Immunomodulators & Immunostimulants Flashcards
What are immunomostimulants?
Agents that increase the activity of the immune system
-Increased phagocytosis, increased production of WBCs and moderation of various cytokines
What are immunomodulators?
Agents that have a tonifying effect on the immune system
Gradual in their action
Can fortify immune system w/o overstimulation
Echinacea family
Asteraceae
Echinacea part used
Root & rhizome
Whole plant
Echinacea energetics
Cooling
Drying
Stimulating
Echinacea Actions
Immunostimulator Anti-inflammatory Antimicrobial **Enhances phagocytosis** Stimulates leukocytes Inhibits hyaluronidase
Echinacea Indications
Infxn Sepsis Pharyngitis Prevention of URIs Snake bites Ulcers
Echincaea Contraindications
Inflammatory autoimmune dz (bc it’s an immunostimulant)
Echnicaea prep & dosage
Unless otherwise prescribed 900 mg of root per day in liquid forms for oral administration
Echincaea purpurea specific medicinal uses
Lymphagogue properties
Most active in immune stimulating properties in a 30% alcohol tincture
Echinacea anguistifolia specific medicinal uses
Tx of septicemia
80% alcohol tincture
Echinacea pallida
Supportive therapy in influenza infxn
Eupatorium perfoliatum family
Asteraceae
Eupatorium perfoliatum part used
aerial part in bud or flower
Eupatorium perfoliatum energertics
Cooling
Drying
Earthy
Eupatorium perfoliatum actions
Stimulating diaphoretic
cholegogue and chloeretic
diuretic
antispasmodic
Eupatorium perfoliatum indications
Flu like illnesses w/ pain that sets into the bone
Eupatorium perfoliatum contraindications
Allergic hypersensitivity resulting in contact dermatitis
Pregnancy
Astragalus membranaceus family
Fabaceae
Astragalus membranaceus part used
root
Astragalus membranaceus energetics
mildly warming
Astragalus membranaceus actions
Deep immune activation, immune enhancer (Immunomodulating promotes tissue regeneration anti-inflammatory anti-viral cardiotonic helps preserve WBC counts in chemotherapy hepatoprotective)
Astragalus membranaceus indications
Depressed immune system (Gentle builder for those with low vitality Individuals prone to infxn Poor digestion Good herb for children)