A botanical complex containing Andrographis paniculata, Withania somnifera, Moringa oleifera, and Ocimum sanctum, Karashield, was associated with markers of improved immune function, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology.
The patented formula was assessed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to determine its capacity to support healthy immune function.
The study involved 120 healthy participants at a dose of 500 mg daily versus a placebo. Notably, each of the participants experienced at least two clinically-confirmed upper respiratory tract symptoms within two months prior to enrollment.
The results
The key findings included a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of common upper respiratory tract symptoms and C-reactive protein levels, with corresponding increases in immunoglobulin (IgG) levels, observed by day 7 of the 60-day intervention.
Specifically, upper respiratory tract symptom frequency decreased by 81.5% in the treatment group, while increasing 39% in the placebo group.
The self-reported severity of these symptoms decreased by 82.5% in the treatment group, while decreasing by 34.5% in the placebo group. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) increased by 12.3%, while decreasing by 4.7% in the placebo group.
C-reactive proteins indicative of an inflammatory response decreased by 47.2% in the treatment group, while increasing by 9.6% in those taking a placebo.
When it came to overall self-reported quality of life, scores measuring the ability to engage in daily functions increased by 60.8% for those taking the supplement, and overall feelings of wellness increased by 35.1%, versus 33.4% and 0.6% for the placebo group, respectively.
“We are excited about these positive clinical findings, as the immune system is key to living a healthy and functional life,” said Krishna Rajendran, CEO of Karallief. “In the clinical study, KaraShield brought a marked decrease in the occurrence and severity of common upper respiratory symptoms, which are well-documented to have negative impacts in nearly every aspect of daily life, from mood to energy and concentration.”
According to the authors, decreased levels of inflammation — as measured by C-reactive protein — combined with increased levels of IgG, suggest a “better balance or ‘more efficient’ defensive clearance of common pathogens,” as C-reactive protein is a measurement of how hard the immune system is working as an inflammatory marker.
Meanwhile, IgG is a defensive protein produced following an infection, and low levels can correlated with recurrent infections.
"Immunoglobulins are the outer layer of defense for the human immune system, helping fight infections before they start and preventing minor issues from escalating, said Dr Frank Lichtenberger, MD, immunologist and scientific advisor at Karallief. “For the first time to my knowledge, a safe plant-based product has been shown to improve this immunoglobulin shield while also enhancing its efficiency and preventing waste.”