Home Ingredients ParActin® (Andrographis Extract — HP Ingredients)
Joint Health

ParActin® (Andrographis Extract — HP Ingredients)

Andrographis paniculata
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

ParActin® is a branded Andrographis paniculata extract from HP Ingredients, standardized for andrographolides. Two published placebo-controlled trials used ParActin. In 103 adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days lowered knee pain scores more than placebo and improved stiffness, physical function, fatigue and quality of life scores; HP Ingredients funded the trial and the lead author was affiliated with the company. In 60 adults with active rheumatoid arthritis, ParActin tablets for 14 weeks did not lower joint pain, the main outcome, significantly more than placebo. Studies of andrographis products not named as ParActin are cited only as references. Allergic reactions, including rare anaphylaxis, have been reported with andrographis products; safety in pregnancy has not been studied, and people taking immune-suppressing medicine should ask a doctor first.

Studied Dose 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days in the knee trial; ParActin tablets (30 mg andrographolide each, per the European Medicines Agency summary) three times a day for 14 weeks in the rheumatoid arthritis trial.
Active Compound Standardized Andrographis paniculata extract (ParActin®, HP Ingredients) standardized for andrographolides; the tablets in the rheumatoid arthritis trial contained an extract with 30% total andrographolides.

Benefits

Knee joint comfort and mobility

In 103 adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, 300 or 600 mg of ParActin a day for 84 days lowered WOMAC pain scores more than placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, and also improved stiffness, physical function, fatigue and quality-of-life scores. It is a single trial, funded by HP Ingredients, which sells ParActin; the lead author was affiliated with the company.

Supported by Trial 1

Joint pain in a second ParActin trial

In 60 adults with active rheumatoid arthritis, ParActin tablets three times a day for 14 weeks did not lower joint pain significantly more than placebo, the main outcome. Tender and swollen joint counts and a disability questionnaire improved within the ParActin group. Chilean public grants funded the trial; Herbal Powers supplied the extract. This does not show that a supplement treats arthritis.

Supported by Trial 2

Fatigue scores

In the knee trial, scores on a fatigue scale improved more with ParActin than with placebo; this was a secondary outcome in adults with knee osteoarthritis, in a trial funded by HP Ingredients. A pilot in people with multiple sclerosis taking interferon beta used an andrographis extract that the paper does not name as ParActin, so it is not counted here.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Standardized andrographolide content

ParActin is standardized for andrographolides; the tablets in the earlier trial held an extract with 30% total andrographolides, and the European Medicines Agency summary lists 30 mg andrographolide per tablet. No published head-to-head comparison with a generic andrographis extract was found, so standardization alone does not show better results.

Supported by Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

NF-κB pathway inhibition (lab)

In lab and animal studies, andrographolide blocked activation of NF-κB, a switch for many inflammatory genes, by binding directly to one of its proteins. No cited ParActin trial showed a matching change in inflammatory markers versus placebo.

2

Immune markers in a patient trial

In the rheumatoid arthritis trial, rheumatoid factor, IgA and complement C4 fell within the ParActin group. These are disease markers measured in patients, not evidence of an effect in healthy people.

Clinical trials

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

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; 103 adults with grade I to II knee osteoarthritis; ParActin 300 or 600 mg a day or placebo for 84 days (Hancke et al. 2019, Phytother Res)

103 adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Both doses lowered WOMAC pain scores more than placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, and improved WOMAC stiffness, physical function, fatigue and SF-36 quality-of-life scores. The study was funded by HP Ingredients, the supplier; one author was affiliated with HP Ingredients and another with a contract research organization.

2
Pain trial in an autoimmune inflammatory condition: ParActin, 60 adults, 14 weeks
PubMed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; 60 adults with active rheumatoid arthritis; ParActin tablets (extract with 30% total andrographolides) three times a day for 14 weeks after a 2-week washout; funded by Chilean public grants (CONICYT/FONDEF, INNOVA CHILE CORFO), extract donated by Herbal Powers, authors declared no disclosures (Burgos et al. 2009, Clin Rheumatol)

60 adults with an active autoimmune inflammatory condition.

Pain intensity on a visual analog scale, the main outcome, fell more with ParActin than placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant. Tenderness and swelling counts, a disability questionnaire and SF-36 scores improved within the ParActin group, and an autoantibody, IgA and C4 fell. The authors call for a larger, longer trial.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Allergic reactions, including rare anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with andrographis products. Stop immediately and get emergency help for rash with swelling, difficulty breathing or faintness.
In clinical studies of oral andrographis preparations, reported side effects were mainly mild to moderate digestive and skin reactions.
In a pilot of an andrographis extract that the paper does not name as ParActin, one person had a mild, short-lived rash.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied (European Medicines Agency assessment); avoid use while pregnant.
Andrographis is studied for immune effects, so people with an autoimmune condition or taking immune-suppressing medicine should talk to their doctor first. No published trial naming ParActin lasted longer than 14 weeks.
In a rat study described by the European Medicines Agency, andrographolide given for 48 days disrupted sperm production; anyone trying to conceive should ask a doctor first.

Important Drug interactions

Immune-suppressing medicines (after a transplant, or for an autoimmune condition): andrographis is studied for immune effects and has not been tested alongside these drugs. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Blood thinners and blood pressure medicines: in lab and rat studies summarized by the European Medicines Agency, andrographolide slowed platelet clumping and some andrographis extracts lowered blood pressure. Human interactions have not been studied, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining.
If you take regular prescription medicines, ask a pharmacist before adding andrographis.

