Antihyperglycemic Effects of Andrographis paniculata Products in Induced Diabetic Animal Models: A Meta-analysis

Andrographis paniculata exhibits broad antidiabetic activity, although variability among preclinical studies warrants quantitative evidence synthesis. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of A. paniculata products on glycemic, lipid, renal, and antioxidant parameters in diabetic animal models. Twenty-nine studies from Scopus → and PubMed (2000–2024) were included following PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251267536). Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences for outcomes including blood glucose (weeks 1–2), insulin, β-cell counts, lipid profile parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein), renal markers (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine), and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione). A. paniculata significantly improved glycemic control, insulin secretion, β-cell function, lipid metabolism, renal function, and antioxidant status ( p < .05), with primary glycemic outcomes remaining robust in sensitivity and publication bias analyses. Subgroup analyses showed that purified andrographolide produced the greatest glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects, whereas ethanol extracts consistently improved diabetes-related outcomes and aqueous extracts provided broader antioxidant and metabolic benefits. Synergistic combinations with other natural products, particularly at 0.2 g/kg body weight, were associated with the most consistent antihyperglycemic effects across treatment durations, especially in Wistar and Sprague–Dawley rats. These findings provide a preclinical foundation for future translational and clinical diabetes research.