Can immunity be improved?

There are a range of behavioural factors that can impair the proper functioning of the immune system:
inappropriate sleep habits, low levels of physical activity, psychological stress, and poor dietary regimes,
among other lifestyle choices. Their influence upon the immune system should not be neglected, and we
encourage the physician to actively discuss and optimize them if able to do so.1

Echinacea spp. Asteraceae

Common name: Purple cone-flower, Cone-flower
Species used: E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida; It is thought that 80% of the Echinacea products sold to
consumers are made from E. purpurea

Constituents: In general most Echinacea spp will have varying amounts of:
 Water-soluble immunostimulating polysaccharides (Echinosides): 4-O-
methylglucuronylarabinoxylans, acidic arabinorhamno-galactans, Inulin
 Alkylamides, isobutylamides (root of E. purpurea contain at least 12) (Alkylamides are a complex
mixtures of unsaturated fatty acids as amides), polyacetylenes and polyenes
 Caffeic and ferulic acid derivatives (root, primarily): echinacoside, cichoric acid, cichoric acid methyl
ester, 2-O- caffeoyl-3-O-feruloyl-tartaric acid, 2,3-O-diferuloyl tartaric acid 2-O-caffeoyl tartaric acid,
cynarin
 Flavonoids (leaves): rutoside, quercetin; Volatile oil (0.08-0.32%; pallida>purpurea> angustifolia,
Resins, glycoproteins, sterols, minerals. Alkaloids, including traces of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids
(0.006% in dried materials) tussilagine and isotussilagine in non-medicinal species)

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Mechanism of action: 2, 3 In Echinacea species three major groups of constituents work together to
increase the production and activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), including
alkylamides/polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides.
 The polysaccharides are non-specific T cell activators and stimulate T-cell mitogenesis, phagocytosis
by macrophages, increase in TNF IL-1, Ig binding, and increases neutrophils. Echinoside is
antibacterial. The root of Echinacea contains inulin, which activates the alternative complement
pathway leading to granulocyte chemotaxis, viral neutralization and bacteriolysis.
 In general, polysaccharides do more immune stimulation
 The alkylamides and cichoric acid, both of which are preserved in extract form, are the most potent
stimulators of macrophagocytosis. Also inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) production. The N-
alkylamides act in concert and exert pleiotropic effects modulating the endocannabinoid system by
simultaneously targeting the CB2 receptor. 4 However, an unidentified constituents from Echinacea
stimulated an IP3 receptor and phospholipase C mediation of cytosolic Ca2+ levels in non-immune
mammalian cells indicating the anti-inflammatory is independent of CB2 receptor. 5
 In general, the lipid soluble constituents have more anti-inflammatory and immoduation

Schematic profile of some biological and pharmacological activities of alkamides isolated from E. purpurea. BM = Bone marrow, CB = Cannabinoid receptor, CNS = Central nervous
system, COX = Cyclooxygenase enzyme, IL-10 = Interleukin-10, MP = Macrophage, NK = Natural killer cells, NO = Nitric oxide, TNF-α = Tumor necrosis Factor-α

 Echinacea also increases serum properdin, which also stimulates the alternative complement pathway.
Echinacea also supports the immune system by activating natural killer cells. Echinacea also increases
production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections. 6 Other effects
include an increase of the number of spleen cells, activation of the capacity for phagocytosis by human
granulocytes, elevations in body temperature, reproduction of T-helper cells and the production of
cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha. 7
Cytokines/chemokines induced by viruses (+) and reversed by EP.
cytokine RV1A RV14 FluV RSV Ad 3
IL-1a + + + + +
IL-5 + +
IL-6 + + + + +
IL8 (CXCL-8) + + + + +
TNFα + + + + +
GROα + + +
CCL-3 + +
CCL-4 + +
Adapted from [44]. RV: rhinovirus (1A/14); FluV: influenza virus (H1N1/H3N2); RSV: respiratory syncytial virus; Ad 3: adenovirus type 3. Hudson JB. Applications of the
Phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in Infectious Diseases. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2012;2012:769896. doi:10.1155/2012/769896.

Echinacea inhibits hyaluronidase, stabilizing mucosal connective tissue against invasion by pathogenic
organisms, and enhances fibroblast growth and formation of glycosaminoglycans.

