100% FRUITING BODY EXTRACT
GLUTEN-FREE
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COMPREHENSIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
The immune system is one of the most complex systems in the human body, and its integral role in health encompasses the entire human organism. Innate and adaptive immunity are in constant communication, and tirelessly protect the body from pathogens, neoplastic change, and self-reactivity. When the innate immune system is weakened, there is greater opportunity for disease and dysfunction due to decreased pathogen surveillance and defense. When adaptive immunity is dysregulated, there is greater opportunity for autoimmunity, poor response to vaccinations, and chronic infection. Because of the central role of the immune system in human health, it is imperative to keep it strong, vigilant, and appropriately regulated.
Lucidum Medicinals has formulated the Immune formula with well-researched mushrooms to promote immune modulation, support a healthy response to inflammation, and to support overall immune regulation.*
Background
The initial immune response to a pathogen is facilitated by the innate, or inborn, immune
system. Innate immunity is regulated by cell-to-cell communication via chemical messengers. The immune tissue in our digestive tract, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), contains cells of the innate immune system, macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells have pattern recognition receptors, or PRRs, specific for different pathogen-associated molecular patterns, or PAMPs. Once a PAMP is bound to a receptor, a robust immune response is initiated; NK cells and B cells are activated, and T-helper cells differentiate. This immune symphony is responsible for defending the body from infection, and must be regulated appropriately.
Mushrooms contain branched sugar molecules in their cell wall called (1,3) (1,6)-ß-D-glucans. ß-glucans act as PAMPs and bind to multiple receptors on innate immune cells, including TLR-2 and Dectin-1. Once bound to a receptor, a cascade of immune modulation begins, and is maintained for hours after ingestion.
REISHI
Reishi mushroom, known in Chinese medicine as the 'mushroom of immortality', is one of the most well-researched mushrooms in the world. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that reishi promotes immune modulation in both healthy adults and adults with systemic immune dysregulation.
Action | Mechanism |
|---|---|
Nephroprotective | Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) |
Immune modulating | Increases p53 tumor suppressor gene expression; upregulates caspase-3 expression |
Hypoglycemic | Inhibits aldose reductase and α glucosidase |
Hypouricemic | Inhibits xanthine oxidase |
Anti-pathogenic | Inhibits neuraminidase; promotes NK cell and cytotoxic T cell activity |
Anti-allergic | Inhibits histamine release;
modulates of Th1/Th2 polarization |
Anti-atherogenic | Inhibits lipid peroxidation |
Anti-androgenic | Inhibits 5-α-reductase |
Adaptogenic | Modulates cortisol secretion |
Maitake mushroom has been used as both food and medicine for centuries. It is a nourishing food, and when taken in a more concentrated form as a powdered extract, promotes immune modulation. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ß-glucans from maitake were shown to both stimulate and suppress the immune system, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effects.
MAITAKE
Action | Mechanism |
|---|---|
Ovulation regulating | Regulation of blood glucose (putative) |
Immune modulating | Promotes TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10 production; inhibits VEGF expression, angiogenesis |
Turkey tail mushroom is best known for the isolated, patented constituents polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) found in various strains of mycelium, and in different forms in the fruiting body. Both demonstrate anti-neoplastic activity, while PSP also modulates the microbiome. Although the majority of research has been on these isolates, a number of animal trials on whole mushroom extracts have shown stimulation of the innate immune response, and it is used clinically for a variety of immune support functions.
TURKEY TAIL
Action | Mechanism |
|---|---|
Prebiotic | Digestion of polysaccharides by beneficial microbiota |
Immune modulating | Increases TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-8; increases NK cell activity |
