How to use green chiretta effectively and safely

Green chiretta is a medicinal plant that is found in ancient Thai traditional medicine recipes. It is used to treat and relieve common cold symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reference is made to the study of andrographolide, the main active ingredient found in green chiretta while andrographolide is effective in inhibiting viral replication, and it is anti-inflammation. However, COVID-19 is a novel disease, so as yet there is not enough research to conclusively confirm that Andrographis paniculata can prevent and treat COVID-19.

In Thailand, one study that may be cited on the effectiveness of Andrographis paniculata is a study on its use in COVID-19 patients at the Bangkok Central Prison by Anek, Moongaomklang, M.D.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mayuree Tangkiatkumjai, the Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University elaborated that “30 COVID-19 patients in prison were each given four 12-mg encapsulated green chiretta powder, three times a day for five days. They received RT-PCR testing every two days. After eight days of taking the herb, COVID-19 was no longer found.

The results of the study indicated that the dose is a total of 144 mg of andrographolide powder per day, divided and given times a day, but the Department of Medical Services prescribes 180 mg per day, divided and given three times a day as well.

“Although the optimal dosage of andrographolide remains controversial, and its efficacy and side effects still need to be monitored, but the use of green chiretta to relieve the COVID-19 symptoms is possible,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mayuree said.

“Preliminarily, we recommend taking green chiretta for five consecutive days. If symptoms do not improve and there is no risk of liver disease, then you may continue taking it, but not more than 14 consecutive days, and under the doctor’s supervision. Most importantly, you do not take green chiretta with Favipiravir,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mayuree warned while stressing that green chiretta should not be taken as prophylactics.

“Studies showed that prolonged use of green chiretta can increase the levels of certain liver enzymes which can cause liver toxicity.”