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Medicinal actions: immunomodulation, anti-Inflammatory, alterative, tissue regeneration

Medicinal Use: Infectious Conditions: Fresh pressed juice of the flowers of Echinacea (E. purpurea)
preserved with alcohol and tinctures of root of Echinacea (E. pallida) have been shown to reduce symptoms of
the common cold in double-blind trials. Double-blind trials have also shown that various Echinacea extracts
shorten the duration of the common cold and be effectgive against Streptococcus pyogenes Studies have
shown that in low doses, it causes selective induction of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The use of
Echincea spp should be cautioned in patient who may have altered Th1/Th2 balance (although there
are also reports that it can help restore the balance).

“Unfortunately the earlier studies gave rise to a popular belief that Echinacea acted as a general “immune
stimulant” or “immune booster”, statements that persist today on many commercial labels and web site
descriptions. More recent studies however refer more appropriately to immune modulation rather than
generalized immune stimulation.” 8

Topical Applications: In an uncontrolled study, 60 patients with topical Candidiasis were given 4.5 ml of the
expressed juice of E. purpura over 10 weeks in conjunction with an antifungal cream. The treatment group had
a 17% recurrence rate compare to 60% for the group getting the antifungal cream alone.9 Echinacea is also
very antibacterial (Strep species) and has activity against many viruses.

Emotional health: lower doses of Echinacea, approx 3-5 mg/kg, appear to lower anxiety. This action is thought
to be due to the binding of the alkylamides to the cannabinoid receptors.

Dosing range: Preserved juice of aerial portion (E. purpurea), 22% ethanol: 2-3 ml prn
Tincture: (1:5) 2-4 ml; Extract: (1:1) 2-4 ml Acute, adult: 3-5 ml every 2-3 hr, adjusted for body size.
– Mills and Bone 2000: 10-30 ml daily of 1:2 tincture (5-15 g herb)
– Blumenthal 2000: 5-9 ml daily of 1:5 tincture (1-2 g herb)
Chronic, adult: 3-5 ml three times per day (not generally recommended)
Standardized extract: (3.5% echinacoside) 150-300mg, Mediherb products standardized to alkylamides
Crude: 500 mg BID – QID, up to around 3 grams
Decoction: 2 tsp of coarsely powdered herb simmered in 1 c. of boiling water for 10 minutes - some active
compounds are water-insoluble.

Drug Interactions:10 Echincea is thought to inhibit CYP1A2, and selectively modulate the catalytic
activity of CYP3A at hepatic and intestinal sites.11
 Immunosuppressive drugs (negative): Brinker speculates that Echinacea spp. may counter the effects of
cyclosporine, corticosteroids or other immuno-supressive medications based on animal studies.
 Hepatotoxic drugs (negative): E. spp. do contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, they are in extremely
low concentrations and do not contain the 1,2-unsaturated cecine ring associated with hepatotoxicity.
None the less, Brinker suggests avoiding the combination of E. spp with anabolic steroids, amiodarone,
methotrexate and ketoconazole.
 Econazole nitrate (positive): E. purpurea juice (po, IV or SC) lowered the rate of recurrent Candidiasis in
conjunction with topical econazole nitrate.
 7-benzyloxyresorufin: Apparently, E. angustifolia roots inhibit the CYP 3A4 metabolic conversion of 7-
benzyloxyresorufin.

Contraindications:12 Caution in autoimmunity. Brinker speculates that Echinacea be avoided in systemic

progressive conditions such as: multiple sclerosis and collagenosis due to the possible in-vitro stimulation of
fibroblasts by E. purpurea; leukosis. Allergic hypersensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family is
common, therefore exercise caution with administration in atopic patients.
Toxicity: Immuno-suppression has been reported at doses 1000 times a recommended dose.

3
Astragalus membranaceus Leguminaceae
Other name: Astragalus penduliflorus ssp. mongholicus var. dahuricus.
Common name: Astragalus, Huang Qi
Habitat: grows near forests, thin open woods and grasslands near forest margins in Northeastern China
Botanical description: herbaceous perennial that grows about 2 feet tall with yellow flowers that develops
into papery pods 13

Part used: radix

Energetics: Sweet, slightly warm. Considered to be a tonic, Astragalus enters the spleen and stomach
meridians.

