Natural Products have proven effective for improving immunity

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Melina Osborne
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1 Natural Products have proven effective for improving immunity

2 (1) Immunomodulator : An immunomodulator is a substance (e. g. a drug) which has an effect on the immune system. Having the ability to alter or regulate one or more immune functions. An immunomodulatory agent is a drug that may be an immunosuppressant or an immunostimulant based on its effect on the immune system. Immunostimulant : Immunostimulants, also known as immunostimulators, are substances (drugs and nutrients) that stimulate the immune system by inducing activation or increasing activity of any of its components.

3 Immunosuppressant:An agent that can suppress or prevent the immune response.immunosuppressants are used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ and to treat autoimmune diseases. (2) Adaptogens: The term adaptogen is to increase the body's resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. In the past, they have been called rejuvenating herbs, tonics, rasayanas, or restoratives. All adaptogens are antioxidants.

(1) Immunomodulator : (a) Asparagus Drug name: Asparagus Biological source: Asparagus racemosus Other names: Satavar, Shatavari, or Shatamull Family: Asparagaceae Parts Used: Roots.

4 (1) Immunomodulator : (a) Asparagus Drug name: Asparagus Biological source: Asparagus racemosus Other names: Satavar, Shatavari, or Shatamull Family: Asparagaceae Parts Used: Roots. Constituents: Steroidal saponins known as shatavarins I-IV. Isoflavones Asparagamine, a polycyclic alkaloid Racemosol, a cyclic hydrocarbon Polysaccharides, mucilage is present in the roots

5 Indications and Uses: Immunostimulants: Oral administration of decoction of powdered root of A. racemosus has been reported to produce leucocytosis and predominant neutrophilia along with enhanced phagocytic activity Aphrodisiac: Galactagogue: The root extract of A. racemosus is prescribed in ayurveda to increase milk secretion during lactation. Male/Female infertility: Enhances ovulation, prepares the womb for conception, prevents miscarriages, normalizing the uterus and the changing hormones. Its use is also advocated in leucorrhoea and menorrhagia. Menopause : A. racemosus being known source of phytoestrogens can be effective in reducing adverse menopausal symptoms

6 Adverse Reactions (Side Effects): Symptoms of allergy, including rhinitis, occupational asthma, oral allergic syndrome, allergic contact dermatitis, and anaphylaxis, are well documented. Exacerbation of gout with excessive consumption has been reported. Pregnancy/Lactation Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages above those found in food because safety and efficacy are unknown. Asparagus Interactions None well documented. Dose : A maximum of 2,400 mg daily dried asparagus root in divided doses has been evaluated for pharmacological effect;

(b) Picrorhiza kurroa Drug name: Picrorhiza Biological source: Picrorhiza kurroa Other names: Kutka,Katuka, Kuru & Kadu Family: Scrophulariaceae Parts Used: Roots.

7 (b) Picrorhiza kurroa Drug name: Picrorhiza Biological source: Picrorhiza kurroa Other names: Kutka,Katuka, Kuru & Kadu Family: Scrophulariaceae Parts Used: Roots. Constituents: The major bioactive constituents of Picrorhiza are a group of steroidal saponins and glycosides. Picroside 1, 11 Kutakosid Picorhizin Kitkin D-menital Benelic acidkutkisterol

8 Mechanisms of Action: Picrorhiza's antioxidant effect has been shown to be similar to that of superoxide dismutase, metal-ion chelators, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors. In rats,picrorhiza restored depleted glutathione levels, thereby enhancing detoxification and antioxidation, and helping maintain a normal oxidationreduction balance. Indications and Uses: Plant is a potent immunostimulant of both cell mediated and humoral immunity and exhibits choleretic activity. Protects the liver against hepatotoxins, hepatoprotective properties, Potent antioxidant, Modulates liver enzyme levels, Anti-allergy action. Adverse Reactions (Side Effects): Picrorhiza seems safe for most people, when taken short-term. It can cause vomiting, rash, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching.

9 (c) Echinacea Drug name: Echinacea Biological source: Echinacea purpurea Other names: Eastern purple coneflower or Purple coneflower Family: Asteraceae Parts Used: Underground part Constituents: Arabinogalactan Fucogalactoxyloglucans Echinacoside Echinacin Polyacetylene Tussilagine Isotussilagine

10 Mechanism of action: The polysaccharides are found to stimulate macrophages, by which signal molecules namely IL-6 (interferon), IL-1 and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) are produced. This triggers the immune system causing migration of neutrophils from bone marrow to blood stream.stimulated macrophages also causes phagocytosis. (Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL6 gene). Indications and Uses: Echinacea is used as immunostimulant, mainly for prevention or in treatment for viral infections causing cold and flu. It also acts as antiseptic and peripheral vasodilator.

