Consumers are demanding effective natural solutions for enhancing immunity more than ever before. Natural Remedies, a leader in traditional Ayurvedic herbal ingredients for human and animal health, is answering that call.
Previous clinical research has shown that the company’s AP-Bio ingredient, a standardised extract of Andrographis paniculata, is effective in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Today, Natural Remedies announced the results of a new clinical study showing that AP-Bio (also known as KalmCold in the EU market) improved immune response in healthy volunteers, evidenced by its effects on immune cells and cytokines.
New study: AP-Bio modulates immunity in healthy adults
In the prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot trial, healthy human volunteers took AP-Bio for 30 days. At the end of the study, absolute lymphocytes, T cells (CD3+) and T helper cells (CD3+, CD4+) in peripheral blood cells had increased. These effects on immune cells are associated with significant increases in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) production. In a subset population, the results were observed from day 7 until day 30. The supplement was well tolerated during the study period.
AP-Bio Enhances Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Previous preclinical research found that AP-Bio modulates innate immunity by enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity and macrophage phagocytic activity. The results from the latest clinical study show that AP-Bio also modulates adaptive immunity by increasing numbers of lymphocytes, T cells and T helper cells.
Innate immunity, so named because humans are born with it, is the body’s first line of defense. It is activated when the body detects a threat and mounts a general response to stop its spread. Adaptive immunity, which is acquired through exposure to microbes over the lifetime, is launched when the body recognises a threat it has previously encountered. This response is more finely tuned to the pathogen in question.
“An interesting aspect of AP-Bio is that it seems to have balancing effects on immunity and inflammation, particularly in the context of respiratory health,” says Dr. Deepak Mundkinajeddu, Head of Research and Development at Natural Remedies. He adds that this unique immunomodulatory effect may contribute to the efficacy of Andrographis clinically documented in both healthy volunteers as well as subjects with the common cold.
Study Provides New Insight into AP-Bio’s Mechanism of Action
A 2010 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the scientific journal Phytomedicine, showed that AP-Bio was effective in ameliorating symptoms of the common cold in human volunteers.1 The current study illuminates the immunostimulatory part of the equation and suggests AP-Bio may be a useful solution for strengthening immune function in order to protect the body from pathogens. Based on these two studies, researchers attribute efficacy of the proprietary botanical ingredient to both its anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties.
“Consumers are serious about defending their immunity, and increasingly, they’re looking for natural solutions that have the science to prove they work,” stated Abey Thomas, Assistant General Manager of Global Marketing for Natural Remedies. “For manufacturers who want to deliver on consumer expectations, AP-Bio ticks all the boxes: it’s clinically researched, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Halal, vegan, non-dairy and 100% natural.”
References
1. Saxena RC, et al. A randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2010;17:178-85.