Andrographis Extract (standardized to 25% andrographolides) Among the many uses of this Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bitter herb are that it supports the body’s response to a variety of foreign challenges and helps regulate the body’s temperature during illness. Andrographolides are the major active constituents. Some preliminary research suggests that the herb may stimulate synthesis of antibodies and phagocytosis by macrophages. In addition to the properties above, andrographolides are believed to protect the liver and promote bile secretion. Clinical research has demonstrated an improved sense of wellness in as few as two days after the beginning of supplementation. A three-month study examining andrographis as immune support against foreign microbial challenges demonstrated it was twice as effective as placebo. In clinical trials, 100 mg of a standardized extract of andrographis taken twice daily was sufficient to improve immune response against harmful microbes.
Licorice Root Extract (standardized to 12% glycyrrhizin) Medicinal use of licorice dates back to the second and third centuries BC. Its properties are sweet and neutral. It is used in Immune Revolution to calm and soothe the respiratory tract and to manage excess mucus. Licorice root extract maintains healthy lung tissue and supports the adrenals. Glycyrrhizin is adaptogenic and has been shown to support the immune system by inducing interferon-gamma and other cytokines. TCM practitioners use licorice root for fatigue, sallow facial appearance, decreased food intake, musculoskeletal discomfort and soreness, and swelling or discomfort in the throat. According to TCM, licorice tonifies the spleen, benefits qi, moistens the lungs, and stops sudden expulsion of air from the lungs caused by irritation.
Isatis indigotica (woad) This herb, in the family Brassicaceae, is commonly used in TCM for its support against harmful microbes, including those in the upper respiratory tract. Its properties are bitter and very cold. Immune Revolution contains the powdered isatis root, which has been demonstrated to support the immune system in its defense against a broad-spectrum of microbes. In addition, the root supports the body’s anti-inflammatory pathways. During the herb-drying process, tryptanthrin, a powerful COX 2 and 5-LOX inhibitor is produced. Isaindigotone, a root constituent also inhibits 5-LOX and leukotriene B4 production and appears to be a superoxide scavenger. Isatis root contains salicylic acid and indirubin, which preliminary research suggests inhibits airway inflammation. In TCM, leaf extracts of isatis are used to clear heat and toxins from the blood. However, in TCM, isatis is contraindicated for patients who have deficiency and cold of the spleen and stomach. In TCM, the isatis root is called Ban Lan Gen, and the leaf is referred to as Da Qing Ye.
Directions
Take 1-8 capsules daily (unless otherwise directed). We generally recommend 1-2 capsules three times daily during illness or at the onset of symptoms.
References
- Akbar, S. Andrographis paniculata: a review of pharmacological activities and clinical effects. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Mar;16(1):66-77. [PMID: 21438648]
- Cáceres DD, Hancke JL, Burgos RA, et al. Use of visual analogue scale measurements (VAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardized Andrographis paniculata extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled study. Phytomedicine. 1999 Oct;6:217–23. [PMID: 10589439]
- Fiore C, Eisen M, Krausse R, et al. Antiviral effects of Glycyrrhiza species. Phytother Res. 2008 Feb;22(2):141-8 [PMID: 17886224]
- Hsuan SL, Chang SC, Wang SY, et al. The cytotoxicity to leukemia cells and antiviral effects of Isatis indigotica extracts on pseudorabies virus. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 May 4;123(1):61-7. Epub 2009 Mar 4. [PMID: 19429341]
- Molina P, Tárraga A, Gonzalez-Tejero A, et al. Inhibition of leukocyte functions by the alkaloid isaindigotone from Isatis indigotica and some new synthetic derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2001 Oct; 64(10): 1297-300. [PMID: 11678654]
- Puri A, Saxena R, Saxena RP, et al. Immunostimulant agents from Andrographis paniculata. J Nat Prod. 1993 Jul;56(7):995-9. [PMID: 8377022]
- Tanaka Y, Kikuzaki H, Fukuda S, et al. Antibacterial compounds of licorice against upper airway respiratory tract pathogens. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2001 Jun;47(3):27-3. [PMID: 11575586]
