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Dietary supplement

Kalmegh Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Banyan Botanicals

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Kalmegh Powder is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and flu symptoms, upper respiratory infections, sore throat.Based on those ingredients, 413 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Andrographis. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Kalmegh Powder is a single-ingredient supplement containing andrographis, an herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The powder form lets you mix it into water or other liquids.

There are no inactive ingredients or fillers listed for this product.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: immune support and respiratory health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Acute bronchitis, Influenza, Rhinosinusitis, Tonsillopharyngitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Common cold — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Andrographis is rated "Possibly Effective" for Tonsillopharyngitis (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Andrographis is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Acute bronchitis, Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), Influenza, Rhinosinusitis, and more.

Andrographis has possibly effective evidence for three conditions: ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease), tonsillopharyngitis (sore throat and tonsil inflammation), and osteoarthritis (joint wear-and-tear). For familial Mediterranean fever, the evidence isn't established enough to rate it.

If you're considering this supplement for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist about what the research actually shows for your situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Andrographis

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Andrographis is generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety and product quality aren't well established, so caution is warranted if you're thinking of using it for weeks or months. The most common side effects are stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, altered taste, rash, and itching — these happen especially at higher doses (5–10 mg/kg of andrographolide or more) or beyond 14 days of use.

Rare serious reactions include severe allergic responses, including anaphylaxis. Skin reactions — including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin condition — have been reported.

Andrographis is not safe in pregnancy because of theoretical and animal concerns about reproductive effects. There isn't enough safety data to breastfeed while taking it, so avoid use during lactation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Andrographis

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Andrographis.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 413 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take Kalmegh Powder, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood pressure medications (antihypertensives) or blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) — both carry Moderate interaction risk. Also flag immunosuppressants, etoricoxib (Arcoxia), celecoxib (Celebrex), or glipizide (Glucotrol).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Kalmegh Powder may help with sore throat, inflammatory bowel disease, or osteoarthritis, but check with your pharmacist first if you take blood pressure meds, blood thinners, or immunosuppressants. It's best used short-term and at standard doses.

Avoid it in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Kalmegh Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Banyan Botanicals
Barcode (UPC) 618192070024
Net contents 0.5 Pound(s); 227 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 305691
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.25 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 Teaspoon(s)
Servings per container
229
UPC/BARCODE
618192070024
IngredientAmount% DV
Andrographis0.5 Teaspoon(s)--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

(Andrographis paniculata) Organic Ayurvedic herbs

Kalmegh (andrographis paniculata) is an extremely bitter tasting herb that is renown for supporting a healthy immune system. It promotes a healthy respiratory tract, sinuses, and throat while helping maintain a normal body temperature. Kalmegh reduces excess pitta and kapha in the lungs and bolsters all-around health and well-being. It also promotes the healthy flow of bile and supports proper function of liver.

Formulation

Organic Ayurvedic herbs

Supporting your Ayurvedic lifestyle

USDA Organic

Non GMO

Bolsters the immune system and supports the body's natural defenses Reduces excess pitta and kapha in the head and chest, and helps maintain a normal body temperature Supports a healthy respiratory tract, sinuses, throat and health and well-being Promotes the production of bile and a healthy liver

Certified Organic by: QAI

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Sustainably Sourced Fairly Traded

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon with warm water, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of this product.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Banyan Botanicals was founded in 1996 with the mission to help people achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being. As an Ayurvedic lifestyle company, we specialize in products made from Ayurvedic herbs that are organically grown, sustainable sourced, fairly traded, and made in the USA. Banyan is committed to providing exceptional customer service, inspiring educational content, and the highest quality Ayurvedic herbs that are safe, pure, and effective. Illuminate your path to well-being Get your free Ayurvedic profile at banyanbotanicals.com/illuminate

See for yourself

Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.25 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container229 Amounts shown are per serving.

Andrographis

Interacts with
413 drugs
0.5 Teaspoon(s) per serving

Andrographis is a bitter Asian herb traditionally used for colds, flu, and infections, and some studies suggest it may ease cold symptoms and shorten...

