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Chinese Herbs for Immune Disorders
By, Andrew Gaeddert
Chinese herbs can be of significant benefit for most people with immune disorders. Practitioners are most effective using either traditional formulas or modern formulas that have been successfully used in the U.S. because modern formulas manufactured in China may use pharmaceuticals or other ingredients with pharmaceutical-like effects.
In addition, protocols from Chinese journals cannot necessarily be extrapolated to work in North American populations. This is true for several reasons: the research criteria does not meet current standards; the high dosage listed is often unaffordable or unpalatable for the majority of patients; certain ingredients are unobtainable as they are from endangered species, have a high risk to low benefit ratio, or cannot be imported for regulatory or commercial reasons; or they treat conditions that are better treated with standard treatment methods.
By focusing on improving sleep, digestion and treating infections early, one can greatly aid recovery. Additionally, one must always pay attention to the strength of the patient and the strength of the pathogen. Practitioners may hear from their long-term clients: "Formula X initially worked. Now it no longer works." It's important to evaluate patients regularly. In addition to following their health status using TCM diagnostics, changes in their career, home life, emotional health and Western diagnosis can have significant effects on clients' prognoses. It is important to modify herbal selection on the basis of any of these changes.
To get the best results, it is crucial to know what patients are taking. Frequently patients with immune and autoimmune diseases self-treat with a variety of herbs, supplements, medications, and recreational drugs and may see a variety of practitioners. Often when people self-treat they either select the wrong herb or supplement, or they use an incorrect dosage. If we can offer hope, encouragement and positive intention, our herbs can only improve our patients' quality of life. Health is a voyage, not a destination. No matter how sick their physical bodies are, our clients can practice being healthy.
Below is research and commentary on some of the main immune supporting Chinese herbs. The following herbs listed should be used in well-designed formulas.
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata, chuan xin lian )
Andrographis is used widely in both China and in India , where it is known as kalmegh . It is traditionally used to treat infections, pharyngitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, herpes, skin infections and snakebite. In Scandinavia , it is used to treat the common cold.
Studies in the U.S. and abroad show that andrographis boosts white blood cell and interferon production. In Sweden , a controlled, double-blind study of 50 patients (Occupational Health Center in Ulricehamn, Sweden) investigated the effectiveness of andrographis extracts in treating the flu. At a dosage of 1,200 mg a day, 68 percent of the experimental group were completely recovered after four days, versus 36 percent of the placebo group. Subjects using andrographis showed less fatigue, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, rhinitis, sinus pain and headache than those using the placebo. In a Chinese study of 131 pneumonia and chronic bronchitis patients, 79 percent showed an improvement in two weeks. In another Chinese clinic al trial with 455 cases subjects , andrographis was considered 90 percent effective in treating childhood pneumonia, with an average of 3.1 days for fever to be normalized.
According to TCM theory, andrographis is used for clearing toxic heat and, as it's a cooling herb, shouldn't be used by patients with loose stools or cold signs such as low body temperature, cold extremities and pallor. It may cause stomach pain in some individuals -- if it does, the herb should be discontinued or the dose decreased.
Astragalus ( Astragalus membranaceus, huang qi)
Astragalus ( huang qi ) is traditionally used to improve the body's defensive energy, known in Chinese as wei qi . Astragalus is found in ancient herbal prescriptions for recovering strength following illness or exertion, fatigue, excessive perspiration, weight deficiency, organ prolapse and for healing burns. In the U.S. and China , astragalus is commonly used to help people with a variety of viral syndromes including HIV disease, herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and to bolster patients undergoing Western treatments for cancer. Of course, it should not be seen as a treatment for cancer, but rather as an adjunctive to standard care.
Concern has been raised that astragalus may pump up the immune system too much in autoimmune cases, but that hasn't been observed in American clinics specializing in TCM. However, according to TCM theory, astragalus should not be used to treat cold or flu because it might "tonify" the cold and make it worse and should be used cautiously for individuals with digestive disorders because it can be difficult to digest.
