Monograph

We are exposed to countless airborne viruses on a daily basis. Fortunately, you can sustain your body’s resistance to these foreign intruders. As an immune-fortifying formula, NUTRA Immune can benefit your natural immune response with Astragalus and Shiitake Mushrooms; provide antioxidant activity with Oleuropein (found in olive leaves) and Green Tea; deliver antimicrobial properties found in Grapefruit Seed Extract; and supply immune-enhancing properties found in EpiCor®. NUTRA Immune may help you outsmart thousands of foreign intruders trying to bring you down.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® NUTRA Immune has combined the finest-quality herbs from American and European extractors to formulate a naturally effective immune strengthener. NUTRA Immune includes nutritional compounds that are specifically focused on immune health – Astragalus, Echinacea, EpiCor^®, Green Tea, Elderberry, Goldenseal Root, Licorice Root, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Olive Leaf, and Shiitake Mushrooms.

Research

Astragalus

Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate the immune system. Its properties can restore various immune functions to protect the body from infections.

An animal study found that astragalus improved the immune response by boosting antibodies in mice with suppressed immunity.[1] In addition, another study found astragalus increased the proliferation of B cells and macrophages in mice suggesting the herb strengthens immunity through this activation.[2]

Astragalus can stimulate immune cells and restore T-cell function in patients with abnormal cell growth.[3] This herb quickly aids immunity as immune cells were stimulated within 24 hours after administration among subjects that took astragalus, echinacea, and/or licorice for seven days.[4]

Echinacea

Echinacea, found in the United States and Southern Canada, is commonly used throughout Europe and North America to prevent and treat infections.6 It stimulates antibodies and reduces inflammation to help the immune response.

A meta-analysis reviewed Echinacea's effectiveness in preventing common cold symptoms. The analysis found that the common cold was 55% more likely to occur in the placebo groups, when compared to Echinacea treatment groups.[5] In addition, Echinacea significantly reduced the duration of an upper respiratory infection among 32 subjects that were given the herb or a placebo.[6] Similarly, Echinacea reduced inflammation in bronchial cells to discourage an infection.[7]

Three types of Echinacea extract were given to mice for seven days observing a significant effect on antibody activation among all forms of Echinacea.[8] Another animal study further explains that Echinacea stimulated macrophage function in mice to reduce infections in the body.[9]

Elderberry

Elderberry, found in Europe and North America, contains flavonoids that have strong antioxidant properties to fight infections. One study observed that elderberry aided immune function by improving the production of inflammatory cytokines (proteins that regulate the immunity).[10]

By stimulating immunity mechanisms, elderberry has been effective in reducing the symptoms of ten flu-like virus strains. It is suggested that the herb benefits individuals with healthy and suppressed immune systems.[11] Furthermore, flu-like symptoms can be quickly alleviated. Sixty patients with flu-like symptoms were recruited to take elderberry or a placebo for five days. Symptoms decreased four days earlier among subjects taking elderberry, when compared to the placebo group.[12]

Goldenseal Root

Indigenous to the United States, goldenseal root has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as it has been valued for its immune-enhancing properties to fight infections and viruses. Its antimicrobial activity has been used to fight bacteria, fungi, and parasites.[13]

Various studies have observed Goldenseal's antibacterial activity. One study used the extract on six different strains of bacteria finding goldenseal quickly destroyed the strains.[14] Another study reviewed goldenseal's effects on oral pathogens finding its antimicrobial activity restrained the proliferation of the bacteria strains.[15]

A six-week animal study treated immune-suppressed rats with Echinacea or goldenseal. Both treatment groups showed improvement in immune function as the production of immunoglobulin antibodies increased.[16]

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Derived from the seeds, pulp, and membrane of grapefruit, citrus paradisi (grapefruit seed extract) has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties that strengthen immunity.

