Published: 4 December 2025

Publications

Reminder: Allergic reactions with Andrographis paniculata

Published: 4 December 2025
Prescriber Update 46(4): 64–65
December 2025

Key messages

  • Andrographis-containing products may cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
  • Be aware that patients presenting with hypersensitivity symptoms could be taking natural health products that may contain andrographis.
  • Patients who experience allergic reactions with an andrographis-containing product should stop taking it and avoid these products in future.


We are reminding prescribers that allergic reactions can occur in patients taking andrographis-containing products. These reactions can be serious and include rash, urticaria (hives), pruritus (itchy skin), throat tightness or swelling, and anaphylaxis. Respiratory symptoms (eg, wheeze, stridor) and gastrointestinal symptoms (eg, diarrhoea, vomiting) may also be observed.

Andrographis paniculata is a herb contained in some natural health products. Andrographis is often combined with other ingredients and these products are typically marketed for “immune support” or to aid recovery from cold and flu symptoms.

We previously issued an alert about the potential risk for allergic reactions with andrographis in 2017. We continue to receive reports of hypersensitivity reactions, with three cases received each year since 2023.

Ask patients presenting with hypersensitivity symptoms if they are taking any natural health products, as well as prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.

Advise patients who experience an allergic reaction with andrographis-containing products to stop taking it and to avoid these products in future. This may require carefully checking the ingredients listed on natural health product labels.

Please continue to report adverse reactions to natural health products. Reporting is easiest online.

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