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Immune Boost - ES Herb Information

Astragalus – Huang Qi

Tonifies wei (defensive) qi, consolidates the exterior

Promotes the discharge of pus and generates flesh

Immune potentiator and modulator

Relieves numbness and pain

Enhances function of spleen and thymus

Immunostimulant:

Administration of Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) is associated with promotion of T cells.

The polysaccharides from Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) have been shown to activate B cells.

Qu LL, et al. Astragalus membranaceus injection delayed allograft survival related with CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells. Transplant Proc. 2010 Nov;42(9):3793-7.  Shao BM, et al. A study on the immune receptors for polysaccharides from the roots of Astragalus  membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Aug 6;320(4):1103-11.

 

Atractylodes (Bai Zhu – Chao)

Tonify & Strengthen Spleen

Stabilize the exterior

Support healthy Qi

Promotes Body Fluid metabolism (inhibits formation of Phlegm)

Strengthens Immune system

 

Siler Root (Fang Feng)

Releases the exterior & expels wind

Enhances the phagocytosis of macrophages

Improves immune function

 

Japanese Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)

Clears heat

Clears heat and eliminates toxins

Antibacterial

Antiviral

Inhibits SARS-CoV replication at non-toxic concentration

 

Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao)

Clears heat, eliminates toxins and drains pus

Promotes normal urination

Antibacterial

Antifungal

Antiviral

Anti-inflammatory

Virucidal Properties

The water extract of Yu Xing Cao also demonstrates antiviral effect to treat coronavirus in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Yu Xing Cao exhibits significant inhibitory effects on the virus and increases the proliferation of lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner.

Lau KM, et al. Immunomodulatory and anti-SARS activities of Houttuynia cordata. Institute of Chinese Medicine,  The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Jun 19;118(1):79-85.

 

Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao)

Clears heat and toxins

Expels wind heat conditions

Antiviral

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

 

Coix (Yi Yi Ren)

Strengthens Spleen

Clears heat in lungs

 

Elderberries

Reduce inflammation

Boost immune system

Antiviral

Inhibits viral replication

Protects against viral infection if taken prophylactically.

 

Isatis Root (Ban Lan Gen)

Antiviral (broad)

Anti-inflammatory

Antipyretic

Clears heat, eliminates toxins, cools blood and benefits the throat

Antibacterial

Benefits the throat and Lung

Drains heat

Shows direct effect to inhibit the enzyme activity of SARS coronavirus.

Lin CW, Tsai FJ, Tsai CH, Lai CC, Wan L, Ho TY, et al. AntiSARS coronavirus 3C-like protease effects of Isatis indigotica root and plant-derived phenolic compounds. Antiviral Res 2005; 68: 36-42.

 

Bitter Orange Peel (Zhi Shi)

Breaks up stagnant Qi

Tonifies Qi

Supports Spleen & Digestion

 

Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)

Fortifies the Yang

Antioxidant

Anti-inflammatory

Encourages generation of Qi and Blood

Antifungal

Antiviral

 

Chinese Gallnut (Wu Bei Zi)

Contains leakage of lung qi, clears deficiency fire

Binds the intestines

Consolidates kidney jing (essence)

Eliminates toxins and reduces swelling

Antiviral: Administration of moronic acid from Wu Bei Zi is associated with antiviral effect. The main active compounds include rhuscholide A, betulonic acid, moronic acid, and others.

Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis) contains tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (TGG) and luteolin, were identified to exhibit prominent anti-SARS virus activity. These natural molecules bound avidly with the surface spike protein of SARS virus and thus interfered with the entry of the virus to its host cells.

Chang FR, et al. Inhibition of the Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle by moronic acid. Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Antiviral Res. 2010 Mar;85(3):490-5.  Wang RR, et al. Anti-HIV-1 activities of compounds isolated from the medicinal plant Rhus chinensis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 May 8;117(2):249-56.  Gu Q, et al. A new benzofuranone and anti-HIV constituents from the stems of Rhus chinensis. Planta Med. 2007 Mar;73(3):279-82.   Yi L, Li Z, Yuan K, Qu X, Chen J, Wang G, et al. Small molecules blocking the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus into host cells. J Virol 2004; 78: 1133411339.

 

Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi)

Supports immune function

Supports liver function

High in Vitamin C

Support Lung Qi

Moistens the Lungs

 

Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi)

Supports Lung Qi

Support Liver function

Reduces Stress

 

Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

Broad Spectrum Anti-viral

Prevents viral replication and inhibits viral growth

Enhances antibody formation and stimulates phagocytosis

Supports healthy digestion

 

Boneset (Pei Lan)

Antimalaria

Antiviral

Immunostimulant

Mucus membrane tonic

Anti-inflammatory

 

A huge thank you to www.elotus.org and John K. Chen, Ph.D., Pharm.D., O.M.D., L.Ac. for their tireless research on providing the references above.