Immunostimulants/modulators Flashcards
what are immunostimulants?
agents that increase activity of the immune system
used to fortify the body’s response to invasion by a pathogen
mechanisms include: increased phagocytosis, inc production of WBCs, and moderation of cytokines
many agents are heating, stimulating and drying
examples: Allium sativum, Echinacea spp, Baptisia tinctora, Spilanthes acmella, Usnea barbata, Sambucus nigra, Eupatorium perfoliatum
what are immunomodulators?
agents that have a townifying effect on the immune system.
they are gradual in their action
they can fortify the immune system without over-stimulation
they are also known to “cool” or down regulate immune hyper function
Examples: Astragalus membranaceus, Grifola frondosa, Trametes versicolor, Glycyrrhiza spp.
Main characteristics and actions of Echinacea spp.
Actions: immunostimulator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, stimulates leukocytes, inhibits hyaluronidase, enhances phagocytosis, lymphagogue, vulnerary
Indications: Infection, sepsis, pharyngitis, prevention of upper respiratory infections, snake bites, ulcers
excellent stabilizer of tissue in inflammatory states that tend to break down cell junctions and collagen
CI- avoid use in inflammatory AI disease
Main characteristics and actions of Eupatorium perfoliatum- Bone Set
Actions:
stimulating immunostimulator, diaphoretic, cholegogue and choleretic, diuretic, antispasmodic
Indications:
flu like illnesses with pain that sets in to the one
CI: allergic hypersensitivity, pregnancy
Main characteristics and actions of Astragalus membranaceus
Actions:
Immunomodulating, promotes tissue regeneration, anti inflammatory, anti viral, cardiotonic, helps preserve WBC counts in chemotherapy, hepatoprotective
Indications:
gentle builder for those with low vitality
used for those who are prone to frequent infections and for those with weak tissues and/or poor digestion
a good herb for children
CI: may be inappropriate in AI conditions
What are the main actions and indications for Sambucus nigra?
Actions:
berries- antiviral, immunostimulant
flowers- diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, nervine
Indications:
influenza, colds, cough
CI: the unripe fruit, seeds, bark, leaves, and root can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tachycardia, and convulsions
main actions and indications of Baptisia tinctora (wild indigo)
Actions: immunostimulant, antimicrobial, febrifuge
Indications: infections, protracted fever with severaly depressed vital force, ulceration of tissue
Low dose botanical- potentially toxic at high doses
What are the main actions and indications of Andrographis paniculate?
Actions:
bacteriostatic, virostatic, antipyretic, bitter, antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective
Indications: upper respiratory infections, dysentery, gripe of infancy, topically for snake bites
CI: pregnancy
What are the main actions and indications of Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)?
Actions:
increases phagocytosis, increases NK response to lethal CMV, increases interferon, free radical scavenger- particular effects with chemotherapy, increases survival in cancer patients, helps stabilize WBC counts in chemotherapy patients
Indications: taken with chemotherapy to decrease side effects and provide immune support, stabilizes WBC count
unknown effects in pregnancy and lactation
What are the main actions and indications in Grifola frondosa- Maitake?
Actions:
Anticancer, immunomodulating, antiviral, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant
Indications:
immune support during chemotherapy, cancer prevention, diabetes, hypertension
What are the main actions and indications of Ganoderma lucidium - Reishi
actions:
anti-allergic, anti-histamine, anti-hypertensive, decreases platelet aggregation, decreases LDL, decreases arrhythmia, decreases insomnia, decreases angina, protects against ionizing radiation
indications:
used in cancer treatment to increase immune function and help treat fatigue, hypertension, immune deficiency, insomnia, hepatitis
CI- potential allergy to spores
