Tag Archives: ฟ้าทะลายโจร

The herbal medicine containing extracts of an ancient plant long used in Asia to ward off virus infection by bolstering immunity is seeing surging demands and the attention of health authorities in the region. A plant widely used in Asia, and clinically studied, for upper respiratory tract infection is getting close attention in the medical community for warding off infection of coronavirus (Covid-19). The herbaceous plant Andrographis paniculata, native to India, and is widely cultivated in southeast Asia and China. Formulations containing the bitter leaves of the plant are listed in traditional Indian and Chinese Pharmacopeias for treatment of bacterial infection and to boost the body’s immune system. In Thailand, formulations of the herb, which is popularly known as Fa-Thalai-Chon, are an approved medicine for cold, cough and flu, and is listed on its National List of Essential Drugs and is reimbursed by the government. The symptoms of coronavirus are like that of the flu, also called influenza, a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system: the nose, throat, and lungs. For most people, their immune system gets rid of the influenza. But the viral infection can be deadly for those who can develop complications, such young children and adults over 65 years of age, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases and weak immune systems. Could Fa-Thalai-Chon prevent the infection? Andrographis paniculata contains andrographolides and other compounds, which have been found to stimulate the general immune system and inhibit inflammation and microbial activities in the body. The active compounds of the plant, most concentrated in the leaves, have shown to prevent viruses from invading cells in the body. Some research show that they also act as an antiretroviral agent, which means they blunt the process of the viruses replicating themselves. Although long in use, no one has yet done