11 Side Effects: Echinacea usually does not cause side effects when taken orally. In rare cases, some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most common. Precautions Because of Echinacea's effects on the immune system, you should not take this drug if you have multiple sclerosis, AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

(2) Adaptogens: (a) Withania somnifera Drug name : Withania Biological source: Withania somnifera Other names: Ashwagandha, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Samm Al Ferakh Family: Solanaceae Parts

12 (2) Adaptogens: (a) Withania somnifera Drug name : Withania Biological source: Withania somnifera Other names: Ashwagandha, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Samm Al Ferakh Family: Solanaceae Parts Used: roots. Constituents: The main constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids and steroidal lactones. withanine somniferine, somnine somniferinine withananine pseudo-withanine tropine withanolides.

13 Indications and Uses Withania is considered an adaptogen which works to normalize physiological function, strengthening the body and for helping to prevent disease. Adverse Reactions (Side Effects): No serious side effects are known. Withania somnifera stimulates the thyroid leading to thyrotoxicosis in some humans.tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you have any unusual side effects while using this product. Precautions Ashwagandha is not recommended for use during pregnancy.consult your doctor before using this product. Because of potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

14 (b) Ocimum Drug name: Ocimum Biological source: Ocimum sanctam Other names: Tulsi,Holy Basil. Sacred Basil Family: Lamiaceae Parts Used: Leaves Constituents: Main constituents of basil are tannins, alkaloids and volatile oil. Basil is a good source of beta carotene, calcium, vitamin C Oil mainly consists of eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, thymol, linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and betacaryophyllene.

15 Mechanism of action: Tannins: 1. It efficiently scavanges reactive oxygen species and free radicals. 2. It inhibits lipid peroxidation by acting as a chain breaking antioxidant. 3. It inhibits liver microsomal monooxygenase activities. 4. It significantly prevents the rise in serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) activity and liver necrosis. Urosolic Acid: 1. It provides significant protection of the mast cell membrane. 2. It prevents cell degranulation and decreases the quantity of histamine released. 3. It increases the white blood cell (WBC) count, enhances bone marrow cellularity and alpha-estrase positive cells. 4. It exhibits both cytotoxic and cytostatic activity. Indications and Uses: Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.

16 Adverse Reactions (Side Effects): Anti-fertility effects, including abortifacient and antispermatogenic effects, have been described in rats, but only following the inclusion of O. sanctum leaf in the diet at high levels. The doses producing these effects were in the order of 1 g per kg bodyweight or more daily, equivalent to a daily dose of 50 g or more in humans. Precautions Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Do not use the essential oil internally or externally during pregnancy. Do not use medicinal plants during pregnancy or while breastfeeding or give to young children or infants. Normal cooking amounts are not harmful. Interactions No information. Theoretical interactions would be possible hypoglycemia when taken by diabetics treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide, Amaryl), Prandin or Starlix.

17 (c) Ginseng Drug name: Ginseng Biological source: Panax ginseng Other names: Ninjin,Panax,Pannag, Ginnsuu Family: Araliaceae Parts Used: Roots Constituents: Ginseng contains a mixture of several saponin glycosides,belonge to triterpenoid group.they are grouped as follows: Ginsenosides Panaxosides Chikusetsusaponin.

18 Mechanism of action: Extracts of Panax ginseng affect the hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system, which could account for many of the documented effects. Animal models and in vitro studies indicate that Panax ginseng enhances phagocytosis, natural killer cell activity, and the production of interferon; improves physical and mental performance. Indications and Uses: Panax ginsengs, which are the adaptogenic herbs, Panax ginseng is used primarily to improve psychologic function, exercise performance, immune function,increases natural resistance and enhances the power to overcome the illness or exhaustion. Side effects: most common side-effects is the inability to sleep. nausea, diarrhea, headaches, epistaxis high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and mastalgia

COMMITTEE ON HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (HMPC) FINAL COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH ON ECHINACEA PURPUREA (L.) MOENCH, HERBA RECENS

European Medicines Agency Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use London, 8 May 2008 Doc. Ref. EMEA/HMPC/104945/2006Corr. 1 COMMITTEE ON HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (HMPC) FINAL COMMUNITY HERBAL MONOGRAPH