Herbs and Herbal Extracts
Ginseng and Salviae
Effects and Interactions
The herbs may have anti-influenza effects. Ginseng and Salviae may be used as potential mucosal adjuvants against influenza viruses. They may serve as immuno-modulators during influenza virus infection (Quan et al., 2007).
Mechanisms
Co-administration of influenza virus A (PR8) vaccine and ginseng or Salviae extract may have
- Enhanced levels of influenza virus-specific antibodies and neutralizing activities, and protective immunity.
- Increased IFN-gamma and IL-2 cytokine producing splenocytes.
- High levels of IL-4 and IL-5 cytokine producing cells after influenza infection.
- Inhibition of the production of IL-6 in the lungs.
Reference
Quan, F. S., Compans, R. W., et al. (2007) Ginseng and Salviae herbs play a role as immune activators and modulate immune responses during influenza virus infection. Vaccine 25, 272-282.
