Andrographolide and its derivatives are effective compounds for gastrointestinal protection: a review.

OBJECTIVE: Andrographolide and its derivatives have many functions, such as anti-infection, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, and immune regulation. However, the gastrointestinal protective effects, especially gastrointestinal tumors, and inflammation-related diseases of andrographolide and its derivatives have not been well summarized and discussed. In this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of andrographolide and its derivatives in gastrointestinal protection, with a view to revealing more possibilities of andrographolide and its derivatives in gastrointestinal diseases prevention therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data in this review are searched and selected from PubMed with the keywords: Andrographolide and Andrographolide derivatives, and relevant data with gastrointestinal protection are extracted and discussed. RESULTS: Andrographolide and its derivatives have prophylactic and therapeutic effects in gastrointestinal disorders such as GU, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS: Andrographolide and its derivatives are effective compounds for gastrointestinal protection.