Constituents: 14 polysaccharides (Astragalans I, II, and III), triterpenoids (over 100) glycosides (e.g.,
astragalosides I–VII), amino acids, trace minerals, saponins, flavonoids (including flavones, isoflavones,
isoflavanones, and pterocarpans; Kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rhamnocitrin, kumatakenin and rhamnocitrin-3-
glucoside and quercetin-3-glucoside), Phytosterols, a volatile oil, and amino acids, including gamma-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-canavanine, have been isolated from the root. 15

Traditional Medicinal Uses: In Chinese herbal medicine, qi tonics are used to strengthen or supplement
parenchymal tissue and bodily processes that are weak in order help build defenses against disease. Tonic
herbs tend to strengthen and penetrate deeper into the body tissue and structures, thus are not to be used
exterior conditions when no releasing herbs are present (pathogenic factor may linger or penetrate deeper into
the body with the tonic herb). Common functions of Astragalus in Chinese herbal medicine include:
 raises yang qi of stomach and spleen, improves digestion
 tonifies spleen, benefits qi: wasting/ thirsting syndrome (often DM)
 promotes urination, reduces edema
 promotes skin healing, particularly in diabetic ulcerations
 stabilizes the exterior or consolidates the exterior to stop sweating (immune system)
 tonifies qi and blood: postpartum, blood loss

Mechanism of action: In publications has been shown to effect the immune, hepatic, CV systems, as well as
metabolism.

Immunoregulatory function: 16
 Enhances the cytotoxicity and activity of NK cells
 Enhances leukocyte synthesis
 Potentiates phagocytic function and superoxide anion production by macrophages
 Increases serum IgM, IgE, IgA, cAMP, IFN levels
 May enhances T3, T4, and T4/T8 ratios (in patients with viral myocarditis)
 Protects against immunosupression induced by chemotherapy

Antiviral activity: 17
 Inhibits adenovirus; Promotes production of interferon against parainfluenza virus
 Hepatitis B surface antigen-inactivating activity

Metabolic activity: 18
 Addition of Astragalus to cell cultures enhanced growth, metabolism, and longevity, lowering oxygen
consumption in mitochondria, enhanced tolerance to stress and prolonged the life of human embryonic
cells in culture
 Administration of Astragalus to mice markedly increases plasma cAMP
 Improved endurance in mice and increased weigh gain
 Promotes the expression and activation of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK)

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Cardiovascular activity: 19
 Saponins are inotropic possibly due to modulation of Na-K- ATPase
 Counters the rise in blood pressure and plasma rennin activity in a hypertensive model
 Cardiac output increased in 20 patients with angina pectoris after two weeks of treatment
 Astragalus strengthened left ventricular function and had a antioxidant effect in acute myocardial
infarction patients

Medical actions: anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, cardioprotective (perhaps hypotensive),

antioxidant, hepatoprotective, renal restorative/nephorprotective, antitumoral, metabolic restorative,
adaptogen, diuretic, astringent, hemostatic, vulnerary, reduces blood cell deformability, decreases blood
viscosity

Current Medical Uses:

 Immune Conditions: Astragalus has been commonly used for Viral Infections. There have also been
several studies to show that Astragalus can prevent common colds and influenza, pulmonary
infections and upper respiratory tract infections in children. Dosages ranged from 2 -15g, all doses
showing some benefit. 20
 One Chinese study also found that Astragalus could decrease overactive immunity in people with systemic
lupus erythematosus. 21 However, much more research is needed to know if Astragalus is safe in lupus or
any other autoimmune disease. More recently, Astragalus has been used to treat leukopenia due to
chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
 Renal Conditions: A randomized study found that IV Astragalus in people undergoing dialysis for kidney
failure improved one facet of immune function compared to untreated controls. 22
 Hepatobiliary Conditions: Early clinical studies in China suggest Astragalus root might also benefit
people with chronic viral hepatitis, though it may take one to two months to see results. 23
 Cardiovascular: used in the treatment of angina and arrhythmias.
 Metabolic: may reduce AGEs24 may be useful in diabetes
 Anti-inflammatory: has been shown to inhibit NFKB25

Dosing range: Decoction of dried radix: 1-2 g – Traditional in OM formulas

 Tincture (1:5): 5 ml tid;
 Crude: average 3 g/day
 Concentrated Extract 15:1
 Extract Standardized to 0.4% minimum 4'-Hydroxy-3'-methoxyisoflavone 7 (can be found but rare)
 Solid Extract: 100-150 mg (availability??)

