Immune VF1
VF1 is an adaptogen and antioxidant combination which can alleviate symptoms of viral infection such as debility and fatigue. The herbs selected are well researched and safe. The specific combination of the herbs in VF1 is the reason it is so successful in infection prevention.
- Astralagus M. (Huang Qi)
- Eleuthrococcus S. (Siberian Ginseng)
- Ganoderma L. (Reishi)
- Panax Q. (American Ginseng)
- Andographis P. (Kalmegh)
- Vitamin C
- Zinc Citrate
Why were these herbs selected? Read on to learn more about their individual function.
Astragalus M.
Astragalus membranaceus, also known as Astragalus propinquus or Huang Qi, is one of the most important Qi (energy) tonifying herbs in Chinese medicine. The herb is also consumed as a tea during colds to tonify the lungs and speed up recovery. Research shows astragalus has capabilities for stimulating immune cell proliferation, such as the natural killer cell and T-cell lymphocytes, as well as its phagocytic activity. Astragalus has also been shown to inhibit seasonal and systemic infection.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
Eleutherococcus S.
Also known as Siberian Ginseng or eleuthero, Eleutrococcus senticosus is native to eastern Asia. The herb has been researched by the Russian scientific community since the 1960s. It is a well known adaptogen herb which can increase the body's resistance to environmental stressors. The herb can rejuvenate one's energy while maintaining the body's immune system optimal function. Studies have shown Eleutrococcus can increase lymphocyte count as well as having an anti-viral effect on a wide spectrum of common viruses. It can increase the natural killer cell cytostatic ability by 200% after taking this herb for one week.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
Ganorderma L.
Ganorderma lucidum (Ling Zi), also famously known as Reishi, is the most researched Asian mushroom in the world. Immune VF1 formula includes a significant amount of (1,3;1,6)-β-D-glucans polysaccharide extract content in each capsule. Besides having anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this specific polysaccharide is well known for immune boosting as well as systemic healing properties. The water extract of this herb has been shown to significantly inhibit the effects of certain viruses.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
American Ginseng
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is native to North America. Discovered in 1715, Panax spawned a lucrative trade business and rapidly became the second most important Canadian export after fur. This herb has been shown to effectively shorten the duration of colds in healthy adults when taken preventively for 8-16 weeks.
Another study shows that moderate doses of the American Ginseng taken over 4 months can reduce the mean number of colds, the severity of symptoms and the number of days of cold symptoms. It has been considered to be a safe herb even for the pediatric population as well.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
Andrographis P.
Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic medicines to support the immune system. It is used for treating bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, as well as fever, sore throat and other flu symptoms.
Studies show that it has significant antimicrobial activity against gram-positive S. Aureus (MRSA) and gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its chemical constituents also have been shown to have a viricidal effect against a range of systemic infections. A recent systematic review demonstrated that this herb is considered safe and beneficial for relieving infection symptoms in adults and children.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential micronutrient for humans. It is a potent antioxidant and immune defence regulator. Vitamin C deficiency results in impaired immunity and higher susceptibility to infections.
When vitamin C is taken on a regular basis, it can reduce the length and severity of colds. Studies have shown its ability to relieve symptoms. Regular supplementation with higher dosages of vitamin C (such as 1000 to 2000 mg/day) has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold (in adults by 8%, and in children by 14%). Other studies have shown that there is also a protective effect from viral infection.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.
Zinc Citrate
Zinc is a crucial mineral for many body functions, particularly the immune cells.
Deficiency in zinc is associated with impaired cell-mediated immunity, antibody production, phagocyte function, complement system and cytokine synthesis.
Pertinent to bacterial pneumonia-complicating influenza, a 1-year study of 420 nursing home patients shows that participants with plasma concentrations of zinc greater than 70 μg/dL had a significantly lower risk of pneumonia requiring antibiotics than did participants with plasma zinc levels of less than 70 μg/dL. Zinc supplementation has been shown to have moderate success in prevention of infections. However, some studies have shown zinc supplementation may shorten the duration of colds by approximately 33%. Generally it should be taken within 24 hours of onset of the symptoms. Some studies have actually shown zinc to be an anti-viral against certain viruses by affecting the replication cycle during the course of the infection.
See Published Research section below to view sample reports of clinical studies of the various effects of this ingredient.