Astragalus contains polysaccharides and flavones (isoflavone and quercetin) and saponins. Studies have shown it to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-retroviral effects. Most of the modern research on astragalus has focused on its immune-enhancing effects. Laboratory studies have found astragalus to increase macrophages, T-cell transformation, NK cell activity, interferon production and phagocytosis. Astragalus seems to offer a preventive effect against the common cold, as reported in a Chinese study of 1,000 patients in which subjects noticed fewer and shorter colds. The study also documented increased levels of IgA and IgG antibodies in nasal secretions after two months of treatment. In another study, breast cancer patients given a combination of astragalus and ligustrum ( nu zhen zi ) -- as an adjunct to radiation treatment -- showed a decrease in death rate. In a study of patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer, mean survival time increased from 204 to 465 days for patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma who were also taking astragalus, and from 192 to 324 days for patients with adenocarcinoma, compared with the group who received only chemotherapy. Components of astragalus have been shown to reduce the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide. Animal studies have also demonstrated that astragalus protects the liver.
According to the Chinese pharmacopoeia, astragalus is graded and may be minimally processed or baked with honey. It is usually combined with other herbs in soups, teas, and pills.
Cordyceps (C ordyceps sinensis , dong chong xia cao)
Cordyceps, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a tonic herb known for its ability to increase vitality, clear the lungs and improve endurance. In Chinese medicine terms, cordyceps is said to nourish the Kidney Yin and Yang and to protect the lungs. Today, cordyceps is used to treat respiratory conditions, to support patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment and to treat impotence, as well as hepatitis, kidney failure, diabetes and chronic fatigue. Athletes and people recovering from debilitating illness have used Cordyceps to help to boost performance.
Research shows that cordyceps contains L-tryptophan and other amino acids. It stimulates interferon activity, inhibits bacteria and hepatitis B virus, enhances the function of the adrenal cortex, increases respiratory muscle performance and calms the nervous system by balancing the hypothalamus/pituitary axis. It also increases the production of ATP, the body's energy storehouse molecule, by as much as 50 percent. Cardiovascular benefits include increased cardiac output and decreased platelet aggregation. Cordyceps is used in Chinese hospitals and clinics for chronic bronchitis, asthma, congestive heart disease, tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions, and to improve a patient's tolerance for chemotherapy and radiation. Studies in China have shown that patients taking cordyceps have less coughing and wheezing, fewer asthmatic symptoms, and catch fewer colds. Studies at Cornell University in New York found that cordyceps extract counteracted the effects of immune-suppressing chemotherapy drugs on helper T-cells, improving pain and fatigue, and, in some cases, shrinking tumors.
Cordyceps is traditionally taken both as a tonic food and as medicine. It may be prepared with chicken, duck, or pork, boiled as a tea, or taken in pill form. Be careful with raw cordyceps packets found in Chinatown ; lead has often been inserted into the picked fungus before drying, in order to bulk up the weight. It's best to buy dry extract from suppliers specializing in Chinese medicine. General dosage is one to three grams of extract per day. For maximum absorption, it should be taken on an empty stomach, but if intestinal gas or bloating is observed, take it with meals. General response time is two to six weeks.
Coriolus ( Coriolus versicolor , yun zhi)
Coriolus is a mushroom commonly called the "turkey tail" in North America for its brown and gray variegated coloring. In Chinese medicine, coriolus is used to dispel dampness, reduce phlegm, treat pulmonary infections and support liver health. Coriolus is extremely popular in China and Japan . In fact, the government in Japan approved its coverage by health insurance, and it is used extensively there for people receiving chemotherapy and radiation.
More than 400 clinical studies have demonstrated that coriolus polysaccharide extracts have immune-modulating and anti-tumor effects. When given as an adjuvant during conventional therapy for cancer, coriolus has significantly increased survival rates. Japanese research shows that coriolus extract has anti-tumor effects and stimulates natural killer (NK) cells. Used in conjunction with chemo and radiation therapy, coriolus has been found to be instrumental in helping increase cancer survival rates. Coriolus also stimulates the production of killer T-cells and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and activates macrophage function. Coriolus is also used as an adjunct for hepatitis and lung infections.
In a study published in Lancet, a group of 262 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy followed by chemotherapy were randomly divided into two groups. The group that was placed on coriolus during chemotherapy had a survival rate of 73 percent as opposed to 60 percent for the group who underwent chemotherapy alone. Another study was conducted with 185 patients with stages I, II, or III non-small cell lung cancer who were treated with radiotherapy. Those with stages I or II who were administered coriolus had a 39 percent five-year survival rate as opposed to the 22 percent and 16 percent survival rates respectively of patients of the same disease stages who had not received coriolus. Stage III patients who took coriolus had a 22 percent survival rate versus none for the non-coriolus group.
