Advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases and cancers by andrographolide: Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and perspective

Andrographolide, a well-known natural lactone having a range of pharmacological actions in traditional Chinese medicine. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments. In this review, we cover the pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activity of andrographolide which supports its further clinical application in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Growing evidence shows a good therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases, including liver diseases, joint diseases, respiratory system diseases, nervous system diseases, heart diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and inflammatory skin diseases. As a result, the effects of andrographolide on immune cells and the processes that underpin them are discussed. The preclinical use of andrographolide to different organs in response to malignancies such as colorectal, liver, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and oral cancers has also been reviewed. In addition, several clinical trials of andrographolide in inflammatory diseases and cancers have been summarized. This review highlights recent advances in ameliorating inflammatory diseases as well as cancers by andrographolide and its analogs, providing a new perspective for subsequent research of this traditional natural product.