Basic Instinct: Immunity
Protecting the body from harm is a natural instinct requiring
natural solutions.
by Steve Myers
Protecting the human body is an around the clock task. There are certain
times and seasons of greater malcontent, but health and self-preservation are
tested every second of every day of every month. Keeping the immune system in
tip-top shape is no easy chore, given the complexities of the involuntary immune
response; but, in addition to healthy diet changes, dietary supplements can help
address general immune health, as well as target specific aspects of illness
prevention and severity.
Learning about something as complex as the immune system can be daunting, but
as with most high level education, repetition rules. Staying up-to-date on the
mechanisms of the immune system and its many active parts is the best way for a
retailer to both understand the actions of various supplements and, in turn,
educate customers while making suggestions on possible natural remedies.
The basic outside threats to human health are either viruses or bacteria.
These are called antigens. Other usually innocuous substances can trigger an
autoimmune response, such as in the case of allergies.
The first line of defense against such antigens, whether pathogenic (harmful)
or not, is the innate immune response, which is normally a birthright. At this
level, the immune system uses various tools located or delivered to sites or
membranes that interface with the outside world. The skin has a blood supply
rich in immune cells and can secrete antimicrobial substances; membranes lining
the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and other body openings contain immune cells and
enzymes that help prevent antigens from reaching the inner body; mucus traps
antigens, which are then carried by rhythmic cilia up the throat for expulsion;
the eyes secrete tear drops, which contain the enzyme lysozyme to break down
harmful bacteria; saliva in the throat is also laden with antibacterial
substances; and stomach acid often halts antigens before they can be absorbed.
However, these innate protections are not impenetrable, and the immune system
has developed tools to confront antigens that make it deeper into the body.
Chief among these weapons are numerous different white blood cells, each with
its own special power and assignment. It is important to have a decent
understanding of these immune cells, as most research on supplements focuses on
levels and activities of these cells.
White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are created in bone marrow from
stem cells.
Forming the frontline are monocytes, which move from blood to tissue and
become macrophages, huge cells that seek and destroy pathogens. Langerhans cells
in skin are an example of a monocyte.
The granulocyte group includes basophils and eisonophils, which handle
parasites in the lungs and skin, and produce histamine, which stimulates
inflammation. Also included are neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cell
in the body and adept hunters and slayers of pathogens.
Perhaps the most known immune cells to followers of health research are
lymphocytes, including T cells and B cells. T cells go from the marrow to the
thymus, while B cells head to the blood. These cells are a formidable team. Each
B cell identifies a specific virus or bacteria then releases swarms of
antibodies for that specific threat. However, B cells cannot penetrate antigens;
they only bind to them. T cells find cells infected with identified antigens and
destroy the antigens with direct brute force. Certain T cells, including helper
T cells, assist B cells by producing cytokines, including interferon, that
activate antibody production. Interferon, which is also produced by macrophages,
interferes with viruses, curbing virus replication.
Another key immune cell is the Natural Killer (NK) cell, which not only hunts
cancer and tumor cells for the innate immune response, but also releases
cytokines and other chemicals to trigger the antigen immune response.
Dietary supplement ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants,
herbs and specialty substances, address the production and activity of these
various immune cells, and have been shown to benefit certain areas of immune
function, including specific maladies.
As a healthy immune system starts with a proper diet, basic nutritional
components are key to self-preservation. Cornell University researchers reported
nutritional deficiencies may weaken immune response, especially in younger years
but possibly over an entire lifetime.1 They particularly noted the
importance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and probiotics.