Several studies have observed grapefruit seed extract's (GSE) antibacterial and antifungal activity on bacterial strains to understand the effectiveness in human infections. GSE was tested against 20 bacterial and 10 yeast strains. Results indicated GSE had the strongest effect on Salmonella, but all strains were affected by the extract.[17] A similar study used GSE on 67 bacterial organisms overnight finding the extract inhibited the progression of all bacteria strains that were tested in this study.[18]

Furthermore, GSE was applied to candida albicans strains (yeast-like fungus) finding that a 33% solution of GSE was effective in deterring the production of candida albicans strains.[19] A pilot-study gave subjects with urinary tract infections grapefruit seeds for two weeks finding grapefruit seed's antibacterial activity reduced the infection.[20]

GSE's toxicity and activity time were observed on different bacterial strains finding the extract was safe and effective in disrupting bacterial membranes within 15 minutes after contact showing strong antimicrobial activity.[21]

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Green tea's immune-strengthening components have been effective in stimulating various defense mechanisms. One study found green tea catechins boosted T-cell proliferation to stimulate immunity and suppress foreign antigens.[22]

Green tea's antimicrobial properties boosted macrophage activity to fight respiratory infections in patients with suppressed immunity[23], while another study found that green tea catechins reduced the proliferation of bacterial antigens by activating potent antioxidant activity.[24]

An animal study observed the effects of green tea on mice with liver ailments. Results indicated the treatment group had less liver inflammation exhibiting an immune-mediated response to inhibit injury.[25] Furthermore, green tea regulated the immune response in mice to prevent the proliferation of abnormal cell growth.[26]

Licorice Root

Native to southern Europe, licorice contains phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. These compounds include beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, a steroid-like structure that has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy benefits to modulate immune activity.[27]

A pilot-study reviewed the effects of licorice, Echinacea, and/or astragalus in activating immune cells in subjects taking these herbs for seven days. Researchers found that these herbs stimulated the immune response within 24 hours after administration. Furthermore, combining these herbs enhanced T cell function.[28]

Licorice root, garlic, plantain, or sea buckthorn was given to birds to evaluate immune cell response. Results indicated licorice and sea buckthorn significantly boosted macrophage function to aid cellular immunity.[29]

Licorice root has been used to inhibit liver injuries and inflammation. One study found the extract deterred liver inflammation in rats exposed to environmental toxins 20 hours after exposure.[30] In addition, licorice improved immune function and inhibited the proliferation of abnormal cell growth in mice with liver ailments.[31]

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that stimulate antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. One of the primary compounds found in olive leaf extract is oleuropein, which has been shown to delay bacterial and fungal growth that impairs the immune system.

Seven phenolic compounds contained in olive leaf extract have antibacterial and antifungal properties suggesting olive leaf is beneficial in fighting foreign antigens.[32] This was observed in rabbits inoculated with a foreign pathogen, as oleuropein inhibited inflammation and bacterial growth among the infected animals.[33]

One study evaluated oleuropein's antimicrobial effect on human pathogenic bacteria finding oleuropein inhibited bacteria growth in strains associated with intestinal and respiratory infections.[34] Similarly, oleuropein inhibited the development of viral infections suggesting olive leaf extract is beneficial in destroying viral agents.[35]

Shitake Mushroom

Shitake Mushrooms are one of the most commonly used mushrooms in Chinese medicine. Various studies have recognized this mushroom's ability to deter abnormal cell growth and fight infections. One study found shitake mushrooms modulated the immune response to prevent the proliferation of abnormal cells in the human breast.[36] Shitake mushroom's antimicrobial properties may aid cellular proliferation, as it can also significantly inhibit the development of bacterial strains.[37]

Vitamin C

Vitamin C concentrations quickly decline in the body during stress and infections. Unfortunately, this is when the body needs it the most to improve production of antimicrobial and natural killer cell activity, along with lymphocyte proliferation.[38] Several studies indicate vitamin C supplementation can restore the body's supply to shorten symptoms of infections.1

A sixteen-week study reviewed the effects of vitamins C (1 g/day) and E (200 mg/day) on strengthening the immune response in older women. Results indicated an increase in lymphocytes and decrease in lipid peroxides and cortisol levels suggesting these antioxidants can significantly improve immune function in older women.[39]