More Joint Health Ingredients

Joint Health
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan, a long chain of sugar units that forms part of…
Joint Health
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia serrata, also called Indian frankincense, is a tree whose gum resin is used in s…
Joint Health
NEM® (Natural Eggshell Membrane — ESM Technologies)
NEM® is the branded standardized natural eggshell membrane developed by ESM Technologies (…
Joint Health
Undenatured Type II Collagen
Undenatured Type II Collagen (sometimes abbreviated UC-2 or native Type II collagen) is a…

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

What is ParActin?

ParActin® is a branded Andrographis paniculata extract from HP Ingredients, standardized for andrographolides. Two published placebo-controlled trials used ParActin.

What is ParActin used for?

ParActin is researched primarily for Joint Health. In 103 adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, 300 or 600 mg of ParActin a day for 84 days lowered WOMAC pain scores more than placebo at days 28, 56 and 84, and also improved stiffness, physical function, fatigue and quality-of-l…

What is the recommended dosage of ParActin?

The clinically studied dose is 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days in the knee trial; ParActin tablets (30 mg andrographolide each, per the European Medicines Agency summary) three times a day for 14 weeks in the rheumatoid arthritis trial. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is ParActin safe, and does it have side effects?

Side effects and cautions reported for ParActin include: Allergic reactions, including rare anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with andrographis products. Stop immediately and get emergency help for rash with swelling, difficulty breathing or faintness. 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 is studied for immune effects and has not been tested alongside these drugs. Talk to your doctor before using it. 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 Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 study summaries and 8 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(8 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, Cáceres DD. 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, double-blind trial in 60 adults with active rheumatoid arthritis using ParActin tablets (30% total andrographolides) three times a day for 14 weeks: joint pain, the main outcome, was not significantly lower than placebo; tender and swollen joint measures, HAQ and SF-36 improved within the ParActin group, with lower rheumatoid factor, IgA and C4. Funded by CONICYT/FONDEF and INNOVA CHILE CORFO grants; Herbal Powers donated the extract; authors declared no disclosures (publisher page).
  2. Hancke JL, Srivastav S, Cáceres 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: Randomized, double-blind trial in 103 adults with grade I to II knee osteoarthritis: ParActin 300 or 600 mg a day for 84 days lowered WOMAC pain versus placebo at days 28, 56 and 84 and improved stiffness, function, fatigue, SF-36 and FACIT scores. Funded by HP Ingredients (PubMed grant listing); the first author is affiliated with HP Ingredients and the second with Vedic Lifesciences, a contract research organization.
  3. Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, Chandanian GL, Panossian AG, Wikman G, Wagner H. 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: Other product, not ParActin: double-blind trial of Kan Jang (andrographis extract SHA-10 combined with Eleutherococcus senticosus) for 5 days in acute upper respiratory infection including sinusitis; total symptom scores improved more than placebo (95 vs 90 completers), mainly headache, nasal and throat symptoms and malaise, but cough and eye symptoms did not differ. A two-herb combination, so it supports no category on this record.
  4. Bertoglio JC, Baumgartner M, Palma R, Ciampi E, Carcamo C, Cáceres DD, Acosta-Jamett G, Hancke JL, Burgos RA. 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: Brand not named in the paper: 12-month randomized pilot in 22 analyzed adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis taking interferon beta; a standardized andrographis dried extract (leaves and aerial parts supplied by InnoBioscience, 75% ethanol, 10:1, batch PAR-130101-7), 170 mg twice daily, lowered Fatigue Severity Scale scores versus placebo, the main outcome, while relapse rate, disability scores and inflammatory parameters did not differ. One author received consulting fees from InnoBioscience and Indena. Disease population on drug co-treatment, so it supports no category here.
  5. Xia YF, Ye BQ, Li YD, Wang JG, He XJ, Lin X, Yao X, Ma D, Slungaard A, Hebbel RP, Key NS, Geng JG. Andrographolide attenuates inflammation by inhibition of NF-kappa B activation through covalent modification of reduced cysteine 62 of p50. J Immunol. 2004;173(6):4207-17. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.173.6.4207.PubMedUsed to support: Lab and animal study: andrographolide bound to the p50 protein of NF-κB and blocked its activation, reducing leukocyte adhesion in cells and inflammation in mouse models. Not a human study.
  6. Suwankesawong W, Saokaew S, Permsuwan U, Chaiyakunapruk N. Characterization of hypersensitivity reactions reported among Andrographis paniculata users in Thailand using Health Product Vigilance Center (HPVC) database. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014;14:515. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-515.PubMedUsed to support: Thai pharmacovigilance data (2001 to 2012): 106 reports linked hypersensitivity reactions to andrographis alone, including 5 anaphylactic shock, 4 anaphylactic reactions and 4 angioedema cases, at doses of 352 to 1,750 mg.
  7. Shang YX, Shen C, Stub T, Zhu SJ, Qiao SY, Li YQ, Wang RT, Li J, Liu JP. Adverse Effects of Andrographolide Derivative Medications Compared to the Safe use of Herbal Preparations of Andrographis paniculata: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:773282. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.773282.PubMedUsed to support: Systematic review of 262 clinical studies: serious reactions including anaphylaxis were mainly linked to injected andrographolide derivatives, while oral herbal andrographis preparations mostly caused mild to moderate digestive and skin reactions.
  8. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Andrographis paniculata Nees, folium (draft). European Medicines Agency. 2013;EMA/HMPC/320433/2012. Draft assessment report dated 15 January 2013..SourceUsed to support: Not PubMed-indexed; official EU regulatory assessment (draft). Describes the Paractin extract (leaves and aerial parts, 75% ethanol, 10:1, 30 mg andrographolide per tablet) used in the rheumatoid arthritis trial, states that safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been studied, and summarizes lab findings that andrographolide slowed platelet aggregation, rat findings that some andrographis compounds and extracts lowered blood pressure, and a rat study in which andrographolide given for 48 days disrupted sperm production.