Deficiency of B vitamins, specifically B6, has been associated with
decreased production of various lymphocytes and interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein
cytokine that promotes the proliferation of CD4 T cells.2 In fact,
Oregon State University researchers found improved B6 status in women correlated
to increased lymphocyte proliferation.3 Similarly, inositol
hexaphosphate (IP6), considered a B vitamin, impacts secretion of IL-8, a
chemokine that affects neutrophil activity.4 IP6 also promotes
inflammatory response in macrophages, where IL-8 is produced,5 a
mechanism that has shown promising antitumor effects.6
Equally important to immune cells is vitamin C, which is indicated in
production of both interferon and antibodies. It also protects neutrophils from
oxidation.7 Part of vitamin C’s protective benefit is due to its
antioxidant action. Oxidative stress increases the antioxidant requirements of
the white blood cell macrophages and lymphocytes.8 Vitamin C
supplementation increases antioxidant glutathione concentration in lymphocytes,9
and normalizes monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells.10 Long used
against the elusive common cold, vitamin C has shown mixed results in cold
prevention, according to a major review.11 However, a 2002 study
involving 180 British subjects found vitamin C supplementation (as Ester- C®,
from Zila Nutraceuticals) could prevent the common cold, as well as limit severe
symptoms and shorten the duration.12
Fellow antioxidant vitamin E is thought to protect the thymus and
various immune cells from oxidative stress. In fact, research shows vitamin E
plays an important role in the differentiation of immature T cells in the
thymus, inducing higher differentiation that results in improved cellular
immunity.13 And high-dose (1,500 mg/d) supplementation was shown to
increase macrophage and lymphocyte chemotaxis, superoxide (SO) anion production
and lympho-proliferative capacity.14 However, even low-dose vitamin E
supplementation (200 IU/d) has shown the ability to protect the elderly from
upper respiratory tract infections and reduced the rate of multiple infections.15
Researchers from Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., concluded
vitamin E, along with vitamin A, exhibited an overall protective effect
on acute toxicity and oxidative stress associated with thymus health.16
On its own, vitamin A contributes to production of T helper cells and other T
cells destroyed by immunodeficiency.17 Canadian scientists linked
vitamin A deficiency to immuno-incompetence,18 while a University of
California, Davis, team reviewing trial literature found vitamin A deficiency
impairs innate immunity by impeding normal regeneration of mucosal barriers
damaged by infection, and by diminishing the function of neutrophils,
macrophages and NK cells.19 They further noted vitamin A’s impact
on T helper cells TH2 and TH1 activity.
The vitamin A precursor beta-carotene has shown benefit to the
destructive abilities of NK cells, especially against tumors.20
German researchers found a diet low in vegetables rich in beta-carotene and
other carotenoids contributes to depressed T cell functioning.21 They
noted tomato juice administration restored T cell function, including secretion
of TH2-like IL-2 and TH1- like IL-4. Dutch researchers studying plasma levels of
six major carotenoids (lycopene, beta- and alpha-carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin,
lutein and zeaxanthin) in elderly subjects monitored for upper respiratory
infections found high plasma levels of carotenoids, especially beta-carotene,
may lower the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections.22
As a group, carotenoids can support the immune system by addressing free
radicals, but have also been found to lower occurrence of upper respiratory
infections.23 Individual carotenoids have shown specific benefits to
immune function as both antioxidants and immune stimulators. Found in high
concentrations in tomatoes and tomato products, lycopene protects immune
cells from oxidation.24 Researchers found supplementation increased
plasma carotenoid concentrations and reduced lymphocyte DNA oxidative damage by
half.
Astaxanthin, typically derived from algae, is another immune stimulator,
working to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation, increase T cell production and
amplify NK cell cytotoxic activity. In separate trials, astaxanthin
administration in mice curbed liver tissue damage and related NK cell activity,25
and also increased resistance to tumor growth and higher cytotoxic T-cell and
interferon-gamma activity.26
Although best known for its role in eye health, lutein may stimulate
both active and passive immune responses. Animal research shows lutein
supplementation increases lymphocyte proliferation and production of
immunoglobulin G (IgG).27 The most abundant immunoglobulin, IgG
enters the placenta to protect fetuses’ pre-immune system development; it
otherwise helps by binding to pathogens and activating the complement, the fluid
of the lymph system. Similar animal study found lutein supplementation increased
T cell CD4 and CD21 lymphocytes as well as IgG.28 More recently, risk
of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) was inversely linked to not only greater
intake of vegetables, but also to higher intake of lutein and zeaxanthin,
as well as zinc.29
Zinc helps regulate various immune cells, including T cells, CD4, NK cells
and IL-2. “Zinc is fundamentally one of the most important nutrients required
for immune health—it is involved in over 60 enzyme systems in the body, many
of which are part of the immune system,” said Paul Dijkstra, executive vice
president of InterHealth Nutraceuticals. “Zinc may not grab the headline
attention that newer discoveries do, but that doesn’t diminish its importance.”
