Natural Anti-Viral Agents for Virus Infections
There are a number of herbs and other natural substances that inhibit viruses and help to prevent or treat colds, flu, and any other viral infections.
Elderberry (Sambacus nigra)
- Reduces hemagglutination and inhibits the replication of human influenza viruses.
- Induces improvement of symptoms and resolution of infection much faster than placebo in clinical trials.
- Used historically as a diaphoretic agent in the treatment of colds and influenza.
- Improves non-specific resistance to colds and influenza.
Scullcap (Scutellaria balcalensis)
- Contains flavonoid compounds which inhibit replication of human influenza viruses A and B at least partly by inhibiting fusion of viral envelopes with endosomal and lysosomal membranes.
- Demonstrates inhibition of viral proliferation in lab animals and in vitro replication of HIV (Li)
- Inhibits in vivo replication of influenza viruses.
- Inhibits in vivo replication of Epstein-Barr virus and associated tumor development.
- Exhibits in vitro inhibitory activity against a broad range of bacteria, including: Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitides.
- Traditional Chinese medical indications:
- Dissipates heat and drains fire, especially from the Upper Burner.
- Clears heat and dries dampness.
Propolis
- Temperate zone propolis contains flavonoids (galangin, kaempferol, and quercetin) and esters of phenolic acids.
- Its effects result from the synergistic interaction of all constituents.
- Demonstrates in vitro activity against fungi, Gram-positive bacteria, and some viruses.
- Inhibits in vitro the activity of HIV-1 and human influenza virus type A (h1N2).
Astragalus membranaceus
- Major constituents: coumarin, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, betaine, rhamnocitrin.
- Enhances OKT3, OKT4, and OKT4/OKT8 ratio in patients with viral myocarditis.
- Polysaccharides have anti-rhinoviral activity.
- Induces production and anti-viral activity of interferon.
- Inhibits the replication of cocksackie virus in lab animals.
- Traditional Chinese medical indications
- Treatment of colds and influenza
- Tonifies Spleen and enhances the Chi
- Augments protective Chi and stabilizes the exterior energy.
Isatis tinctoria
- Exhibits broad-range anti-bacterial effects against: Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and hemolytic Streptococcus.
- Polysaccharide constituents increase spleen weight and numbers of peripheral WBCs, as well as enhance other cellular and humoral immune parameters in lab animals.
- Used successfully to treat encephalitis B, to forestall epidemic mumps outbreak, and to accelerate restoration of normal liver function during acute infectious hepatitis.
- Traditional Chinese medical indications:
- Dissipates heat, alleviates fire toxicity, and cools the blood.
Goldthread (Coptis chinensis)
- Principle constituent: isoquinoline alkaloids--- berberine, coptisine, urbenine, worenine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine. Contraindicated during pregnancy.
- Antibacterial agent:
- Berberine inhibits carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis of bacteria.
- Complexes with bacterial nucleic acids, inhibiting proliferation.
- Effective in controlling a broad range of microbes, including Vibrio cholerae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium intracellulaceae.
- Has demonstrated anti-protozoal and anti-viral properties.
- Berberine alkaloids inhibit the enzyme reverse transcriptase in RNA tumor viruses.
- Improves phagocytic activity of cells of the immune system.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Constituents: hypericin, pseudohypericin, hyperforin.
- Hypericin and pseudohypericin act as potent inhibitors of retroviral activity with low toxicity.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Inhibits encephalitis virus in vitro.
- Reduces morbidity and mortality in lab animals infected with lethal doses of influenza virus.
- Inhibits growth and cytopathology of several unrelated DNA and RNA viruses and irreversibly inactivates herpes simplex viral particles.
Zinc
- Involved in all aspects of cellular & humoral immunity.
- Particularly important: young children & elderly.
- Assists in the restoration of reduced levels of thymic hormones.
- Inhibits viral replication (rhino, picorna, Herpes simplex, vaccinia).
- Inhibits inflammation of respiratory mucosa and infection by human rhinovirus.
Dosage
- Sambacus nigra Extract (30% anthocyanidins), 125mg
- Scutellaria balcalensis Extract (8:1), 125mg
- Propolis (70%), 100mg
- Astragalus membranaceus Extract (15:1), 100mg
- Isatis tinctoria Extract (15:1), 100mg
- Coptis chinensis Extract (10:1), 50mg
- Hypericum perforatum Extract (0.3% hypericin), 50mg
- Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract (16-18% Glycyrrhizin), 50mg
- Zinc (citrate), 5mg
Recommended dosage: 2 or 3 capsules 3 to 4 times a day.
To order our natural anti-viral agents ("ViraCon") by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.
