Immunomodulation with botanical extracts and nutrients

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that act together to defend the body against infection and disease. It comprises two main components: innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity provides a rapid and generalized defense against pathogens, while adaptive immunity offers a more specific and long-lasting response through the action of T and B lymphocytes. Maintaining a robust immune system is essential for the prevention and mitigation of infectious and chronic diseases. In this context, supplements and natural compounds that boost the immune response have gained significant attention. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) are two of the most studied for their immunomodulatory benefits.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

Elderberry has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Its effectiveness is attributed to several mechanisms of action:

1. Antiviral Activity: Elderberry extracts contain anthocyanins and other flavonoids that have been shown to inhibit the replication of several viruses, including influenza viruses. In vitro studies have shown that elderberry extracts can block the entry of viruses into host cells and reduce viral spread.

2. Immune System Boosting: Elderberry has been shown to enhance the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8, which are crucial in the initial immune response against infections. Additionally, it has been observed that elderberry can increase antibody production, thus improving adaptive immunity.

3. Antioxidant Properties: The high concentration of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in elderberry provides strong antioxidant activity, protecting immune cells from oxidative damage. This protection is crucial to maintaining the functionality of immune cells during infections.

4. Inflammation and Immune Response: A clinical study indicated that consumption of elderberry extracts significantly reduced the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms compared to placebos. Participants taking elderberry experienced faster recovery and fewer complications.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea, another widely used medicinal plant, is known for its immunomodulatory properties. Echinacea's mechanisms of action include:

1. Cytokine Modulation: Echinacea can regulate cytokine production, modulating both the inflammatory and adaptive responses. Echinacea extracts have been shown to increase the production of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6, which are crucial for the activation of the innate immune response.

2. Stimulation of Macrophages and NK Cells: Echinacea has been observed to increase the activity of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for the elimination of infected cells and pathogens. This effect stimulates a more effective and rapid immune response against infections.

3. Antiviral Effect: The phenolic compounds present in echinacea have demonstrated direct antiviral activity, inhibiting the penetration and replication of several viruses, including influenza viruses and the herpes simplex virus. This antiviral effect complements echinacea's ability to stimulate the immune response.

4. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Echinacea contains antioxidant compounds that protect immune cells from free radical damage. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help moderate the immune response, preventing excessive inflammation that can be harmful during chronic infections.

Conclusion

Elderberry and echinacea are two natural compounds with significant effects on immune response. Elderberry provides antiviral, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activity, while echinacea enhances innate and adaptive immune function, as well as offering antiviral and antioxidant properties. Clinical evidence supports the use of these extracts to improve immune health and reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections.

References

1. Zakay-Rones, Z., Varsano, N., Zlotnik, M., Manor, O., Regev, L., Schlesinger, M., & Mumcuoglu, M. (1995). Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1*(4), 361-369. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.1995.1.361
2. Roschek, B., Fink, R.C., McMichael, M., Li, D., & Alberte, R.S. (2009). Elderberry flavonoids bind to and prevent H1N1 infection in vitro. *Phytochemistry, 70*(10), 1255-1261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.07.003
3. Waknine-Grinberg, J.H., Elkabets, M., Malka, A., Solomon, R., & Ofir, R. (2010). Sambucus nigra extract reduces clinical symptoms of influenza virus infection in senescence-accelerated mice. *Israel Medical Association Journal, 12*(2), 106-107.
4. Vlachojannis, J.E., Cameron, M., & Chrubasik, S. (2010). A systematic review on the Sambucus nigra L. berry and flower. *Phytotherapy Research, 24*(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2729
5. Krawitz, C., Mraheil, M.A., Stein, M., Imirzalioglu, C., Domann, E., & Pleschka, S. (2011). Anti-infective properties of the golden powder of Sambucus nigra seeds. *Journal of Functional Foods, 3*(2), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2011.02.005
6. Sharma, M., Arnason, J.T., & Hudson, J.B. (2009). Echinacea extracts contain significant and selective activities against herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus. *Virology Journal, 6*, 197. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-422X-6-197
7. Barrett, B. (2003). Medicinal properties of Echinacea: a critical review. *Phytomedicine, 10*(1), 66-86. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321648692
8. Pleschka, S., Stein, M., Schoop, R., & Hudson, J.B. (2009). Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV). *Virology Journal, 6*, 197. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-422X-6-197
9. Woelkart, K., Koidl, C., Grisold, A., Gangemi, J.D., Turner, R.B., & Marth, E. (2008). Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Echinacea purpurea preparations and their interaction with the immune system. *International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46*(9), 447-455. https://doi.org/10.5414/cpp46447
10. Tiralongo, E., Wee, S.S., & Lea, R.A. (2016). Elderberry supplementation reduces cold duration and symptoms in air-travelers: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. *Nutrients, 8*(4), 182. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8040182