Michigan State University scientists reported the “immunological hallmarks”
of zinc deficiency are thymus atrophy and compromised cell- and
antibody-mediated response,30 while University of California,
Berkeley, researchers noted even mild zinc deficiency may impact immune function
by decreasing lymphocyte proliferation and the in vitro secretion of IL-2.31
Researchers studying the mineral’s effects on human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), which uses CD4 for binding, reported zinc status is essential for T cell
division, maturation and differentiation, as well as lymphocyte response and
other immune functions.32 On other illness, zinc gluconate lozenges
(as COLD-EEZE®, from Quigley) lowered the incidence of the common cold in
school children and also reduced use of antibiotics among the young subjects.33
On zinc’s antioxidant contribution to immunity, researchers have found zinc
bound to either L-methionine (as L-OptiZinc®, from InterHealth) or
dl-methionine (as OptiZinc®, from InterHealth) provided greater antioxidant
protection against brain and liver DNA damage than other forms of zinc tested,
including zinc gluconate and zinc sulfate.34 And unpublished animal
research out of North Carolina State University in Raleigh showed
zinc-methionine (as OptiZinc) enhanced mononuclear-phagocytic function, which is
important for disease resistance and increased cellular immunity.
The presence of minerals, including zinc and copper, is also important
to production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an endogenous enzyme that
provides various antioxidant protections to cells. SOD coated in a wheat gliadin
layer (as GliSODin™, from P.L. Thomas [PLT]) has been found to stimulate
production of nitric oxide and control production of superoxide anion by
macrophages, helping to modulate immune function by controlling expression of
cytokines and other antioxidant enzymes.35 “Antioxidants,
particularly those produced by our bodies—such as SOD—are vitally important
to immunity,” said Eric Anderson, brand manager for PLT. He cited research
showing GliSODin as effective in immune stimulation in HIV patients is based on
protection of T cells. “Apoptosis of T cells is characteristic of HIV and
AIDS, and free radicals contribute to this event,” he said, adding consumers
not immune compromised can also benefit from SOD antioxidant protection of T
cells and other immune cells.
Also common in HIV patients, deficiency of the mineral selenium wreaks
havoc on immune function. University of Miami scientists studying the effects of
selenium deficiency on HIV associated selenium levels to T cell function and
apoptosis, noting selenium may enhance resistance to infection by modulating IL
production and Th1 and Th2 response.36 Selenium deficiency may allow
invading viruses to mutate and remain for a longer period in the host, according
to research from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.37
They found selenium-deficient animals exposed to human influenza virus (flu)
experienced more severe and longer lasting flu, including lung inflammation,
than the non-deficient mice.
Scientists have also logged success with selenium supplementation on immune
response, especially combined with vitamin E, which results in interactive
effects as oxygen radical scavengers, thereby promoting human lymphocyte
response to antigens.38 Additional research on this combination
therapy showed it enhances the body’s response to bacterial39 and
parasitic infections.40
As many of the immune-boosting vitamins and minerals contribute antioxidant
protection, research has focused on the immune benefits of various other
antioxidants, including phytochemicals. Flavonoids are water-soluble
phytochemicals found in plants and noted for antioxidant benefits and promotion
of various immune cells.