Drug Interactions: In vitro studies have demonstrated enhancement of IFN-1 and IFN-2 in spleen cells
induced with Astragalus and 10-fold potentiation of IL-2. 26
 Potentiation of acyclovir against HSV-1 with 250 mg/Kg/day for 5 days in mice.27
 Induction of Th cells and enhancement of antibody response to a T-dependent antigen following use of
cyclophosphamide in mice.28 Thus, speculation has arisen around the theoretical counter effect of
Astragalus on the immunosuppressive effect of cyclosporine and corticosteroids.29
 Use of the alcohol extract at 3gm/kg qd for 7 days reduced stillbenemidine induced liver damage in mice.30
 There may more interactions due to p-glycoprotein

Contraindications: Brinker states that Astragalus be avoided in acute infections31, similar to Chinese
herbal medicine as exterior excess heat is equivocal to an acute infection.

5
Medicinal Mushrooms Fungi

Latin name Common name Fungi type

Poria cocos Hoelen, Fu ling, Fu Underground sclerotium
(new name: Wolfiporia extensa32) shen

Agaricus Sun mushroom Mushroom

Lentinula edodes Shitake Mushroom
Grifola frondosa Maitake Mushroom
Trametes versicolor Turkey tail Shelf fungus, polypore
Hericium erinaceus Lion’s mane Tooth fungus
Ganoderma species Reishi Resinous shelf fungus
Inonotus obliquus Chaga Sclertium
Ophiocordyceps sinensis Caterpillar fungus Sac fungus
Aka Cordyceps sinensis

Mushrooms have a rich history of use, although not as extensive as plants. Nutritionally most contain a
compound similar to glutathione called Ergothioneine.

Habitat: Fungi which are largely log cultivated.

Parts used: Fruiting bodies, mycelium

Constituents: Polysaccharides: beta 1-6 glucan, beta 1-3 glucan;
Types: Polysaccharide-K (PSK), Polysaccharide peptide (PSP) from Trametes), Active hexose correlated
compound (AHCC – trademarked name) Ascorbic acid analogs; Protein; Phosphorus

Beta glucan/ proteoglycan
Higher antitumor activity seems to be correlated with higher molecular weight, lower level
of branching and greater water solubility of b-glucans.
Found predominantly in mushrooms and other fungi, but also in oat (Avena sativa) seeds
.Important for immune modulation.
Specifically, the polysaccharides induce interferon production, thus disrupting viral
replication and inhibiting bacterial infection, including Staphylococci, Streptococci, and
Bacillus pneumonia. The polysaccharides also increase RNA and DNA in bone marrow,
thus increasing lymphocyte production.
This type of glucan is acid resistant so it passes through the stomach virtually unchanged,
has been shown to reduce blood glucose

Mechanism of action: These fungi all contain very high amounts of polysaccharides. These polysaccharides
appear to be the constituents responsible for immune modulation. Specifically, the polysaccharides induce
interferon production, thus disrupting viral replication and inhibiting bacterial infection, including
Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Bacillus pneumonia. The polysaccharides also increase RNA and DNA in
bone marrow, thus increasing lymphocyte production.

Medicinal actions: Immune stimulation/modulation, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, supports

metabolism (effect on Diabetes/PCOS)

Medicinal uses: The overall indications for these potent immunostimulatory mushrooms include many
conditions with altered immune and adrenal (endocrine) function. These include: chronic fatigue
immunodeficiency syndrome, HIV infection and AIDS, cancer, Lyme disease, hypertension, high cholesterol,
hyperglycemia and diabetes.9

6
Poria: while poria is used as a digestive support herb (drains damp in TCM) and diuretic and a variation for
calming spirit (fu shen) there are two reported anti-cancer triterpenes in addition to the polysaccharides
(triterpene poricoic acids33 and lanostane-type triterpene acids34). The constituents in Poria have shown to
have anti-tumor effects when used with mice with leukemia and melanoma. 35

Agaricus bisporus: Commonly known as button mushroom or table mushroom, A. bisporus is cultivated
edible basidiomycetes found extensively in Europe and North America. It is perhaps one of the most cultivated
species of mushroom across the world. Boiled as well as raw extract of A. bisporus, due to virtue of some
antioxidants in it, effectively inhibited the oxidative crisis in in vitro experiments.