Andrographis monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Kalmegh Powder?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
413Drugs
408 Moderate 5 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Kalmegh Powder with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Andrographis6 drug types · 413 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, andrographis might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal and laboratory studies suggest that andrographis has antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, andrographis might increase the risk of hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Animal research suggests that andrographis has hypotensive effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, andrographis might interfere with the effects of immunosuppressive drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that andrographolide has immunostimulant activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Celecoxib (Celebrex)

Theoretically, andrographis extract might increase the maximum concentration and time to peak concentration of celecoxib. The clinical significance of these changes is unclear.
Animal research suggests that andrographis extract taken orally increases the maximum concentration and time to peak concentration of celecoxib but does not appear to impact the area under the curve.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Etoricoxib (Arcoxia)

Theoretically, andrographis might decrease the absorption of etoricoxib, although the clinical significance is unclear.
Animal research shows that andrographis extract, or the constituent andrographolide, taken orally with etoricoxib decreases the bioavailability of etoricoxib. However, this reduced bioavailability is not correlated with a reduction in the anti-inflammatory effects of etoricoxib in arthritic mice models. The clinical significance of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glipizide (Glucotrol)

Theoretically, andrographis extract might increase the maximum concentration and area under the curve of glipizide; however, opposite effects are seen with the constituent, andrographolide. The clinical significance of this interaction is unclear.
Animal research suggests that andrographis extract taken orally with glipizide in diabetes-induced rats increases the maximum concentration and area under the curve of glipizide. However, the opposite effect is seen with the constituent, andrographolide, in which the maximum concentration and area under the curve are decreased when taken with glipizide.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Kalmegh Powder, from the product label.

