Description
Key Benefits
- Provides Support for Immune Challenges
- Strengthens Immune Function
- Maintains Normal Inflammatory Balance
How it Works
This supplement boosts immune defenses by providing nutrients such as L-lysine vitamins A and C, pantothenic acid, B12, and zinc. It includes the synergistic blend of botanical extracts black elderberry, astragalus, echinacea, and andrographis, all of which have been used traditionally for their clinically effective immune-modulating properties.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that works synergistically with vitamin A in activating thymic factor, a thymus hormone with vital immune supporting properties. Maintaining optimal zinc levels also helps maintain helper T-cell lymphocyte function, NK cell activity, macrophage function, and antibody production.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known for its ability to support immune response. Vitamin C concentrations decline rapidly in the body during periods of stress and is therefore crucial during immune challenges. Vitamin C has been found to be helpful in supporting specific components of the immune system including NK cell activity and lymphocyte function and providing antioxidant support.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps support mucous membranes, preventing them from becoming tough and more vulnerable to organisms. Vitamin A is a critical immune-supporting nutrient by stimulating white blood cell function and increasing antibody response.
L-Lysine
L-lysine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized in the body on its own. Lysine must be derived from protein sources in the diet in order for the body, and especially the immune system, to function properly. Recent research suggests there may be an immunological benefit to consuming supplemental lysine, specifically showing an increase of CD3 T-cells, IgG, IgA, and IgM.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a water-soluble B complex vitamin that is essential for the production of energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Maintaining optimal pantothenic acid levels is crucial for supporting immune system energy, thymic function and healthy white blood cell levels.
Black Elderberry Extract
Black elderberry (Sambucas nigra) has a long history of traditional use among herbalists and is becoming widely popular in the west. The bioactive components of elderberry include the flavonoid anthocyanin. Black elderberry preparations have been shown to enhance immune cell killing potential by supporting healthy cytokine production, including IL-8 and IL-10, the cellular pathways used to eliminate foreign invaders.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Astragalus membranaceus is native to northern China and has been traditionally used to strengthen the immune system. The root of A. membranaceus is one of the two commonly used species in traditional Chinese medicine. Research has demonstrated the immune-regulating effects of astragalus which include boosting T-dependent antigens, and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells and macrophage activity. Additional studies have demonstrated that A. membranaceus root extract supports immune response by boosting T3, T4and T4/T8 cell ratios.
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Echinacea purpurea is a perennial herb that has been used for centuries in Native American medicine, and current research supports echinacea’s clinical applications as this botanical has been the subject of more than 300 scientific studies. Echinacea activates multiple aspects of immune function including enhancing leukocyte and granulocyte counts, activating neutrophils, monocytes, and eosinophils and solubilizing immune complexes. Echinacea has been shown to compete with pathogens by blocking viral receptors on cell surfaces. Echinacea also diminishes hyaluronidase, a compound that increases connective tissue permeability and allows pathogenic organisms to become more invasive.
Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract
Andrographis paniculata is a plant that has been used in Asian medicine for centuries. In a study examining 158 patients, a standardized preparation of A. paniculata dried extract administered for five days significantly supported immune response while decreasing throat irritations and nasal secretions. An additional study examining the effects of A. paniculata found that andrographolide administration significantly improved CD4+ lymphocyte count in patients which immune challenges. A. paniculata has also been reported to provide strong antioxidant support due to its ability to activate highly protective antioxidant reactions including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase.
Directions
For immediate immune support: 1-2 capsules per hour or as recommended by your health care professional.
For immune maintenance: 2 capsules per day or as recommended by your health care professional.
Do not exceed 2 capsules every hour.
Cautions
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, and can accumulate to potentially harmful levels over time. Do not exceed recommended dosage. Consult your physician before use. Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing.
Does Not Contain: Gluten, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.