Vitamin C supplementation was administered to 168 volunteers between the winter months of November and February to assess the frequency of cold infections. Subjects taking vitamin C reported fewer colds and a shortened duration of cold symptoms, when compared to the placebo group.[40]

One study evaluated the effects of vitamin C (1000 mg) in relieving cold and flu symptoms among 252 students, in relation to 463 students that took traditional cold/flu therapies. Subjects taking vitamin C reported that ill symptoms decreased by 85%, when compared to the control group taking traditional therapies.[41]

Vitamin C may decrease the frequency of respiratory infections among individuals participating in extreme physical activity. A research review included studies that reviewed infections among children at a ski camp, long-distance runners, and military trainees. Results indicated vitamin C significantly reduced the frequency of infections in all three studies.[42] The same researcher reviewed twelve more studies in regards to vitamin C intake and respiratory ailments. The review concluded that vitamin C had a significant impact on reducing cold symptoms in subjects, while individuals were under heavy physical stress.[43]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take two capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Astragalus – Up to 1,500 mg per day

Echinacea – Up to 900 mg per day, long term use is not recommended (8 weeks)

Elderberry – Up to 1,500 mg per day

Goldenseal Root – Up to 500 mg per day in divided doses

Grapefruit Seed Extract – 100 mg to 300 mg per day

Green Tea – Up to 500 mg per day (200 mg EGCG, NMT 200 mg caffeine)

Licorice Root – Up to 600 mg per day, long-term use is not recommended (6 weeks)

Olive Leaf – Up to 1,500 mg per day in divided doses

Shitake Mushroom – Up to 400 mg per day in divided doses

Vitamin C - Up to 3,000 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosages of the nutrients in this formula have not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Astragalus – Caution should be used for individuals with autoimmune diseases (lupus, etc.). Do not use Astragalus 14 days prior to surgery, as it may increase bleeding.

Echinacea – Individuals with autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, AIDS, etc.) should not take products containing Echinacea.

Elderberry – There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Goldenseal Root – Individuals with high blood pressure, pregnant women or nursing mothers, and those with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should consult a physician prior to supplementation.

Grapefruit Seed Extract – Individuals with high blood pressure, depression, breast cancer, or ulcers should consult a physician prior to supplementation.

Green Tea – Excessive amounts of caffeine (300 mg or more) can lead to restlessness, tremors, etc.

Licorice Root – Do not use high doses for a prolonged period of time. Consult a physician before taking products with licorice root if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, low potassium levels, or too much muscle tension.

Olive Leaf – Individuals with a history of kidney stones should consult a physician prior to supplementation.

Shitake Mushroom – Individuals with eosinophilia should consult a physician prior to use. Large amounts of shitake may cause stomach upset.

Vitamin C - Stomach upset including nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps may occur in large doses due to unabsorbed vitamin C passing through the intestines.

Drug Interactions

Consult a physician before taking NUTRA Immune, as the following key nutrients may interact with certain medications.

Astragalus – Blood Thinning Medicine (Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix, Lovenox, etc.)

Echinacea – Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants (Imuran, Simulect, etc.)

Elderberry – Tannin content in Elderberry may interact with Iron absorption. To avoid this interaction separate iron and Elderberry administration time by two hours.

Goldenseal Root – Cytochrome P450 3A4-metabolized drugs

Grapefruit Seed Extract – High blood pressure medicine (Norvasc, Plendil, Adalat, etc.), Sleep aids (Valium, Versed, etc.), Migraine headache drugs (Cafergot, Relpax), Cholesterol medicine, (Mevacor, Lipitor, Zocor, etc), Estrogen (Premarin, birth control pills).

Green Tea – Blood Thinning Medicine, Alkaline medications

Licorice Root – Diabetic medications (insulin, etc), hormones (testosterone, estrogen, birth control pills), corticosteroids, laxatives (Metamucil, Dulcolax, etc.), heart medicine (Lanoxin, Cordarone, etc.), potassium supplements, antidepressants or parkinson's disease drugs, blood thinners (Coumadin, etc.), blood pressure medicine (Sectral, Cartrol, etc.)

