Herbal Immunity Boost (Astragalus-5) 60 tablets, 750 mg
		History Herbal Immunity Boost is based on the traditional Chinese formula Yu Ping Feng San, created by Dr. Zue Dan-Xi in 1481 A.D.

Formula Philosophy by Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G.
Secara's Chief Herbalist, Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac. A.H.G., one of the world's leading herbalists, has based Herbal Immunity Boost Astragalus-5 on a time-honored Chinese formula used for immune boosting. To enhance the formula's action of strengthening the immune system, Christopher Hobbs, Secara's Chief Herbalist, has added the scientifically tested and potent immuno-modulator Shiitake standardized extract, and the scientifically proven immune stimulant organic Echinacea Root.

Traditional Asian healers have used Shiitake Mushroom for centuries to strengthen the immune system and promote longevity. Shiitake mushrooms have amazing immune-boosting power, due to active constituents know as beta-glucans, a type of polysaccharide. These stimulate immune cells including macrophages, natural killer cells and T-cells.

The mechanism of action of Echinacea is the stimulation of the body's non-specific immune defense capacities, and the total immune stimulatory activity is due to combined action of several constituents. It enhances resistance to colds and flu (particularly when taken at the onset), is useful for septicemia and skin complaints (such as boils, abscesses, or carbuncles) and is used as a mouthwash for gum problems. Echinacea is taken for chronic infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts.

Organic Content
10% of the herbs used in this product were organically grown.

Indications
Immune system support: Recurrent cold and flu. Recurrent Respiratory Infections, Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections.

Contraindications
None known.

Dosing
4 tablets 2-3 times daily with food.

Supporting Clinical Research for Rieshi Mushrooms and Echinacea:
The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava. Ann Intern Med. 2002 Jan 1;136(1):42-53. CONCLUSION: Echinacea may be helpful in the treatment or prevention of upper respiratory tract infections.

A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trial. J Med. 1998;29(5-6):305-30. CONCLUSION: Patients in the study have shown a trend toward increases in CD4 cells and in some patients neutrophil activity.

Complete Formula Facts
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	Astragalus Root (huang qi) 5:1 Extract 981 mg Atractylodes Rhizome (bai zhu) 5:1 Extract 819 mg Siler Root (fang feng) 5:1 Extract 600 mg Organic Echinacea Root 300 mg Shiitake Fruit Body 20% Polysaccharides (60mg) 300 mg
This formula is 10% organic.

Secara uses organic herbs whenever possible and does not use endangered plant or animal species. This product is manufactured in the U.S. in GMP certified facilities and is free of animal and dairy products, soy, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives.

Modifying Herbs

Shiitake: Traditional Asian healers have used Shiitake Mushroom for centuries to strengthen the immune system and promote longevity.

Shiitake has a taste of SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.

Shiitake and other medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which are large, complex molecules that are proven immunomodulators. Many current studies are exploring whether the immunomodulatory effects of medicinal mushrooms will prove effective in preventing heart disease and cancer by reducing the risk of dangerous blood clots, fighting cancer cells and increasing the potency of cancer treatments.

Two well-studied polysaccharide complexes in Shiitake are lentinan and LEM. Animal studies have proven both substances to effectively stimulate the production of killer T-cells that are involved in immune response, the production of white blood cells, and the production of antibodies and interferon.

In human clinical trials, lentinan has shown anti-tumor activity and has been reported to increase the survival rate and length of life of patients with various types of cancer. LEM has inhibited HIV infection of cultured human T-cells in both laboratory and clinical trials.

There are no notable cautions or known herb drug interactions for Shiitake Mushroom other than occasional allergic reactions to the spores or daily use of the extract. (See Eosinophilia and gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of Shiitake Mushrooms.)

To review recent clinical research on Shiitake click on the PubMed link listed below:

A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trial.

Also see a complete review: Hobbs, C.R. 2000. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 2(4): 287-302.

Echinacea: Echinacea is a popular, non-toxic herb widely used for its immune-stimulating, anti-bacterial and antiviral activity. It enhances one's resistance to colds and flu (particularly when taken at the onset), is useful for septicemia and skin complaints (such as boils, abscesses, or carbuncles) and is used as a mouthwash for gum problems. Echinacea is taken for chronic infections of the urinary and respiratory tracts. It is also used locally as an antiseptic for burns, wounds, bites, skin ulcers, and eczema and psoriasis.

Recent human clinical trials show a protective effect against colds, reducing the incidence of follow-up colds after a course of Echinacea. Other studies show some positive results, others show no benefit over placebo. Larger studies are underway.

Echinacea has a taste of SPICY, ACRID and a temperature of WARM.

There are no notable cautions or known herb drug interactions for Echinacea.

To review recent clinical research on Echinacea click on the PubMed link listed below:

The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava.

This information is based on third-party reference materials and Secara cannot warrant its accuracy, completeness or reliability. Secara assumes no liability for any claims by a third party for loss that may arise from reliance on this information.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Herbal Immunity Boost (Astragalus-5)
60 tablets, 750 mg