Cancers reported to respond to coriolus include stomach, uterine, colon, lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and liver. In the overall treatment of cancer, coriolus seems to be most beneficial when used as an adjunct to conventional therapeutic regimens. Researchers suggest that coriolus appears to counteract the immune suppression of the conventional therapies and the toxic processes of cancer proliferation. Ongoing research shows that coriolus also has antiviral activity and appears to be effective against HIV infection. Additionally, animal studies indicate that coriolus seems to have cholesterol-lowering effects, as well as diuretic and mild tranquilizing activities.
Ganoderma ( Reishi lucidum, ling zhi)
Sometimes called the "mushroom for immortality," ganoderma has traditionally been used as a sedative and a qi and blood tonic and was used by monks to promote calmness, memory and meditative life, and to treat chest and heart conditions. Today, reishi is widely used to support the immune system in cancer patients, to protect the liver, to reduce cholesterol, blood glucose and insomnia, and to treat hepatitis, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases including myasthenia gravis.
Clinical studies show reishi to improve symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and that it is particularly effective for cold and damp symptoms. It's also been shown to increase T-lymphocyte counts in patients with leukopenia caused by radiation and chemotherapy, and to lessen the side effects of these therapies.
Under the microscope, ganoderma preparations promote regeneration of healthy liver cells and reduce inflammatory infiltration of hepatic lobules in mice. In the lab, ganoderma polysaccharides have been shown to increase lymphocytes both in normal spleen cells and in spleen cells suppressed by hydrocortisone. Lab experiments have also shown that ganoderma extract has anti-tumor activities, inhibiting a type of sarcoma and other tumor cells in mice. In the market there are two types of reishi: red and black. The red reishi contains by far the most research.
We don't recommend reishi tinctures because reishi is poorly soluble in alcohol, so tinctures don't give you an adequate dosage of active ingredients. Occasionally people get a rash from using reishi. If this occurs, stop taking the herb.
Ginseng ( Panax American, eleuthero, codonopsis )
The three popularly used species of ginseng are Asian ginseng (also called panax ginseng , ren shen), American ginseng ( panax quinquefolium, xi yang shen) and tienchi ( notoginseng, san qi). Common substitutes for ginseng include eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng ( eleutherococcus senticosus, ci wu jia) and codonopsis (dang shen).
Asian Ginseng ( Panax ginseng , ren shen)
Asian ginseng has a special place in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. The name panax is derived from the Greek word for "all healing," as in panacea . Asian ginseng has special properties for rescuing the dying by preventing heart collapse, tranquilizing the spirit and generating fluids. In TCM, Asian ginseng is a general tonic for "invigorating the primal qi," and is used in many ancient prescriptions for a multitude of conditions. However, ginseng is not, by itself, good for the same multitude of conditions, and this creates a misunderstanding. Asian ginseng's benefits vary depending on the herbs it's combined with. Asian ginseng is particularly good for people of advanced age or debilitated state. It is used in formulas for general weakness, fatigue, anemia, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, impotence and infertility.
Wild ginseng is most revered, and it is exceptionally expensive, easily running several thousand dollars for a few grams. Even cultivated ginseng can cost several thousand dollars per pound. There are various grades of ginseng, depending on the growing region as well as the size and appearance of the root. Traditionally, only the roots were used, but scientific experiments have shown that leaves, flowers and stems all have medicinal value. However, because not much is known about their use, they are not recommend for general consumption. A further distinction is made depending upon how the ginseng is prepared. For example, white ginseng is prepared simply by drying the roots after removing the outer layer, and is considered neutral and moistening. Red ginseng is made by steaming the root, giving it a reddish brown appearance, and is considered warming. Tienchi (panax notoginseng) is a relative of ginseng called san qi in Chinese medicine primarily used to increase blood circulation, especially in the treatment of injuries due to trauma, surgery or cancer.
Asian ginseng enhances phagocytosis and non-specific immunity. Experimental studies have demonstrated that ginseng helps the body adapt to stress and can reactivate the pituitary and adrenal systems. In animal experiments, ginseng has been shown to stimulate protein synthesis, and to suppress the growth of cancer cells. Ginseng enhances phagocytosis of the reticuloendothelial system, increases erythrocytes, hemoglobin and leukocytes, and protects against radiation damage. A survey of more than 1,800 patients at a hospital in Seoul , Korea found that people who consumed ginseng were less likely to have cancer. Animal studies show ginseng and some of its constituents inhibit the growth of ovarian cancer cells, lung tumor and liver tumor.