Grape seed extract (GSE) contains numerous flavonoids including
proanthocyanidins, which contribute antiinflammatory actions and protect mast
cells, which produce histamine. In animal research, GSE proanthocyanidins
reduced UVB-induced increases in immunosuppressive cytokines in the skin, while
enhancing production of immunostimulatory cytokines.41 Additional
animal study revealed GSE can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines in
an experimental inflammation model.42
Another GSE compound, resveratrol, has been found to modulate several
human immune cell functions related to its effects on cytokine production by
both CD4 and CD8 cells.43 In alveolar (lung) macrophages, treatment
with resveratrol inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines in response to
outside stimuli.44
Other berries are also rich in immune boosting flavonoids. Cranberry flavonoids
contain anthocyanins and flavonols, and have been found useful in the immune
response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its uptake by endothelial
macrophages.45 Cranberries and blueberries have also
demonstrated antibacterial properties, especially in the urinary tract.
Cranberry juice has been particularly effective at preventing E. coli bacteria
from adhering to the urinary tract’s endothelial wall,46 a benefit
also credited to wild blueberry proanthocyanidins.47 Cranberry
inhibits similar adhesion of Helicobacter pylori in the gastric wall, a
precursor of gastric ulcer.48 However, a multiple berry extract (as
OptiBerry®, from InterHealth)— cranberry, elderberry, blueberry, raspberry,
strawberry and bilberry—inhibited H. pylori better than individual extracts of
the berries.49
In addition to vitamin C and other nutrients, citrus fruits contain a wealth
of bioflavonoids that are helpful to immune function. Polymethoxylated flavones
(PMFs) are found in the peels of citrus fruits and are more stable and
bioactive, according to SourceOne Global, supplier of Sytrinol™, a combination
of PMFs and tocotrienol (vitamin E) developed by KGK Synergize. PMFs have shown
promise against inflammatory parameters of immune function. In fact, PMF extract
(as Citri-Z™, from Next Pharmaceuticals) was shown to modulate TNF-alpha and
natural killer cell activity.50
Retailers might find a boost to immune sales by considering popular
antioxidant and flavonoid rich exotic fruits. Açai pulp, from the
berries of an Amazon palm tree, contains a high amount of antioxidants, as well
as beneficial lipids. Research has shown bioactive açai polyphenols (including
anthocyanins) in glycated and aglycone forms significantly inhibited
proliferation of cancer cells (HL-60 leukemia cells) while promoting apoptosis.51
Lead researcher Steve Talcott, Ph.D., assistant professor, Food Science and
Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, cautioned these results do not
show açai prevents cancer, but instead show the activity of açai against a
cancerous system. “Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a
model system may also have beneficial properties in our bodies,” he stated.
“Seven different concentrations were tested reflecting varying levels of
anthocyanins absorbed in the bloodstream ... each group of polyphenolics
(glycosides and aglycones) had a significant impact on reducing the number of
live cancer cells ... higher concentrations killed more cancer cells than lower
concentrations.”
Planting the Seeds of Immunity
With a complement of bioactive phytochemicals, plants are prominent in the
immune health tool chest. Beyond fruits, numerous herbs contain key
phytochemicals with specific immune activities.
Polysaccharides, complex carbohydrate compounds often found as structural
components of plants, have a dual role in immunity. While harmful bacteria
commonly produce a thick, mucous-like layer of polysaccharide that cloaks
proteins on the surface that would otherwise provoke immune response,
polysaccharides found in numerous herbs have proven beneficial to immune
functions.