Olive Leaf – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Shitake Mushroom – There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

Vitamin C – Aluminum-containing antacids, Aspirin (impairs vitamin C), Chemotherapeutic agents, Estrogen, or Indinavir.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

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[2] Shao BM, Xu W, Dai H, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Aug 6; 320(4):1103-1111.

[3] Cho WC, Leung KN. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor effects of Astragalus membranaceus. Cancer Lett. 2007 Jul 8; 252(1):43-54. Epub. 2007 Jan 16.

[4] Brush J, Mendenhall E, Guggenheim A, et al. The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans. Phytother Res. 2006 Aug; 20(8):687-695.

[5] Schoop R, Klein P, Suter A, Johnston SL. Echinacea in the prevention of induced rhinovirus colds: a meta-analysis. Clin Ther. 2006; 28(2):174-183.

[6] Hall H, Fahlman MM, Engels HJ. Echinacea purpurea and mucosal immunity. Int J Sports Med. 2007 Sep; 28(9):792-797. Epub. 2007 Apr 13.

[7] Sharma M, Arnason JT, Burt A, Hudson JB. Echinacea extracts modulate the pattern of chemokine and cytokine secretion in rhinovirus-infected and uninfected epithelial cells. Phytother Res. 2006 Feb; 20(2):147-152.

[8] Zhai Z, Liu Y, Wu L, et al. Enhancement of innate and adaptive immune functions by multiple Echinacea species. J Med Food. 2007 Sep; 10(3):423-434.

[9] Sullivan AM, Laba JG, Moore JA, Lee TD. Echinacea-induced macrophage activation. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2008; 30(3):553-574.

[10] Barak V, Birkenfeld S, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of herbal remedies on the production of human inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Isr Med Assoc J. 2002 Nov; 4(11 Suppl):919-922.

[11] Barak V, Halperin T, Kalickman I. The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines: I. Inflammatory cytokines. Eur Cytokine Netw. 2001 Apr-Jun; 12(2):290-296.

[12] Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr; 32(2):132-140.

[13] No authors listed. Berberine. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Apr; 5(2):175-7.

[14] Scazzocchio F, Cometa MF, Tomassini L, Palmery M. Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids. Planta Med. 2001 Aug; 67(6):561-564.

[15] Hwang BY, Roberts SK, Chadwick LR, et al. Antimicrobial constituents from goldenseal (the Rhizomes of Hydrastis canadensis) against selected oral pathogens. Planta Med. 2003 Jul; 69(7):623-627.

[16] Rehman J, Dillow JM, Carter SM, et al. Increased production of antigen-specific immunoglobulins G and M following in vivo treatment with the medicinal plants Echinacea angustifolia and Hydrastis canadensis. Immunol Lett. 1999 Jun 1; 68(2-3):391-395.

[17] Cvetnić Z, Vladimir-Knezević S. Antimicrobial activity of grapefruit seed and pulp ethanolic extract. Acta Pharm. 2004 Sep; 54(3):243-250.

[18] Reagor L, Gusman J, McCoy L, et al. The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: I. An in vitro agar assay. J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Jun; 8(3):325-332.

[19] Krajewska-Kułak E, Lukaszuk C, Niczyporuk W. Effects of 33% grapefruit extract on the growth of the yeast--like fungi, dermatopytes and moulds. Wiad Parazytol. 2001; 47(4):845-849.

[20] Oyelami OA, Agbakwuru EA, Adeyemi LA, Adedeji GB. The effectiveness of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) seeds in treating urinary tract infections. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Apr; 11(2):369-371.

[21] Heggers John P, Cottingham John, Gusman Jean, et al The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. June 1, 2002, 8(3): 333-340.

[22] Yoneyama S, Kawai K, Tsuno NH, et al. Epigallocatechin gallate affects human dendritic cell differentiation and maturation. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Jan; 121(1):209-214. Epub. 2007 Nov 1.