Lentinus edodes: The polysaccharides of Lentinus have antitumor effects and increase phagocytic activity.
Lentinan activates NK cells involved in tumor suppression. In addition, lentinan has been shown to inhibit
immunosuppressive cytokines, increase antibody production, increase opsonin production, and activate
macrophages. 36

Grifola frondosa: (Maitake) Grifolan (a polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa) stimulates macrophage
production of tumor necrosis factor- which regulates immune and inflammatory responses such that the host
is protected against infection and cancer. A polysaccharide fraction in Maitake, beta 1-6 glucan (most other
mushrooms only contain beta 1-3 glucan) potentiates the activity of macrophages, NK cells, cytotoxic T cells
and increases the synthesis of interleukin-1 and lymphokines.

Trametes versicolor Turkey tail is very commonly found growing on fallen logs in local woods, but it does
have a look-a-like (Sternum Ostrea). It is not consider good eating, but is often used in decoctions, the best
way to extract the polysaccharides. Some of the early mushroom and cancer studies were using this
mushroom, which stimulate NK cells and support the microbiota.

Hericium erinaceus – Lion’s Mane (also called Yamabushitake) is a beautiful white mushroom that resembles
a white pom pom, and has been called that in some stores. It contains compounds that protect and promote
growth in neurons and is associated with nerve regeneration, which may have protective effects on Aβ-
triggered neurotoxicity. Used in one small trail with placebo for mild cognitive decline but is thought to be
needed to be consumed continuously for positive outcomes. PMID: 18844328

7
Ganoderma lucidum, G. lingzhi, G spp Ganodermataceae
Common name: Reishi, ling zhi
Botanical description: G. lucidum is a basidiomycetous fungus. G. applanatum is a bracket, wood decaying
fungus

Energetics: sweet, neutral, nourishes heart qi and shen, treats lung

Constituents: Triterpenes (ganodermic acids, ganoderic acids), Polysaccharides (ganoderan A, B, C, β-D-

glucans, D-6 glucans, beta-d-glucan), Sterols, coumarin, mannitol, fatty acids (oleic acid), adenosine

Mechanism of Action: Extracts with Ganoderma spp have been demonstrated to augment immunoglobulin G,
expand the memory of T-cells and increase IL-1 and IL-2. Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well
as decrease LDL cholesterol. These specific triterpenoids also help reduce platelet stickiness. 37

Prolonging life: In this study, a controlled protocol was conducted in which New Zealand Black/White F1 mice
were fed standard chow with prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day) or Ganoderma tsugae extract, commencing at 2
months of age. It was found that the F1 mice responded well to Ganoderma extract. Ganoderma improved the
survival rate of lupus mice, decreased the amount of proteinuria, decreased serum levels of anti-dsDNA
autoantibody, and showed evidence of decreased perivascular and parenchyma mononuclear cell infiltration in
vital organs. 38

Hepatobiliary Conditions: 355 patients with hepatitis B showed improvements in liver enzymes and improved
symptoms. G. lucidum is more effective in cases where there is no severe lever impairment. 39

Medical actions: Analgesic, Anti-allergy, Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, Antitumor,

Cardiotonic, Enhanced NK cell, hepatoprotective (according to herbalist & acupuncturist Christopher Hobbs 40

Medical uses: the polysaccharide content of reishi mushroom is responsible for possible anticancer and
immunostimulatory effects. Reishi may also provide hepatoprotective action, antiviral activity, and beneficial
effect on the cardiovascular system, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diabetes.

Endocrine Conditions: These mushrooms are also adaptogens, and thus enhance physiological resistance
to stress. All of the mushrooms can lower high blood sugar. Reishi has analgesic, nervine relaxant, anti-
allergic (inhibits histamine release and all types of hypersensitivity reactions, is an antioxidant, and regenerates
liver tissue (i.e. in liver necrosis and hepatitis).

Ganoderic acids may lower blood pressure as well as decrease LDL cholesterol. These specific triterpenoids
also help reduce platelet stickiness. 41

Ganoderma inhibits the release of histamine preventing and alleviating types I, II, III, and IV allergic
hypersensitivity reactions. Ganoderma has been observed clinically to stabilize immunoglobulin levels,
reducing the number of excess antibodies and boosting low levels. 42. Ganoderma may help reduce food
sensitivities for this reason.

