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Herbal/Nutritional Natural Antibiotic

Description

A powerful mixture of immune-enhancing herbals team up with rich bioflavonoids and vitamins A and C to help maintain the immune system.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Common cold - Respiratory infections - Flu - Antioxidant function - Immune enhancement - Viral infections

Clinical Applications/Research

Coptis chinensis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Coptis has been used to treat many infectious diseases. Coptis is high in berberine content. Berberine has been shown to be helpful in bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Berberine sulfate and Coptis rhizome have demonstrated significant in vitro antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacterial, fungal, and protozoal micro-organisms, including Klebsiella, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Proteus, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Vibrio, Candida, Cryptococcus, and Entamoeba species (Amin AH, et al, Berberine sulfate: antimicrobial activity, bioassay, and mode of action. Can J Microbiol 1969 Sep;15(9):1067-76., Bensky D, Gamble A, Kapchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Revised Edition. Seattle: Easrland Press, Inc., 1993, p78). Berberine and Coptis inhibit the in vitro growth of a number of Candida species (Nakamoto K, et al, Effects of crude drugs and berberine hydrochloride on the activities of fungi. J Prosthet Dent 1990 Dec;64(6):691-4).

Forsythia

Forsythia displays inhibitory antibacterial action against a broad range of organisms, including Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae and pneumococci. Forsythia acts as a febrifuge and antiinflammatory agent. Traditional Chinese medicine uses forsythia to clear heat and toxin and expel exogenous wind-heat. Forsythia is used to support the immune system during common acute crises.

Lonicera

Lonicera exhibits in vitro inhibitory anti-microbial action against Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenterii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Lonicera also has the ability to deactivate some strains of influenza virus (Kee Chang Huan, The Parmacology of Chinese Herbs. NY: CRC Press, 1999, Bensky, et al, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Rev. Ed. Seattle: Easrland Press, Inc., 1993). Traditional Chinese medicine uses lonicera to dissipate heat and reduce fire toxicity and eliminate damp-heat from the Lower Burner (Bensky, p85-6).

Garlic

Garlic's antibacterial characteristics have been tested even against drug-resistant varieties, and shown to have therapeutic activity (Indian J Med Res 1991;93:33-6). The sulfides in garlic may work in a way similar to that of penicillin and sulfa drugs, to counter the growth of bacteria. Garlic's antibacterial properties include providing sinusitis relief (Vestn Otorinolaringol 1991;(2):62-3). Garlic aids the immune system, and has been shown to have a particular effect on natural killer cell activity (Foster S. Garlic. Botanical series 311. Austin Tx; American Botanical Council 1991). It has protected mice from influenza virus, and enhanced antibody production when administered with influenza vaccine (Jpn J Infect Dis 1973;47:321). These effects on both arms of the immune system (natural killer cells -cellular immunity and antibody formation - humoral immunity) demonstrate the wide range of immune effects.

Myrrh Powder

Myrrh is a fragrant plant that has been used in traditional herbal medicine and as part of religious ceremonies for thousands of years. Myrrh has been reported to have antimicrobial activity in vitro (Leung AY. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. NY, YN: J. wiley and Sons, 1980). Traditional Chinese medical indications are to revitalize the blood, alleviate blood stasis and promote healing and regeneration of tissue (Kee, p 183).

Echinacea

Echinacea is a natural herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent, and in many scientific studies for its ability to enhance the immune system. It is known to stimulate macrophages and antibodies. By increasing the number and enhancing the activity of bacteria scavenging cells, echinacea, "mediates protection against systemic infections" (Int. J. Immunophar. 13:27-37).

Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are found in green plants; they are closely associated with vitamin C, and they boost the therapeutic effect of vitamin C, helping to build strong connective tissue, and create a protective barrier to infection. Most nutrition manufacturers use basic bioflavonoids containing 10% or less actual bioflavonoid activity. Sixty percent bioflavonoid represents the highest blend of citrus bioflavonoids available in the industry.

Zinc

Zinc is necessary for the proper function of white blood cells (WBC’s) and the thymic hormones. Zinc helps prevent the age-related shrinking of the thymus (involution), and is especially effective in restoring depressed cell-mediated immunity in the elderly. Zinc deficiencies have been noted in women suffering from Candidiasis (Michaud E & Feinstein A. Prevention Magazine’s 30 day immune power program. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa. 1989 p144).

Vitamin A

Vitamin A supports the mucous membranes (the body’s first line of defense against infection). Vitamin A is known as the “anti-infective” vitamin. It also appears to increase antibody response and stimulates white blood cell function. Vitamin A is specifically beneficial in upper respiratory conditions.

Vitamin C

Given the many varied functions of vitamin C in the body, it is no surprise that it is essential to the immune system. It has been suggested that larger doses than the RDA may be useful in preventing the formation of carcinogenic substances and in boosting immunity (Gastroenterology Clinics of North America 1990;19(2):p.483). Consumption of vitamin C has been inversely related to incidences of cancer in epidemiological studies (Kromhout D. Essential micronutrients in relation to carcinogenesis. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:1361-7). According to a report in Allergy and Imm. (Feb., 1993), vitamin C has a "special influence" on enhancing the immune response and warding off infection. Several studies of groups taking vitamin C show that it reduces the longevity and severity of colds (Brit. J. Nutr. 67:3-16). One group, taking 600 mg supplements, had upper respiratory tract infections reduced by 50% (Amer. J. Clin. Nutr. 57:170-74).

Contraindications/Toxicology

Do not take during pregnancy. Vitamin C is contraindicated in iron overload disease or kidney stone formers.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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