Arabinogalactans, polysaccharides found in the cell walls of vegetables
and herbs, have been shown to enhance NK cytotoxic activity, though the exact
mechanism of action for this effect has not yet been specified.52Echinacea
also contains arabinogalactans, which have been reported to increase
interferon, tumor necrosis factor and IL-1 production through stimulation of
macrophage activity. A study out of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
in Arizona found extracts of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia combined with larch
arabinogalactan, Larix occidentalis, extract (as ImmunEnhancer AG™,
from Lonza Group) increased production of complement properdin, which is an
indicator of immune system stimulation.53 In fact in vitro research
showed E. angustifolia (as Polinacea®, from Indena) administered to
immunocompetent mice infected with Candida albicans significantly
increased survival time and production of T lymphocytes and interferon.54
A modified Aloe barbadensis polysaccharide (as Active Aloe®,
from Unigen Pharmaceuticals) activated macrophage cells and stimulated
fibroblast growth.55 Acemannan, another polysaccharide in aloe,
activates immune response and has antitumoral activities. A study from South
Korea found immature dendritic cells (accessory cells in initiating immune
response) stimulated with acemannan matured to active state.56
Similarly, an in vivo study on acemannan (in Manapol®, from Carrington
Laboratories) as an adjuvant in vaccination indicated the compound increased
activation capacity of macrophages.57 And, researchers from the
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, reported in a review article
of in vitro and animal studies that acemannan and complementary beta-1,3 glucans
from aloe activate macrophages and increase the number and function of cytotoxic
T-cells.58
Beta-glucans are also abundant in the cell walls of mushrooms, barley, oats
and yeast. These polysaccharides promote macrophage activity without
overstimulating cell-mediated immune response. Theories suggest beta-glucans
bind to receptors on macrophages and other white blood cells, including the
receptor dectin-1.59
Yeast-derived beta-1,3/1,6 glucans (as WGP 3-6®, from Biothera) were found
to significantly enhance immune response, as they are taken up by
gastrointestinal macrophages and broken down in the bone marrow to smaller
fragments that could enhance granulocyte activity.60 Researchers
reported these enhanced macrophages and neutrophils more effectively inhibited
antigens. Further study revealed administration of WGP 3-6 to mice enhanced
recovery after bone marrow injury,61 and had the ability to repress
transcription of NFkappa- B mediated cytokine transcription.62
Agaricus blazeii Murill (ABM), which contains arabinogalactans indicated
as crucial to T cell production and proliferation, also contains beta glucans
important to immune cell cytotoxicity. In an animal model, a tumor cell injected
with Agaricus extract showed regression, according to researchers, who also
noted an activation of macrophages and neutrophils, as well as an increase in
serum levels of immunosuppressive acidic protein.63 Similar animal
research found Agaricus extract exhibited anti-tumor activity and increased
activity of cytotoxic T-cells.64
Ron Steriti, N.D., a private practitioner, reported ABM also fights cancer
with its content of natural steroids, which are different from chemical steroids
that cause cancer. Ergosterol is the main steroid in ABM that produces the
anticancer effect, possibly inhibiting angiogenesis induced by solid tumors.65
Maitake mushrooms are rich in beta glucans and have effectively
stimulated NK cell activity via macrophage activation.66,67,68 Also
beneficial to T cell activity, the D-fraction portion of maitake demonstrated
antitumor activities in one in vitro study, decreasing activation of B cells
while activating helper T cells.69 The extract specifically enhanced
production of IFN-gamma, IL-12 and IL-18. Additional study revealed increased
survival of listeria-induced mice treated with Dfraction, which also experienced
increased splenic T cell activity, with macrophages producing 2.7 times as much
IL-1.70 In early 2006, Japanese researchers reported two maitake
extracts (as MaitakeGold 404®, marketed by Tradeworks Group Inc., and
Grifron®-Pro Maitake D, from Maitake Products Inc.) stimulated immune response—phagocytosis,
NK cell activity, expression of surface markers, cytokine secretion and
apoptosis—and exhibited similar or higher activity than Lentinan (an
anticancer drug made from shitake), while they can also be administered at lower
doses and given orally without loss of activity.71
A variety of medicinal mushrooms contain beta glucans and other
immuneboosting nutrients, lending credence to the popularity of multiple
mushroom supplements. Emma Mann, sales and marketing director for EcoNugenics,
noted Asian doctors use at least 50 species of mushrooms, some for their
inhibition of cancers. She said MycoPhyto®, a combination of coriolus, reishi,
polyporus, Agaricus, cordyceps and maitake, “acts as an adaptogen, restoring
balance to the entire system and training the immune response as an integrated
system against potential threats.” She added these medicinal mushrooms are
grown on a proprietary matrix of immune-supporting herbs and organic brown rice.
