Module 5.

2 – “Pharmacological Basis of Yin Nourishment”

The optimal functioning of the immune system requires a dynamic balance between Yin
and Yang. An optimally-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health.
A Yin/Yang imbalance can result in sub-optimal health or disease. According to Chinese
Medicine theory, a deficiency in body function (that is a sub-optimal health) can be
caused by genetic factors and/or acquired environmental factors as well as aging. To
repair or enhance declining physiological function, supplementation with Chinese
tonifying herbs with various properties in accordance with the pattern of deficiency in
body function can be used. In essence, Yang/Qi-invigorating tonifying herbs, which are
used for individuals with Yang/Qi deficiency, can up-regulate energy metabolism, with
a resultant increase in bioenergy production.

Yin-nourishing/Blood-enriching tonifying herbs are used for fortifying nutrient supply

as well as blood production in the body, with an associated enhancement of immune
function. Then, what is Yin nourishment in the terms of pharmacological actions in
Modern Medicine?

Studies of the immuno-modulatory activities of Chinese Yin and Yang tonifying herbs
have indicated that almost all Yin tonifying herbs stimulate the immunological response
upon antigen challenge. The immune system provides a sophisticated means of
protecting the host against invading microorganisms or other “foreign” molecules and
against malignant (meaning cancer) cells. Its function involves the cooperation and
interaction of various cell types, cell products, tissues and organs. Under normal
conditions, the immune system is responsible for defending against infection, repair
and maintenance of tissues, as well as limiting the proliferation of cancer cells. However,
an abnormally functioning immune system can also result in allergy, infection,
autoimmunity, cancer and prolonged viral infection.

In this connection, the immune system encompasses primary and secondary lymphoid
organs, and they are prominent at sites that are exposed to the exterior, such as the
mucosa of lungs, intestine, and skin. Immune cells, which include T/B lymphocytes and

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monocytes/macrophages, are derived from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone
marrow. Immune factors (those are proteins produced by immune cells) such as
complement, antibodies and cytokines are important regulators of the immune
response.

Immune responses are the result of an effective functional interplay between innate
(which is natural and non-specific) and adaptive (which is acquired and specific)
components of the immune system. The innate immune response is the first line of
defense against invading pathogens which relies on the body’s ability to recognize
signature features of pathogens that are not present in the uninfected host, thereby
targeting them for phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils, and the production of
an inflammatory response. The adaptive immune system exhibits a stronger immune
response than the innate one, and it possesses immunological memory, wherein each
pathogen is “remembered” by a specific signature antigen.

The cells of the adaptive immune system are specialized white blood cells, called B- and
T-lymphocytes. B-cells are involved in humoral immune responses (which are mostly
mediated by antibodies), whereas T-cells are involved in cell-mediated immune
responses (which are interplays of cytokines and different types of immune cells). Both
B- and T-cells contain receptor molecules that recognize specific chemical targets – that
is, antigens. Whereas B cells can recognize intact pathogens without any need for
antigen processing, T cells recognize a “non-self” pattern after antigens have been
processed and presented in combination with a “‘self” receptor called the major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) receptor. A third, minor subtype of immune cells is
the gamma-delta T-cell that recognizes intact antigens that are not bound to MHC.

When B- and T-cells are activated and begin to replicate, some of their progeny become
long-lived memory cells. Throughout the lifetime of humans, these memory cells
“remember” each specific pathogen encountered and can mount a strong immune
response to future challenges. The aging process weakens the immune system and
predisposes aging individuals to an increased risk of immune insults, which are often

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more severe than in individuals of younger age groups. Due to such “immune-
senescence” (meaning aging), both innate and adaptive responses are compromised.

Genetic variability among individuals (which determine differing body constitutions)

plays an important role in determining variations in inter-individual immune responses.
Chronic psychological stress factors can produce low to moderate degrees of immune
suppression, resulting in an increased risk of infectious disease.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of a healthy

immune system. Protein-calorie malnutrition, deficiency of micronutrients, and
stringent self-imposed dieting (such as anorexia) can impair the body’s defense
capabilities, depleting white blood cells as well as crucial protein components of the
immune system. A lack of micronutrients, particularly iodine, iron, vitamin A, and zinc –
depending on its severity – can produce adverse effects on the immune system.
Extensive alcohol/drug abuse can directly suppress a wide range of immune responses
by impairing the functioning of T-/B-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, monocytes and
macrophages, as well as decrease inflammatory responses, alter cytokine production
and cause free radical damage.

Environmental pollution has become an important risk factor in causing detrimental

effects on immune function – particularly in industrialized societies. Even short-term
exposure to air pollutants can affect respiratory health, resulting in upper respiratory
tract infections and asthma. Many environmentally prevalent xenobiotics such as
insecticides, herbicides, fungicides as well as several industrial chemicals can mimic or
antagonize endogenous hormones and adversely affect not only the endocrine and
reproductive systems but also the immune system. In order to combat microorganism
invasion, it is important to build up the strength of the immune system, analogous to
building a strong border defense in a country. To combat infection in the long-term,
maintenance of an optimally functioning immune system is crucial. While immuno-
stimulation can bolster the immune system, adequate nutritional support is required to
maintain optimal immune function.

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By the same token, while Yin tonifying herbs can stimulate immune responses, healthy
nutrition is required to sustain the optimal function of the immune system by providing
the material basis (meaning Yin) for functioning.