[23] Yamamoto Y, Matsunaga K, Friedman H. Protective effects of green tea catechins on alveolar macrophages against bacterial infections. Biofactors. 2004; 21(1-4):119-121.

[24] Watson JL, Vicario M, Wang A, et al. Immune cell activation and subsequent epithelial dysfunction by Staphylococcus enterotoxin B is attenuated by the green tea polyphenol - epigallocatechin gallate. Cell Immuno. 2005 Sep; 237(1):7-16. Epub. 2005 Oct 6.

[25] Wang Y, Mei Y, Feng D, Xu L. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects mice from concanavalin A-induced hepatitis through suppressing immune-mediated liver injury. Clin Exp Immunol. 2006 Sep; 145(3):485-492.

[26] Zhu M, Gong Y, Yang Z. Protective effect of tea on immune function in mice. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 1998 Sep; 32(5):270-274.

[27] Kroes BH, Beukelman CJ, Van den Berg AJ, et al. Inhibition of human complement by beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. Immunology. 1997 Jan; 90(1):115-120.

[28] Brush J, Mendenhall E, Guggenheim A, et al. The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans. Phytother Res. 2006 Aug; 20(8):687-695.

[29] Dorhoi A, Dobrean V, Zăhan M, Virag P. Modulatory effects of several herbal extracts on avian peripheral blood cell immune responses. Phytother Res. 2006 May; 20(5):352-358.

[30] Shibayama Y. Prevention of hepatotoxic responses to chemicals by glycyrrhizin in rats. Exp Mol Patho. 1989 Aug; 51(1):48-55.

[31] Li J, Xie M, Gan Y. Effect of Xiaochaihu decoction and different herbal formulation of component on inhibiting H22 liver cancer in mice and enhancing immune function. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2008 May; 33(9):1039-1044.

[32] Pereira AP, Ferreira IC, Marcelino F, et al. Phenolic compounds and antimicrobial activity of olive (Olea europaea L. Cv. Cobrançosa) leaves. Molecules. 2007 May 26; 12(5):1153-1162.

[33] Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Geladopoulos T, Chrisofos M, et al. Oleuropein: a novel immunomodulator conferring prolonged survival in experimental sepsis by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Shock. 2006 Oct; 26(4):410-416.

[34] Bisignano G, Tomaino A, Lo Cascio R, et al. On the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1999 Aug; 51(8):971-974.

[35] Micol V, Caturla N, Pérez-Fons L, et al. The olive leaf extract exhibits antiviral activity against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia rhabdovirus (VHSV). Antiviral Res. 2005 Jun; 66(2-3):129-136. Epub. 2005 Apr 18.

[36] Israilides C, Kletsas D, Arapoglou D, et al. In vitro cytostatic and immunomodulatory properties of the medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes. Phytomedicine. 2008 Jun; 15(6-7):512-9. Epub. 2008 Feb 1.

[37] Kuznetsov OIu, Mil'kova EV, Sosnina AE, Sotnikova Niu. Antimicrobial action of Lentinus edodes juice on human microflora. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2005 Jan-Feb; (1):80-2.

[38] Wintergerst, ES, Maggini, S, Hornig, DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006; 50(2):85-94.

[39] De La Fuente, M, Ferrandez, MD, et al. Immune function in aged women is improved by ingestion of vitamins C and E. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1998 Apr; 76(4):373-380.

[40] Van, SM, Josling, P. Preventing the common cold with a vitamin C supplement: a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. Adv Ther. 2002 May; 19(3): 151-159.

[41] Gorton, HC, Jarvis, K. The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999 Oct; 22(8): 530-533.

[42] Hemila, H. Vitamin C and common cold incidence: a review of studies with subjects under heavy physical stress. Int J Sports Med. 1996 Jul; 17(5): 379-383.

[43] Hemila, H. Vitamin C supplementation and respiratory infections: a systematic review. Mil Med. 2004 Nov; 169(11): 920-925.