“This increases their potency, because mushrooms absorb things from their
environment,” she said.
Similarly, a proprietary co-cultivation of organically-grown medicinal
mushrooms, AHCC® (active hexose correlated compound, available in the United
States from Maypro and Quality of Life Labs), protects the thymus from cell
death72 and promotes immune cell proliferation and cytokine
production in the spleen.73 According to a study of Stage IV cancer
patients, AHCC may also increase NK cell activity, and production of
IFN-gamma and IL-12.74 The compound has also shown benefits in the
area of pneumonia, increasing resistance to infection, decreasing mortality and
improving the immune system’s ability to remove related bacteria.75
Infections of the upper respiratory system, including colds, flu and
sinusitis, are among the most common immune challenges consumers face,
especially during the winter months. Complicating immunity against these
infections, the common cold can be any one of hundreds of rhinovirus strains,
the highly contagious flu virus comes in three types but changes from
year-to-year, and sinusitis can be caused by any number of different bacterial
strains or viruses, including cold and flu strains. In lieu of vaccines, which
can be harmful, and antibiotics, which can be overused to the point of
antibiotic resistant bacteria mutation, various herbs can contribute less
invasive antibacterial and antiviral properties to the immune health arsenal.
Antiviral herbs include: St. John’s wort, which is especially
effective against HIV and hepatitis C virus;76elderberry,
which contains ribosome inactivating proteins that might directly counter
viruses, including influenza A and B;77,78licorice, which
might specifically inhibit the SARS and Epstein-Barr viruses;79,80
and green tea, which has inhibited infections such as influenza, HIV,
herpes simplex type 2 and adenoviruses (respiratory and eye infections).81,82
Green tea’s antioxidant flavonoids, namely the catechins, have also proven
beneficial to immune function, enhancing both humoral and cell-mediated
immunity, while lowering risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.83
In vitro research shows green tea extract reduces formation of a marker
compound, showing activated cellmediated immunity;84 while topical
application of green tea polyphenols reduces the risk of UVB light-induced skin
disorders associated with immune suppression.85
The list of antibacterial herbs is even more extensive. One of the most
studied natural antibiotics is garlic, specifically its main
phytochemical allicin, which has been useful against numerous strains of Staphylococcus
epidermis, including antibiotic-resistant strains;86 as well as
Aspergillus spp., a mold or fungus that can cause disease.87 Garlic
extract is effective against oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and
P. gingivalis, which it can kill on contact.88 In other research, an
aqueous extract of garlic inhibited 30 clinically isolated strains of
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.89
Often paired with antiviral echinacea, goldenseal and its roster of
alkaloids are effective against numerous bacterial strains—including S.
aureus, Streptococcus sanguis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa90—in
addition to inhibiting oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans and
Fusobacterium nucleatum.91 Researchers noted goldenseal’s
berbine was most effective alkaloid, an assertion verified by University of
Chicago researchers, who showed berberine and beta-hydrastine both inhibited the
growth of H. pylori.92
Echinacea is also paired with Andrographis paniculata and Eleutherococcus
senticosus (Siberian ginseng), a combination that has proven effective
against strains of the common cold.93 Combination supplementation
with Andrographis and Siberian ginseng has also addressed duration, symptoms and
recovery from upper respiratory infections, including both influenza and
sinusitis, common cold, rhinitis, pharyngitis (sore throat) and nasopharyngitis.94,95,96
Phyotchemical serpentines from both guggul and myrrh gum resins
have demonstrated the ability to curb various bacteria and fungi, including S.
aureus and E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Candida albicans and salmonella.97,98
Resinous propolis, gathered from trees by bees for anti-infection
protection, can inhibit many bacteria strains including S. mutans, salmonella,
P. aeruginosa, S. sonnei, C. albicans and S. aureus, but has only a mild effect
against E. coli and P. aeruginosa.99,100
Antibacterial mechanisms have also been determined for a few herbs and
spices, including oregano oil and rosemary. Much of oregano’s
antimicrobial activity has centered on its phytochemical carvacrol.
