The Power of Chinese Herbs for Immunity

Traditional Chinese herbal medicines contain naturally derived compounds that have been identified for their role in immunological regulation¹. Some of these bioactive compounds include flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, triterpenoids, alkaloids and amino acids. 

Astragalus root (astragalus membranaceus) known as Huang Qi in China, is an adaptogenic herb used for the treatment of general weakness and to increase the vital energy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)². It is used as an immune stimulant and tonic with hepato-protectant, diuretic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and expectorant properties³ and has been shown to exhibit immunomodulating^4,5, antihyperglycemic⁶, anti-inflammatory⁷, antioxidant⁸, and antiviral activities⁹  among others. It is recommended for people who suffer from recurrent colds, allergies, general fatigue and body weakness and as a cardiovascular tonic². The dried root can be purchased in Asian grocery stores and added to anything from soups to congees to boost immunity. Recently, an increasing number of experiments, both in vivo and in vitro, showed that astragalus membranaceus can enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms^10-12. In TCM it is used in combination with other herbs, according to your presenting signs and symptoms. To consolidate immunity it should be used for several months as a preventative. The most common formulation in TCM for building vital qi is Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS) or Jade Windscreen Powder: a combination of three herbs with astragalus membranaceus as the largest dose. Scientific research has demonstrated that YPFS could modulate inflammatory response and phagocytosis in exerting anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects^13,14. Additionally, YPFS was found to suppress the neuraminidase activity of influenza virus A in cultured epithelial cells, thereby preventing the viral release and spreading¹³. In summary, phytochemical and pharmacological studies on the main herb, astragalus membranaceus and the formula (YPFS), exerted anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune response activities¹⁵. 

Ganoderma lucidum, known as reishi in Japan and Ling Zhi in China, is a member of the fungus family (lamellae basidiomycete of the family Polyporaceae) which naturally grows on decaying trees and logs¹⁶. It has a long pharmaceutical and nutraceutical history in Asia and contains several biologically active compounds including beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenoids and ganoderic acids¹⁷. Amongst its traditional uses, it is prescribed for calming the spirit, improving sleep quality and supporting immune function². TCM prescribes ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi), in herbal formulae, to strengthen the lungs, stop coughing, vital qi and blood in deficiency conditions, according to the individual’s presenting signs and symptoms. Scientific research of ganoderma lucidum and its compounds have also reported on its anti-tumour activity via enhancement of host immunity via immune-potentiating polysaccharide receptors¹⁶. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides have also been widely studied as immunomodulator and as inducers of strong immune responses^17,18. Intake of ganoderma lucidum is reported to enhance the immune system with an increase in monocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes¹⁹. Ganoderma lucidum is available in capsule format and can be taken daily to enhance immune function. 

Radix Glycyrrhizae et Rhizoma (Gan Cao) is a tonifying herb in the Chinese Pharmacopeia and is commonly known as liquorice root. The main compounds of Radix Glycyrrhizae are flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes. Radix Glycyrrhizae is the most frequently used traditional Chinese herb owing to its synergistic effects that enhances the efficacy and reduces the toxicity of other herbs. Radix Glycyrrhizae exhibits various pharmacological effects including antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities^20,21. In TCM it is prescribed to boost the vital qi and to moisten the lungs and is used in a Chinese herbal formula to stop cough and wheezing, to relieve fatigue and to strengthen immunity². Studies on Radix Glycyrrhizae have shown the potential of its compounds (particularly polysaccharides) as anticancer and as an immune booster in vitro and in vivo²². Scientific evidence on the immune effects of cell wall-based nanoparticles isolated from boiled Radix Glycyrrhizae was investigated and it was reported that isolated nanoparticles triggered immunostimulatory effects inducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines²³. Radix Glycyrrhizae is contra-indicated in pregnancy and for patients with hypertension, congestive heart failure or kidney disease. Long-term use may cause headaches, dizziness, and salt retention².

It is a good idea to visit your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner at the onset of a change of season to boost your health. By enhancing our immunity with herbal medicine, we can optimise our well-being and minimise our risk of infection. Additionally, if you have a cold or influenza, Chinese medicinal herbs may help to shorten the duration and lessen the symptoms. Consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner as dosages and herbal formulae can vary depending on individual constitution and presenting symptoms. 

_References:

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17. _{Pan, Ke, Jiang, Qunguang, Liu, Guoqing, Miao, Xiongying, & Zhong, Dewu. (2013). Optimization extraction of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and its immunity and antioxidant activities. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 55, 301-306.}
18. _{Liu, Zhenguang, Xing, Jie, Zheng, Sisi, Bo, Ruonan, Luo, Li, Huang, Yee, . . . Wu, Yi. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides encapsulated in liposome as an adjuvant to promote Th1-bias immune response. Carbohydrate Polymers, 142, 141-148.}
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20. _{Yang, Rui, Wang, Li-qiang, Yuan, Bo-chuan, & Liu, Ying. (2015). The Pharmacological Activities of Licorice. Planta Medica, 81(18), 1654-1669.}
21. _{Chirumbolo, Salvatore. (2016). Commentary: The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7, 531.}
22. _{Ayeka, P.A., Bian, Y., Mwitari, P.G. et al. Immunomodulatory and anticancer potential of Gan cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) polysaccharides by CT-26 colon carcinoma cell growth inhibition and cytokine IL-7 upregulation in vitro. BMC Complement Altern Med 16, 206 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1171-4}
23. _{Iitsuka, Hirofumi, Koizumi, Keiichi, Suzaki, Mikiko, Otsuka, Yoshiki, Jo, Michiko, & Shibahara, Naotoshi. (2020). Immunostimulatory effects of cell wall-based nanoparticles in boiled Glycyrrhizae radix water extracts involves TLR4. Biomedical Reports, 12(6), 303-308.}