Ginseng and echinacea may enhance immune function in patients with
suppressed immunity
Ginseng has been used as a revitalizing agent by the Chinese for centuries
and enjoys popular use in Western countries as well. In Asia, the herb
is also used to stimulate cellular immune function, a practice that
is supported by laboratory and clinical studies. Patients suffering
from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or AIDS often display suppressed
cellular immune function. Until recently, no studies have been undertaken
to investigate a possible role for either ginseng or E. purpurea
in strengthening immune function in these patients. In this study, researchers
treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with healthy
immune systems and patients with either CFS or AIDS with extracts of
ginseng or E. purpurea. Both herbal extracts enhanced immune
response in the two groups, as measured by natural killer cell function.
In addition, the extracts increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity,
the ability of peripheral cells to destroy infected targets. These two
herbs appear to be a safe, relatively low cost therapy for patients
with compromised cellular immune function.
See D, Broumand N, Sahl L,
et al. In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on
natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy
subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome patients. Immunopharmacology 1997; 35: 229-235.Ginseng and echinacea may
enhance immune function in patients with suppressed immunity |
