The main active components of Ginseng belong to the group known as ginsenosides. It is theorized that Ginseng has an effect on immune function and on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Ginseng has been correlated with increasing phagocytosis (a natural mechanism that occurs when defense cells capture and digest foreign microorganisms), heightened productivity of the natural killer cells and overactive synthesis of interferon. Other observed benefits include improvement of mental and physical performance; better stress management; resistance to hypoglycemia; and dilatation of the blood vessels. That is why, in practice, Ginseng is mainly used to improve mental and immune function, exercise performance and reduce the incidence of diabetes related complications.
Research conducted in the Institute of Experimental Medicine in Italy evaluated the effect of Resveratrol (derived from Grape seed extract) on the different aspects of immune function. The results of the study demonstrate that Resveratrol adapts a number of human immune function parameters suggesting that this function may be linked to its effects on cytokines production by T lymphocytes. A similar study was performed in the Institute of Microbial Technology in India. In its most prominent finding it was observed that Resveratrol suppressed the activity of T and B cells and macrophages, as evidenced by the significant inhibition in proliferation and production of antibodies in cases of abnormal immune response. In other words, Resveratrol was responsible for helping restore proper immune function.
The intestine is the one of the major organs that make up the immune system. Immune functions in the intestine are implemented through the lymphoid tissue in the gut, thus engaging in both inborn and acquired immunity. The immune system of the gut can coexist with food antigens and bacteria normally colonizing the gut, while recognizing and removing bacteria that may be potentially pathogenic. The host of microflora responsible for these effects are influenced by an individual’s age, the nature of his diet, antibiotics medications, the environment, and probiotics.
The gastrointestinal tract is an extremely complex ecological system. Its function is not merely to digest food and properly absorb nutrients, it is also a “smart” organ that allows physiological bacteria to build defenses against pathogens. Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that may aid in lactose digestion, immune function stimulation, rotavirus infection and diarrhea through its antibiotic function against dysbacteriosis.
Thymic Immune Factors is a complex that contains the extract of a calf thymus gland. The thymus gland is one of the most active organs in the immune system. Thymus gland extracts help correct abnormal immune function in several ways and may be potentially beneficial for treating food allergies, rhinitis and hay fever.
Vitamin D3 is a vital immune system controller. Vitamin D3 has been known to reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. Its well known that Calcium intake augments the effect of Vitamin D3 on the immune system. In fact, Calcium, together with Vitamin D3 has been shown to aid inflammatory bowel conditions. The action of Vitamin D3 on immune function depends on the character of the immune disorder, distinguishing between a bona fide infection and an autoimmune condition (e.g., inflammatory colitis or bronchial asthma). The direct target of Vitamin D3 is the T helper cell.
Green tea has a very high content of polyphenols and catechins, compounds that may protect cells from the type of genetic disruptions that may trigger cancer, autoimmune conditions and heart disease. Green tea has also been shown to have potent antioxidant effects.
Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. By suppressing prostaglandins and leukotrienes, Omega-3 fatty acids support the healthy function of the immune system. Eicosapentaenoic acid, (EPA), one of the active ingredients in Omega-3 fatty acids, plays a major role in modulating the coordinated immune function response. It is capable of converting prostaglandins to arachidonic acid thereby reducing inflammation.