COVID-19 – Building Immune Defences
AHHC (Active hexose correlated compound): A proprietary enzyme-fermented extract of shitake.
AHCC™ is a proprietary enzyme-fermented extract of shiitake that contains a mixture of polysaccharides, amino acids, lipids, and minerals. AHCC™ has been used in over 20 human clinical trials, with results demonstrating enhanced dendritic cell populations,16 increased cytokine expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes17 and improved antibody synthesis in elderly patients to the influenza B virus.18 AHCC™ has also demonstrated efficacy for numerous viral infectious diseases including West Nile virus, influenza virus, hepatitis virus, and human papillomavirus (HPV), demonstrating activation and modulation of host immune cells such as NK (natural killer) cells, NK T cells and gamma delta T cells.
Although data is yet to be published on the efficacy, as evidenced by clinical trials, AHCC™ is expected to enhance immune function of these healthcare workers, facilitating the prevention and clearance of viral pathogens that they may be exposed to.
Andrographis paniculata (andrographis)
Andrographis has extensive evidence in reducing the incidence, severity and duration of acute respiratory infections, as evidenced by positive results in a meta-analysis, which included 33 studies.19 In particular, andrographis has been shown to stimulate both the antigen-specific and non-specific immune response, as well as increase NK cell activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent complement-mediated cytotoxicity,20 thereby supporting host immune defences.
Zinc
Zinc is particularly critical for the intracellular signalling pathways in both innate and adaptive immunity25 and is essential for the development of non-specific immunity, such as neutrophils and NK cells, and stimulating the development of acquired immunity.26
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of colds27 and is increasingly efficacious when combined with zinc. Vitamin C stimulates white blood cell production and function, enhances NK cell activity and chemotaxis, supports clearance of spent neutrophils from sites of infection, increases serum levels of antibodies, and augments lymphocyte differentiation and proliferation, thereby facilitating innate and adaptive immune responses.28
Vitamin D
It is well known that vitamin D plays an important role in regulating immune function, with deficiency impacting the activity of T regulatory (Treg) cells,29,30 as well as the production of antibodies.31 Additionally, vitamin D enhances the adaptive immune response by increasing the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and stimulating white blood cell proliferation, essential to the neutralisation or viral infections.32
Medicinal Mushrooms
Japanese mushrooms, including Cordyceps sinensis (cordyceps), Trametes versicolor (coriolus), Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake) enhance the body’s immune response and provide antiviral actions. Specifically, these mushrooms activate the innate immune system, triggering the production of NK cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, and inflammatory cytokines.33 Cytokine synthesis prompts adaptive immune processes to take effect, through the promotion of B cells for antibody production, and stimulation of T cells, which mediate cellular and humoral immunity.34
Strain specific probiotics
Strain specific probiotics, with proven human health benefits, are useful to boost and regulate immunity. Studies have demonstrated Lactobacillus plantarum (HEAL9), Lactobacillus paracasei (8700:2) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG®) all have the capacity to induce interleukin-10, a key anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine, which is expressed by Tregs and T helper 2 cells.35 Animal studies have shown LGG® protects against influenza by stimulating respiratory NK cell activity, and upregulating antiviral interferon gamma (IFN-γ).36,37 L. plantarum (HEAL9) and L. paracasei (8700:2) have also been shown to stimulate innate immune responses.38
Eagle ImmunoAdapt – NEW product available
ImmunoAdapt is a vegan-friendly product, formulated to boost immune function and to fight illness. With traditional Ayurvedic herbs to enhance energy levels.
ImmunoAdapt contains: Withania somnifera, Echinacea purpurea, astagalus membranaceus, Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
ImmunoAdapt Indications
- Shiitake mushroom helps stimulate a healthy immune system response.
- Helps enhance and support healthy immune function.
- Reishi mushroom is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a tonic for convalescence.
- Withania is traditionally used in Ayurveda to relieve general debility, and in TCM to combat fatigue, especially during convalescence or in elderly individuals.
- Helps reduce free radical activity and assists in oxidative stress conditions.
- Reish mushroom is used in TCM to strengthen and restore the body’s vital energy.
- Reishi mushroom is used in TCM for sleeplessness, forgetfulness, fatigue, listlessness and poor appetite; conditions related to lack of vital energy.
- Withania is used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating tonic to support overall health.
Looking for individualised immune support?
We are offering 15-minute immune support consultations (via phone or zoom) to assess, support and boost your immune system and if required, provide nervous system support.
Supplements and individualised compounds can then be posted to you via our pack and post service.
Book online or call 9339 1999