Dosing range: The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China recommends 6 to 12 g reishi extract
daily.

Cautions: according to the Herbal PDR Ganoderma should not be consumed daily in the long term (> 3–6
months), as they may cause dizziness, dry mouth, nose bleeds and gastrointestinal upset, and may potentially
produce additive effects with anticoagulant medications.

8
Inonotus obliquus (chaga): a black parasitic fungus that grows on living trunks of the mature birch trees (may
be called Birch polypore) that is used as a whole crude product and occasionally standardized to endo-
polysaccharide extracted from mycelia

Ophiocordyceps sinensis also known as: Cordyceps sinensis

Common name: Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao

Historical Uses: Used in TCM for over 700 years as a tonic for treatment of night sweats, hyperglycemia,
hyposexuality, asthenia, arrhythmias, and other heart, lung, respiratory, and liver diseases.

Parts Used: Fungus

Constituents: Extracellular and intracellular polysaccharides, nucleosides, cordycepic acid, adenosine,

mannitol, sterols, glutamic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, ergosterol

Mechanism of Action:
Immunomodulation: Cordyceps shows bidirectional modulator activity by potentiating and suppressing
effects. This mechanism is thought to affect the innate and adaptive immunity. Potentiation activity occurs with
the production of IL1, 6, and 10 as well as TNF, elevated phagocytosis of human peripheral blood
mononuclear cells and monocyte production of H202. The extract can also synergize with interferon gamma to
stimulate cytokine production from the macrophages. Natural killer cell activity could be enhanced as well for
immunoreactivity purposes. Cordyceps suppresses autoimmunity disorders and provides immunosuppression
following organ transplant. The fungus would induce the redistribution and reduction in CD4+ T cells while
decreasing proteinuria and inflammation associated with IL-2 and interferon gamma.

Gastrointestinal Immunity: Cordyceps preserves the healthy gut microbiota while decreasing the amount of
harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, E.coli, and lactobacillus. Daily ingestion of the cultured organism
revealed subsequent activation of peritoneal macrophages in the GALT system as well as the macrophages
embedded within Peyer’s patches.

Anti-tumor: The fungus exhibits direct cytotoxic activity, immunopotentiation, apoptosis, and selective
inhibition of RNA. Apoptotic homeostasis is considered the most effective mechanism, which includes
activation of Bax, capsase-3, and 9, inhibition of COX 2 and NF-kB, and downregulation of Bcl-2.

Medicinal Action: Immunomodulation, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-

aging, antiarteriosclerotic, antidepressant, antiosteoperosis, antidiabetes

Medicinal Use: Nourishment for lung and kidneys, strengthening the body and restoring energy, increasing
stamina treatment of bowel injury, promotion of endurance capacity, accelerate leukocyte recovery, stimulate
lymphocyte proliferation

Contraindications: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders

Dosage: 5-10 g daily (clinical dosages not thoroughly researched)

Drug interactions: Cyclophosphamide, prednisolone, warfarin

References upon request

9
Dosing range: Vit. C reduces the high molecular weight of mushroom polysaccharides, reducing their
viscosity, but is acidic, while alkaline solutions help absorption.
 Dried: 5-10 g powder daily in divided doses.
 Shitake: Fresh or dried crude mushroom: cooked into soups or broths, 5 or more mushrooms can be
eaten one or more times daily. Should total 90 g per day or more (Yarnell)
 Maitake: Ten grams daily of the dried powder (equivalent to 200g of fresh mushroom) is typical. Most
preparations are standardized to the beta glucans.

Drug Interactions: The protein bound beta-glucan D fraction of Grifola increased the inhibitory effect of
mitomycin C on transplanted hepatic carcinoma in mice.43 Toxicity: Generally safe and well tolerated. Doses
of Maitake as high as 30g have been studied for side effects and only constipation was noted. Some people
experience mild diarrhea when beginning oral supplementation, and this soon resolves.

