Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide reduces the latency rate in herpes simplex virus type-1 infections

Objective: During the latency period of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), the virus can occasionally reactivate, travel back to the eye and cause recurrent ocular disease. As this condition arises from the ability of HSV-1 to produce a dormant infection, effective medication to prevent the virus enter a latent state should prevent it. In this study, we applied Echinacea polysaccharide (EP) fraction as prophylactic mediator for latency prevention. Methods: In order to investigate the protective properties of EP, we evaluated its immunostimulatory functions on different immune aspects that play important roles in latency prevention (particularly IFN-γ as one of the main indicators of cellular immunity and latency). Finally, we assessed establishment of latency by detection of thymidine kinase gene in trigeminal ganglia of BALB/c mice. Results: We demonstrated that EP promotes immune response, leading to a reduced latency rate, and it has a promising effect on latency prevention. Conclusion: EP was able to exert an antiviral action on the development of recurrent HSV-1 disease when supplied prior to infection. © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Consensus Statement Immunonutrition and Exercise.

In this consensus statement on immunonutrition and exercise, a panel of knowledgeable contributors from across the globe provides a consensus of updated science, including the background, the aspects for which a consensus actually exists, the controversies and, when possible, suggested directions for future research

Nutrition, diet and immunosenescence

Ageing is characterized by immunosenescence and the progressive decline in immunity in association with an increased frequency of infections and chronic disease. This complex process affects both the innate and adaptive immune systems with a progressive decline in most immune cell populations and defects in activation resulting in loss of function. Although host genetics and environmental factors, such as stress, exercise and diet can impact on the onset or course of immunosenescence, the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. This review focusses on identifying the most significant aspects of immunosenescence and on the evidence that nutritional intervention might delay this process, and consequently improve the quality of life of the elderly

Immunomodulation of influenza infection by Echinacea and obesity

Echinacea is a medicinal plant that has a history of use for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. More recently there has been a renewed interest in alternative therapies including phytomedicinal preparations of Echinacea. Some important issues that remain to be addressed regarding the use of Echinacea therapeutically include plant species specific alterations of immune response and the effect of different preparation techniques (water as compared to ethanol) on immune response to viral infection. Results from multiple studies in mice, in cell culture, and in clinical trials in humans have suggested that water preparations provide a stimulatory effect on innate immunity by enhancing macrophage activation, whereas ethanol extracts decrease inflammation associated cytokines/chemokines. However, the mechanisms by which different plant species enhance immunity against influenza infection and improve disease outcome remain to be clearly elucidated. In this dissertation, both water and ethanol extracts of three species of Echinacea were used to assess alterations in the immune response to influenza A/PR/8/34 virus infection. Studies focused on the impact of Echinacea treatment during influenza infection on 1) in vitro models of viral load and immune responses in the respiratory tract epithelial cells and immune cells, 2) combination treatment of water and ethanol extracts delivered at specific phases of influenza infection and the impact on traditional immune measures as well as a bioinformatics approach to lung gene regulation using the Database for Annotation Visualization and integrated Discovery (DAVID), and 3) immune response to influenza in obese mice treated with Echinacea water extract. The primary topic of this dissertation was the effect of Echinacea on immunity. However, there was also an emphasis on the topic of obesity and immunity. The results from many studies have shown diet-induced obesity related immune dysfunction in the context of the immune response to influenza virus and vaccination. In this dissertation, the effect of Echinacea treatment on obesity associated immune impairments to influenza infection was also evaluated

The Overview of available vitamin and supplement products used to improve immune system function

Introduction: Questioning how we can boost our immunity during the infectious season often arises in the general practicioner’s office. Patients report issues with recurring infections, affecting not only children but also adults, particularly those in professionally exposed groups such as teachers. Therefore, is it worthwhile to recommend over-the-counter (OTC) products available in pharmacies to patients, aiming to strengthen their immunity? This article discusses the most commonly used supplements and immune-boosting preparations by patients and physicians, along with scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness. Material and methods: The basis of the work were medical articles collected in the PubMed database. The research was conducted by analyzing key words such as: vitamin D3, immunity improvement, zinc, bacterial lysates, lactoferrin, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, Echinacea purpurea, Spirulina maxima, curcumin, probiotics, ginseng. Results: In the pharmaceutical market, there are many supplements aimed at boosting the immune system. However, most of them lack sufficient scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness. The studies conducted so far are of low quality and limited in number. Further research is necessary to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of immune-boosting supplements

Self-care for common colds : the pivotal role of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds - practical advice on dosages and on the time to take these nutrients/botanicals in order to prevent or treat common colds

Maintaining a normal healthy immune defense system lowers the incidence and/or the severity of symptoms and/or the duration of common cold (CC). Physical barriers and innate and adaptive immunity have been involved during a CC episode. Vitamins C and D, zinc, and Echinacea have evidence-based efficacy on these immune system barriers. This review includes 82 eligible studies to consider the preventive role of these nutrients in immune clusters and in CC to provide advice on dosage and assumption of these nutrients. Regarding vitamin C, regular supplementation (1 to 2 g/day) has shown that vitamin C reduces the duration (in adults by 8%, in children by 14%) and the severity of CC. Considering zinc, the supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. CC patients may be instructed to try zinc within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. As for vitamin D, the supplementation protected against CC overall, considering baseline levels and age. Patients with vitamin D deficiency and those not receiving bolus doses experienced the most benefit. Regarding Echinacea, prophylactic treatment with this extract (2400 mg/day) over 4 months appeared to be beneficial for preventing/treating CC. In conclusion, the current evidence of efficacy for zinc, vitamins D and C, and Echinacea is so interesting that CC patients may be encouraged to try them for preventing/treating their colds, although further studies are needed on this topic