Research has shown both oregano and carvacrol inhibit methicillin-susceptible
and -resistant bacteria, including staph infections (staphylococci).101
However, a 2001 animal study revealed oregano, but not carvacrol alone,
significantly increased survival from staph infection, indicating either other
constituents are to credit or it is the synergy amongst the oregano
phytochemicals.102 Other research has indicated oregano might damage
bacterial cell membranes by depleting the intracellular pH and ATP
concentrations.103
Oregano has also been studied in combination with other antimicrobial herbs.
Oregano, carvacrol, cinnamon leaf, clove and lemon oil were among herbal
remedies indicated as useful against E. coli and S. enterica.104 Both
oregano and rosemary joined basil, cardamom, dill weed, fennel and parsley as
effective herbal treatments against various bacterial infections, including
listeria, staph and Aspergillus.105 On its own rosemary is considered
effective against gram-positive bacteria, including listeria, staph, S. mutans
and B. cereus, and it slowed the growth of Penicillium Roquefortii.106
Argentine scientists linked rosemary’s antimicrobial activities to its
phenolic composition, with the most effective profile being a methanol extract
containing 30-percent carnosic acid, 16-percent carnosol and 5-percent
rosmarinic acid.107
Mostly used in topical applications, tea tree oil not only halts
bacteria and yeast common to ear infections,108 but it also targets
oral cavity pathogens, including P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, S. mutans, S.
sobrinus and A. actinomycetemcomitans.109
A non-herbal antibacterial source, probiotics produce bactericidins,
defensins, cationic proteins and lactoferrin, all of which work to destroy other
bacteria that compete for a hold in the body. Scientists have reported probiotic
lactic acid bacteria signal the immune system through innate cell surface
pattern receptors or by activating lymphoid cells (as found in the Peyer’s
patches).110 Bifidum has also displayed effectiveness in increasing
proportions of total, helper and activated T lymphocytes and NK cells.111
Various strains of lactobacilli and bifidum probiotics have inhibited harmful
bacteria, including salmonella,112 by stimulating IgA and IgM.113,114
Preliminary research revealed subjects exposed to a yeast culture (as Epicor™,
from Embria Health Sciences) had decreased CD8 cells and immune complexes, as
well as increased NK cell activity, salivary IgA and glutathione RBC; inhibition
of E. Coli and Candida was also found.
Immunoglubulins are glyoproteins that function as antibodies. Colostrum,
the first milk produced from mammals following birth, is a rich source of
natural immunoglobulins. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) explained a
wide array of humoral and cellular immune mechanisms are present in the mammary
gland and actively participate in providing immunity to newborns.115
According to various research reports, bovine colostrum concentrate taken
orally increases immunoglobulins, specifically IgA, in the face of a bacterial
challenge, such as from salmonella.116 Additional research showed
bovine colostrum supplementation activates leukocyte phagocytosis.117
Purified bovine serum also delivers natural immunoglobulins, improving
immune function and fighting bacterial infections.118 Orally
administered bovine serum (as ImmunoLin™, from Proliant) can enhance the
animals’ recovery from infection, as well as modulate the production of
inflammatory cytokines.119
There is always a new, bold malady to challenge the human immune system, but
the natural products industry is equally fresh with new products. In response,
retailers are educating themselves and their customers about the immune system
and all the different researched mechanisms by which vitamins, minerals, herbs
and specialty compounds can boost immunity and help temper illnesses, including
bacterial and viral infections.
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Protecting the human body is an around the clock task. There are certain
times and seasons of greater malcontent, but health and self-preservation are
tested every second of every day of every month. Keeping the immune system in
tip-top shape is no easy chore, given the complexities of the involuntary immune
response; but, in addition to healthy diet changes, dietary supplements can help
address general immune health, as well as target specific aspects of illness
prevention and severity.