Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: A Review

Block, Keith I.; Mead, Mark N.

doi:10.1177/1534735403256419

Cited by 265 publications

(185 citation statements)

References 141 publications

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“…Some studies have demonstrated activation of an immune response following treatment with echinacea extracts [19], but it is not clear how this might influence the pathogenesis of individuals infected with HIV.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential health risks of complementary alternative medicines in HIV patients

et al. 2008

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To determine the prevalence and purpose of complementary alternative medicines (CAMs) use in people receiving treatment for HIV infection. To identify and quantify potential health risks of CAM use in this population and to explore options for improved pharmacovigilance. MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire survey of 293 patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy at three specialist HIV out-patient clinics in central London, UK. The use of herbal medicines and supplements was explored, and potentially adverse side effects or significant drug interactions with conventional therapies were identified. ResultsOf the 293 patients included, 61% (n 5 179) were taking herbal remedies or supplements and 35% (n 5 103) were using physical treatments. Twenty-seven per cent (n 5 80) used a combination of both. Twenty per cent (n 5 59) potentially compromised their HIV management through using CAM therapy. Ten per cent (n 5 29) were advised to stop their CAMs and 15% (n 5 43) were made aware of potential drug interactions and adverse effects and were advised to monitor their care. ConclusionsThere are potentially significant health risks posed by the concomitant use of CAMs in patients taking ARV therapy. Medical practitioners need to be able to identify CAM use in HIV-positive patients and recognize potential health risks. Patients should be encouraged to disclose CAM use to their clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential health risks of complementary alternative medicines in HIV patients

et al. 2008

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“…Well-known biochemical and pharmacological effects include anti -aging, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, along with promoting the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins (Attele et al, 2002;Xie, Mehendale, and Yuan 2005;Christensen 2008;King and Murphy 2010). Studies have also shown that ginseng has beneficial effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune system (Block and Mead, 2003; Cancer prevention and inhibition of tumor growth are among other effects (Shin et al, 2000;Shibata 2001;Wang et al, 2007;King and Murphy, 2010). The herb is used as ginseng tea, extract, or raw directly from powdered root (Bucci 2000).…”

Section: About Ginsengmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Ginseng - Focus on Colon Cancer

Jafari‐Vayghan

Ghadimi²,

Nourazarian³

2014

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

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Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases all over the world. Early screening and start of chemotherapy is effective in decreasing mortality. This type of cancer can be controlled to some extent via a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Ginseng is a plant which has been consumed as a herbal medicine for thousands of years in Asian countries. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that this plant not only reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer, but also improves patient's status by enhancing the effects of chemotherapy drugs. However, further studies are needed to prove this relationship. We briefly review ginseng and its components such as ginsenosides reported anticancer effects and their mechanisms of action. Understanding these relationships may produce insights into chemical and pharmacological approaches for enhancing the chemo preventive effects of ginsenosides and for developing novel anticancer agents.

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“…Clinically, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant actions of Schizandrae have proven beneficial in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis 181 . More data are required to determine the clinical effects of Chinese herbs on immunity and to prevent cancer progression 182 .…”

Section: Prevention Of Cancer Progressionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chinese Medicine and Biomodulation in Cancer Patients—Part Two

Sagar

Wong

2008

Current Oncology

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a whole system containing therapeutic interventions that individually induce biomodulation at the physiologic, chemical, and molecular levels. The theory of TCM proposes a synergy between specific interventions selected as part of a care plan based on TCM diagnostic theory. Combining TCM with the modern practice of oncology seems, in conjunction with biomedical interventions (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and pharmaceuticals), to have potential advantages through the synergy of biomodulation. Biomodulation approaches are broadly categorized as modification of tumour response and reduction of adverse effects; modulation of immunity; prevention of cancer progression; and enhancement of symptom control. Although the database of preclinical studies is rapidly expanding, good-quality clinical trials are notably scarce.Laboratory studies suggest that some herbs increase the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy without increasing toxicity. A healthy immune system is necessary for control of malignant disease, and the immune suppression associated with cancer contributes to its progression. Many Chinese herbs contain glycoproteins and polysaccharides (among them, constituents of Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Grifola frondosa, Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and various other medicinal mushrooms) that can modulate metastatic potential and the innate immune system. Phytochemicals such as specific polysaccharides have been shown to boost the innate immune system, especially through interaction with Tolllike receptors in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. This intervention can potentially improve the effectiveness of new anticancer vaccines. An increase in virusassociated cancers presents a major public health problem that requires novel therapeutic strategies. A number of herbal therapies have both antiviral activity and the ability to promote immunity, possibly inhibiting the initiation and promotion of virus-associated cancers.The mechanisms learned from basic science should be applied to clinical trials both of specific interventions and of whole-system care plans that safely combine the TCM approach with the conventional biomedical model. In Western medicine, the combination of TCM herbs with drug therapies is controversial, given lack of knowledge concerning whether a drug is favourably enhanced or whether adverse effects occur. Using initial data from the preclinical studies, future clinical research needs to evaluate the combinations, some of which are showing favourable synergy.

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Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: A Review

Cited by 265 publications

References 141 publications

Potential health risks of complementary alternative medicines in HIV patients

Potential health risks of complementary alternative medicines in HIV patients

Preventive and Therapeutic Roles of Ginseng - Focus on Colon Cancer

Chinese Medicine and Biomodulation in Cancer Patients—Part Two

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