Withania somnifera [Ashwaganda] is also known as Indian ginseng. It is used in Ayurveda to promote physical and mental health, rejuvenate the body in debilitated conditions and increase longevity. Ashwagandha improves memory and behavior from sleep deprivation. On the cellular level, Ashwagandha improves stress tolerance through improved expression of proteins involved in synaptic plasticity, cell survival and apoptosis in the hippocampus region of brain. The Hippocampus is part of the limbic system which regulates emotions, establishes new memories and forms long term memories. In a sleep deprivation stress study, Ashwagandha demonstrated anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in behavior. Hippocampal inflammatory and apoptotic cytokines IL-6, TNFα, NF-κB, AP-1, Bcl-xL and Cytochrome c were notably decreased as compared to the control group. Ashwagandha suppresses neuroinflammation via attenuating the proliferation of activated microglia, attenuated the TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, RNS, and ROS production via down regulating the expression of inflammatory proteins like NFkB and AP1 and also restricted the migration of activated microglia by down regulating metalloproteinase expression. In an oxidative stress rat brain ischemia study, Withania increased glutathione biosynthesis, caused a significant increase in SOD, CAT and GPX activity in neuronal cells and reduced neuro-degeneration in the hippocampus region. Ashwagandha enhanced antioxidant capacity against the adverse effects of free radical production during ischemia and re-perfusion.*

Astragalus membranaceus root [milk-vetch] is a tonic herb used for centuries for general weakness, chronic illnesses, and to increase overall vitality. Astragalus increases the number of stem cells in bone marrow and lymph and encourages their development into active immune cells. It also enhances the body’s production of immunoglobulins and stimulates macrophages. Astragalus can help activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Astragalus has the properties of intensifying phagocytosis of reticuloendothelial systems, stimulating pituitary-adrenal cortical activity, and restoring depleted red blood cell formation in bone marrow. Also, it is famed for its antimicrobial, antiperspirant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and tonic effects.*

Siberian ginseng [Eleutherococcus] is the ultimate example of an adaptogen that increases resistance to physical, chemical and various biological stressors. In addition to its anti-fatigue and anti-stress effects, the plant also exhibits immuno-modulatory effects – specifically anti allergic effects with less histamine release by mast cells activated by allergens. In the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, eleutherococcus modulates the functioning of the system depending on external factors and stressors. Eleutheroccus is an adrenal tonic, useful for both overworked and damaged adrenals. Eleutherococcus helps the body adapt to a varied platter of stressors. Better stress adaptation allows for more energy, greater endurance, and improved responses capacity to stressors in one’s life.

Panax ginseng, [Red Korean ginseng] root is a foundational immuno-modulator and adaptogen. In a 2014 study Korean Panax ginseng extract significantly enhanced NK cell cytotoxic activity by 35.2% and 40.2% from baseline after administration for 8 and 14 weeks, respectively. The phagocytic activity of peripheral blood cells was also significantly increased by 25.2% and 39.4% and serum level of TNF-α by 38.2% and 44.5% after treatment for 8 and 14 weeks, respectively.13 Ginsenosides from ginseng protect human endothelial cells against influenza H9N2-induced inflammation and apoptosis. In an in vivo human study, ginseng extract improved the survival of human lung epithelial cells against RSV infection and inhibited RSV replication. Ginseng extract also significantly reduced RSV-induced inflammatory cytokine genes (IL-6 and IL-8) and the formation of reactive oxygen species in epithelial cell cultures. Other in vivo effects includes enhanced level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by dendritic cells subsequent to RSV infection. Ginseng protects animal models from developing chronic lung infection by P. aeruginosa. Ginseng aqueous extract significantly prevented P. aeruginosa from forming biofilm and destroyed most 7- day-old mature biofilms after a 24hr in vitro exposure. In several in vivo animal studies, Ginseng treatment significantly enhanced bacterial clearance from the lungs and reduced the severity of lung pathology in animals with artificial P. aeruginosa biofilm pneumonia, compared with the control groups. Ginseng root up-regulated the Th1 immune response and down-regulated the Th2 response in chronic P. aeruginosa infected animals, which favored the host to clear the bacterial infections and reduced inflammation. In an in vivo rat malaria model, Ginseng polysaccharides resulted in significantly stronger phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages and it showed a synergistic anti-malaria effect with artesunate, likely from activation of immune responses. Panax ginseng extract’s effect on the immune response to vaccination was studied. NK-cell activity for the ginseng group was double that of the placebo group (p<0.0001) at weeks eight and 12. Serum antibody titers were 272 units in the ginseng group compared to 171 units in the placebo group. A significant decrease in the frequency of upper respiratory infections during weeks 4-12 was noted in the treatment group compared to placebo; 15 cases versus 42 cases, respectively. Ginseng has a very important role as potent immune system modulation.

Licorice is included for its organ and tissue protective properties. In the adrenal system and chronic stress-adaptation, licorice plays an important role in reducing the rate of loss of cortisol. Licorice slows the breakdown and thus loss of cortisol by inhibiting the enzyme 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. During the chronic fatigue and long standing stress state, licorice is an important consideration for adrenal healing due to reducing daily workload as it slows down the loss of cortisol and thus decreases daily workload. This adrenal and cortisol sparing effect makes licorice that contains glycyrrhizic acid an important consideration for chronic conditions characterized by lower cortisol states and adrenal gland underfunction. In herbalism, licorice preparations are frequently used to protect the mucus membranes of the mouth and intestines, especially in conditions characterized by inflammation and ulceration like stomach ulcers associated with H pylori infections. Licorice is also used in chronic viral infections of esp liver but also the lungs, due to its ability control inflammation as well as interfere with viral replication cycles, while protecting organs from damage – can protect the mitochondria against lipid peroxidation. Licorice formulations are well recognized as being able to increase blood pressure. Judicious use of licorice in natural medicine supports conditions associated with low blood pressure, improving function. This is also the single most important caution for licorice – in sensitive individuals, overuse or co-administration with diuretics may induce high blood pressure associated with low potassium levels. *