10
Larix occidentalis Pinaceae
Common name: Larch arabinogalactans -> independent study - see AMR monograph
NK stimulation, prebiotics, suitable for children

Olea europaea Oleaceae

Common name: Olive (oil, leaf extract) independent study - see AMR monograph
Also Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Olea europaea (Olive) 2015 on cygnet

Uncaria tomentosa Rubiaceae

Common name: cat’s claw, una de gato, life-giving vine. Do not confuse with: Uncaria gambir; aka : Gambir,
which may be used as a source for condensed tannins used as antioxidant
Botanical description: a woody vine that grows up trees. The name describes the small, curved-back spines
on the stem at the leaf juncture that grow along the vine and resemble the claws of a cat.
Habitat: indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America
Parts used: leaf, root, root bark
Constituents: triterpene glycosides, tomentosides A and B, Oxindole alkaloids, Glycosides, Tannins

Mechanism of action: Oxyindole alkaloids may give cat’s claw much of its ability to stimulate the immune
system. The alkaloids and other constituents, such as glycosides, may account for the anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant actions of this herb.44, 45
Medical actions: astringent, anti-inflammatory, anticancer treatment, immunostimulant, general tonic
Medicinal uses:
 Infectious Conditions: The standardized extract of cat’s claw has been tested in small, uncontrolled
studies and showed promise in preventing CD4 cell counts from dropping and reducing the incidence of
opportunistic infections in HIV and AIDS.46,47 Further study is needed to determine efficacy.
 Musculoskeletal Conditions: Although a traditional remedy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis,
no human studies have been performed.
Dosing range: One gram of root bark given 2 to 3 times/day is a typical dose, while 20 to 30 mg of a root bark
extract has been recommended. A standardized extract based on a particular chemotype of this species (C-
Med-100, Krallendorn, Immodal Pharmaka GmbH) containing 8% to 10% carboxy alkyl esters and less than
0.5% oxindole alkaloids has been used for clinical trials as an immunostimulant in doses of 250 to 300 mg

Caution: Because of potential immunostimulating effects, cat's claw should not be used in patients scheduled
for organ transplants, skin grafts, or immunosuppressive therapy, and in patients with autoimmune disorders

11
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2010 Nov 23;10:72. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-72. PubMed

PMID: 21092239; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3002894.
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8
Hudson JB. Applications of the Phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in Infectious Diseases. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2012;2012:769896.
doi:10.1155/2012/769896.
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10 Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3 rd ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR 2001. p. 85-86
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12 Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3 rd ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR 2001.

p.84-85
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15 AMR monograph: http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/8/1/72.pdf
16 Mills, S. and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy . Churchhill Livingstone, New York, NY. 2000, p. 273-279
17 Mills, S. and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy . Churchhill Livingstone, New York, NY. 2000, p. 273-279
18 Mills, S. and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy . Churchhill Livingstone, New York, NY. 2000, p. 273-279
19 Ibid

20 Chen & Chen, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, AOM press, City of Industry, CA
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25 ibid
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30 Zhang AL, Wen QZ, Liu CX. Hepatoprotective effects of Astragalus Root. J Ethnopharmcol, 1982, 30:149-145
31 Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3 rd ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR 2001.
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34
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35 Akihisa T, et al. Anti-tumor-promoting effects of 25-methoxyporicoic acid A and other triterpene acids from Poria cocos. J Nat Prod. 2009 Oct;72(10):1786-92.
36 Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture. Botanica Press 1995. p. 125
37 Lininger et al: Healthnotes: Clinical Essentials, Herb Monographs. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA. 2001
38 Lai, NS, Prevention of autoantibody formation and prolonged survival in New Zealand Black/New Zealand White F1 mice with an ancient Chinese herb, Ganoderma tsugae. Lupus.

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39 Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture. Botanica Press 1995. p. 101
40 Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture. Botanica Press 1995. p. 100-101.
41 Lininger et al: Healthnotes: Clinical Essentials, Herb Monographs. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA. 2001
42 Hobbs, C. Medicinal Mushrooms: An Exploration of Tradition, Healing and Culture. Botanica Press 1995. p. 102
43 Brinker, F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3 rd ed. Eclectic Medical Publications, Sandy, OR 2001. p 140

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46 Keplinger UM. Influence of Krallendorn extract on retroviral infection. Zu”rcher AIDS Kongress Zurich, Switzerland, Oct 16–7, 1992 [abstract in German].
47 Keplinger UM. Therapy of HIV-infected individuals in the pathological categories CDC A1 and CDC B2 with a preparation containing IMM-207. IV. O”sterreichischer AIDS-Kongress,

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12