Banyan Botanicals

See all Banyan Botanicals products
Name
Banyan Botanicals
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
ZipCode
87113
Phone Number
1-800-953-6424
Web Address
banyanbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Kalmegh Powder by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Kalmegh Powder has a known interaction with 413 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Kalmegh Powder contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Kalmegh Powder if I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against it because of theoretical and animal-study concerns about effects on the baby. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what to do instead.
Is Kalmegh safe to breastfeed on?
There isn't enough safety information, so it's best to avoid it while breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist about safer options.
What are the most common side effects?
Stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and rash are the most common, especially at higher doses or if you use it longer than about 2 weeks. Rare serious reactions include severe allergic responses.
Does andrographis actually work for sore throat?
Yes — there's possibly effective evidence that it helps with tonsillopharyngitis (sore throat and tonsil inflammation). The evidence is also possibly effective for ulcerative colitis and osteoarthritis.
Can I take this long-term?
The safety data focuses on short-term use, and long-term safety isn't well established. It's safest to use it for 2 weeks or less. Talk with your pharmacist if you're thinking of using it longer.
What's in this powder besides andrographis?
Just andrographis — there are no fillers or other inactive ingredients.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Kalmegh Powder is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Kalmegh Powder label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Kalmegh Powder's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 26 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Andrographis 26 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Thamlikitkul V, Dechatiwongse T, Theerapong S, et al. Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata, Nees for pharyngotonsillitis in adults. J Med Assoc Thai 1991;74:437-42.
  3. Zhang CY, Tan BK. Mechanisms of cardiovascular activity of Andrographis paniculata in the anaesthetized rat. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;56:97-101. PubMed
  4. Zhao HY, Fang WY. Antithrombotic effects of Andrographis paniculata nees in preventing myocardial infarction. Chin Med J (Engl) 1991;104:770-5.
  5. Amroyan E, Gabrielian E, Panossian A, et al. Inhibitory effect of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata on PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Phytomedicine 1999;6:27-31. PubMed
  6. Zhang C, Kuroyangi M, Tan BK. Cardiovascular activity of 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide in the anaesthetised rat and isolated right atria. Pharmacol Res 1998;38:413-7. PubMed
  7. Puri A, Saxena R, Saxena RP, et al. Immunostimulant agents from Andrographis paniculata. J Nat Prod 1993;56:995-9. PubMed
  8. Melchoir J, Spasov AA, Ostrovskij OV, et al. Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot and phase III study of activity of standardized Andrographis paniculata Herba Nees extract fixed combination (Kan Jang) in the treatment of uncomplicated upper-respirator
  9. Calabrese C, Berman SH, Babish JG, et al. A phase I trial of andrographolide in HIV positive patients and normal volunteers. Phytother Res 2000;14:333-8. PubMed
  10. Gabrielian ES, Shukarian AK, Goukasova GI, et al. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of Andrographis paniculata fixed combination Kan Jang in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections including sinusitis. Phytomedicine 2002;9:589-97 PubMed
  11. Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Prathanturarug S, et al. Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Pharm Ther 2004;29:37-45. PubMed
  12. Coon JT, Ernst E. Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review of safety and efficacy. Planta Med 2004;70:293-8.
  13. Kligler, B., Ulbricht, C., Basch, E., Kirkwood, C. D., Abrams, T. R., Miranda, M., Singh Khalsa, K. P., Giles, M., Boon, H., and Woods, J. Andrographis paniculata for the treatment of upper respiratory infection: a systematic review by the natural standa
  14. Burgos, R. A., Hancke, J. L., Bertoglio, J. C., Aguirre, V., Arriagada, S., Calvo, M., and Caceres, D. D. Efficacy of an Andrographis paniculata composition for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: a prospective randomized placebo-controlled tria
  15. Saxena, R. C., Singh, R., Kumar, P., Yadav, S. C., Negi, M. P., Saxena, V. S., Joshua, A. J., Vijayabalaji, V., Goudar, K. S., Venkateshwarlu, K., and Amit, A. A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis pa
  16. Tang, T., Targan, S. R., Li, Z. S., Xu, C., Byers, V. S., and Sandborn, W. J. Randomised clinical trial: herbal extract HMPL-004 in active ulcerative colitis - a double-blind comparison with sustained release mesalazine. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 2011;33(2) PubMed
  17. Sandborn, W. J., Targan, S. R., Byers, V. S., Rutty, D. A., Mu, H., Zhang, X., and Tang, T. Andrographis paniculata extract (HMPL-004) for active ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013;108(1):90-98. PubMed
  18. Melchior, J., Palm, S., and Wikman, G. Controlled clinical study of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold - a pilot trial. Phytomedicine. 1997;3(4):315-318. PubMed
  19. Balap A, Atre B, Lohidasan S, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic herb-drug interaction of Andrographis paniculata (Nees) extract and andrographolide with etoricoxib after oral administration in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 May 13;183:9-17. PubMed
  20. Bertoglio JC, Baumgartner M, Palma R, et al. Andrographis paniculata decreases fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study. BMC Neurol. 2016; 16(1):77. PubMed
  21. Suwankesawong W, Saokaew S, Permsuwan U, et al. Characterization of hypersensitivity reactions reported among Andrographis paniculata users in Thailand using Health Product Vigilance Center (HPVC) database. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2014; 14:515. PubMed
  22. Ciampi E, Uribe-San-Martin R, Cárcamo C, et al. Efficacy of andrographolide in not active progressive multiple sclerosis: a prospective exploratory double-blind, parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Neurol 2020;20(1):173. PubMed
  23. Worakunphanich W, Thavorncharoensap M, Youngkong S, Thadanipon K, Thakkinstian A. Safety of Andrographis paniculata: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021;30(6):727-739.
  24. More SJ, Tandulwadkar SS, Balap AR, Lohidasan S, Sinnathambi A, Mahadik KR. Effect of Andrographis paniculata extract and Andrographolide on the pharmacokinetics of Aceclofenac and Celecoxib in rats. Futur J Pharm Sci. 2023;9(1):1. PubMed
  25. Sundhani E, Nugroho AE, Nurrochmad A, Puspitasari I, Amalia Prihati D, Lukitaningsih E. Pharmacokinetic Herb-Drug Interactions of Glipizide with Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) and Andrographolide in Normal and Diabetic Rats by Validated HPLC Method. M PubMed
  26. Shang YX, Shen C, Stub T, et al. Adverse Effects of Andrographolide Derivative Medications Compared to the Safe use of Herbal Preparations of Andrographis paniculata: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies. Front Pharmacol 20 PubMed

See these in context on the Andrographis monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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