Common Name(s): Andrographolide,andrographolide,andrographis diterpene lactone,nf-kb inhibitor anti-inflammatory
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides near-irreversible nf-ฮบb inhibition through covalent ikkฮฒ inactivation at ic50 ~1 ฮผm โ the most potent documented natural nf-ฮบb inhibitor โ alongside antioxidant nrf2/ho-1 upregulation and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
Why It's Used: Andrographolide's covalent nf-ฮบb inhibition provides anti-inflammatory activity duration far exceeding its tissue residence time โ the ikkฮฒ-andrographolide adduct remains for hours after the free compound clears, providing sustained anti-inflammatory benefit from a single application.
How It Works: Andrographolide alpha,beta-unsaturated lactone acts as a michael acceptor: the c19 exocyclic alkene reacts with ikkฮฒ cys179 thiol forming a permanent covalent adduct โ ikkฮฒ inactivation โ iฮบbฮฑ not phosphorylated โ nf-ฮบb retained in cytoplasm โ tnf-ฮฑ, il-1ฮฒ, il-6 transcription suppressed. simultaneously activates nrf2-are pathway โ ho-1, nqo1 antioxidant enzyme upregulation.
Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory,anti-acne,antioxidant
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Andrographolide bioavailability note: oral bioavailability is poor (high first-pass metabolism), but topical application avoids this limitation โ the compound achieves direct tissue concentration in skin without hepatic metabolism.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,andrographolide nf-kb ikkฮฒ covalent anti-inflammatory review