pain over the right upper abdomen. Avoid it if you have liver disease or take medicines that affect the liver.
Allergic reactions have been reported, including rare but serious whole-body reactions (anaphylaxis). Stop immediately and get emergency help for rash with swelling, difficulty breathing or faintness.

Important Drug interactions

Immune-suppressing medicines (after a transplant, or for an autoimmune condition): andrographis stimulates immune activity and could work against them. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines: a possible added bleeding risk. Check with your doctor before combining them.
Blood pressure medications — possible additive hypotensive effects.
Diabetes medicines: an added blood-sugar-lowering effect has been suggested from laboratory work on PPAR-gamma, not from any study cited here. Monitor your levels if you combine them.
Consult healthcare providers when combining with prescription medications.
Immune-suppressing medicines: andrographis stimulates immune activity, so it may work against drugs taken after a transplant or for an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or multiple sclerosis. Talk to your specialist before using it.

More Immune Support Ingredients

Immune Support
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble essential nutrient that humans cannot synth…
Immune Support
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient essential for vision, immune defense, reproduction, an…
Immune Support
Zinc
Zinc, an essential trace mineral, is commonly supplemented in forms like zinc gluconate, a…
Immune Support
Probiotics (Multi-strain Blends)
Multi-strain probiotic blends are the most common form of probiotic supplements — typicall…

Explore Other Ingredients

Muscle & Recovery
Bromelain
Bromelain is a group of protein-digesting enzymes extracted from pineapple stems, used in…
Antioxidant
Curcumin/Turmeric
Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is commonly suppleme…
Cardiovascular
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an…

Frequently asked questions about ParActin® (Andrographis Extract — HP Ingredients)

What is ParActin?

ParActin is a branded andrographis extract made by HP Ingredients (Florida, USA), standardized for andrographolide content. It has one published trial under its own brand name: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 103 adults with mild-to-moderate (grade I-II) knee osteoarthritis, using 300 or 600 mg…

What is ParActin used for?

ParActin is researched primarily for Immune Support, Joint Health, and Anti-Inflammatory. One double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave 103 adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis 300 or 600 mg of ParActin a day for 84 days and reported lower WOMAC pain scores than placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, along with better stif…

What is the recommended dosage of ParActin?

The clinically studied dose is The single ParActin trial used 300 mg or 600 mg a day for 84 days in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Supplement labels often suggest 100-300 mg once or twice daily, so the low end of that range is below the amounts actually tested. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is ParActin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, ParActin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Liver injury has been reported with andrographis. Stop taking it and seek medical advice if you notice yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, unusual tiredness, nausea or pain under the right ribs. Bitter taste — managed through capsule/tablet format. It may also interact with some medications. ParActin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does ParActin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Immune-suppressing medicines (after a transplant, or for an autoimmune condition): andrographis stimulates immune activity and could work against them. Talk to your doctor before using it. Blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines: a possible added bleeding risk. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for ParActin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for ParActin as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Burgos RA, Hancke JL, Bertoglio JC, Aguirre V, Arriagada S, Calvo M, et al. Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Rheumatol. 2009;28(8):931-46. doi: 10.1007/s10067-009-1180-5.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized placebo-controlled trial reporting reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with a standardized andrographis extract. Preliminary evidence from a small trial by the ingredient's own research group, in patients with a diagnosed autoimmune disease under medical care. It used an andrographis composition, not the ParActin brand, and it is not evidence that a supplement treats arthritis.
  2. Hancke JL, Srivastav S, Caceres DD, Burgos RA 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. Phytother Res. 2019;33(5):1469-1479. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6339.PubMedUsed to support: ParActin-branded double-blind RCT in 103 adults with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, using 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days, reporting less pain and better stiffness and physical function than placebo. This is real brand-specific evidence, but it is a single manufacturer-linked trial in a patient population, so the case is promising rather than settled.
  3. Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, Chandanian GL, Panossian AG, Wikman G, et al. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(7):589-97. doi: 10.1078/094471102321616391.PubMedUsed to support: Placebo-controlled RCT of an andrographis combination for acute URTI/sinusitis symptoms. The product tested was Kan Jang, andrographis combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus, so the result cannot be credited to andrographis or ParActin on its own, and it was studied in people already ill with an acute infection.
  4. Bertoglio JC, Baumgartner M, Palma R, Ciampi E, Carcamo C, Caceres DD, et al. Andrographis paniculata decreases fatigue in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: a 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Neurol. 2016;16:77. doi: 10.1186/s12883-016-0595-2.PubMedUsed to support: Pilot RCT reporting reduced fatigue with andrographis in relapsing-remitting MS. A 12-month pilot study in people with a diagnosed neurological disease, using andrographis rather than the ParActin brand. Reported here as research only, not as something a supplement does for healthy people.