Asian ginseng contains trace amounts of vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and saphonin glycosides, termed ginsenosides. Chinese, Japanese and Korean researchers have identified at least 30 different ginsenosides. Although in the West one can find ginseng products advertised for their "ginsenoside" content, doctors of TCM who prefer to make tea or concentrates of the whole plant rarely use these products. In fact, some of those ginsenoside products are made from the weaker leaf.
Asian ginseng is not traditionally used for children unless they are exceptionally weak. It is contraindicated for excess conditions such as fever, irritability, facial flushing, nosebleeds and digestive cramping and bloating. It is also not traditionally used for people with parasitic infections. It should not be used with other stimulants, such as caffeine or ephedra.
American Ginseng ( Panax quinquefolium l. , xi yang shen)
American ginseng typically grows on the east coast of Canada and the U.S. It has an anti-stress effect similar to Asian ginseng, with several important differences. First, while Asian ginseng is considered warming in TCM, American ginseng is cooling, and so more suitable for patients who are physically robust and have symptoms such as afternoon fevers, dry cough and digestive disorders. It is usually more appropriate for children because they're generally more active, yang and warm. It's also more effective for diabetes. American ginseng's mild taste makes for a better beverage than Asian ginseng, but vials and pre-made teas containing any form of ginseng may also contain a lot of sugar, honey, or even artificial sweeteners, which is why I don't suggest "instant" forms of ginseng. In Chinese hospitals, patients drink American ginseng infused in hot water throughout the day, along with their other herbal decoctions.
Isatis ( Isatis tinctoria , da qing ye and ban lan gen)
The isatis plant is the source of indigo and has two medicinal parts: the root, known as ban lan gen in Chinese, and the leaf, known as da qing ye . The root is more widely used in the U.S. Isatis is traditionally used to clear heat and fever, decrease inflammation and detoxify. It is widely used for a variety of bacterial and viral infections including influenza, hepatitis, mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Isatis root contains idoxyl-b-glyoside, indirubin, as well as resins and polysaccharides.
Laboratory studies have demonstrated isatis' anti-inflammatory, phagocyte-enhancing and fever-reducing properties, and its ability to inhibit a long list of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, diplococcus pneumoniae, alpha streptococcus, haemophilus influenza, E.coli (escherichia) salmonella typhi and shigella dysenteriae.
Clinical studies confirm isatis' healing properties. In one study of 326 cases of upper respiratory infection, the herb decoction was considered effective in all cases. In the treatment of 300 cases of acute bacillary dysentery and gastroenteritis, fever subsided after one day of taking the decoction, and stool examination was normalized within five days. In 43 cases of mononucleosis, subjective symptoms improved significantly in three to five days, along with a reduction in fever and a decrease in abnormal lymphocytes. According to researchers, isatis was more effective in young children than adults. Isatis was also judged to be 76.4 percent effective in case reports on the treatment of viral skin conditions such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster.
Isatis leaf contains similar constituents to the root and acts against a similar list of pathogenic organisms in lab tests (see above). It is traditionally used for its heat-clearing, fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects. Today it is used as remedy for fever, pharyngolaryngitis and carbuncles, as well skin and digestive tract ulcerations. Isatis preparations are well tolerated, though they should not be used with low body temperature, subjective complaints of cold without fever and should be used cautiously with diarrhea.
Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis , gan cao)
Licorice is called "sweet root" by many cultures, and Chinese herbalists call it the "great harmonizer." Licorice is traditionally used in Chinese formulas as a harmonizing ingredient, and one that boosts spleen qi. In the West, licorice is primarily used as a sweetener and for treating ulcers. In regards to immunity, licorice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-allergic and liver-protecting effects. Licorice increases the production of interferon and NK cell activity.
Researchers in China and Japan consider the component glycyrrhizia to be central to licorice's immune-regulating effects. Laboratory reports have shown that licorice enhances phagocytic function, induces interferon, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and possibly tumor-inhibiting effects. Licorice prolongs the action of cortisol by stimulating the adrenal cortex. Licorice is thought to transform toxins in the liver into insoluble waste products, thus improving liver function, and Chinese studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce liver pain and hepatomegaly in hepatitis patients.
Licorice may raise blood pressure in susceptible individuals, especially at doses of more than 5g per day. High doses of licorice have been shown to produce edema, headache and upset of sodium/potassium levels. For these reasons, it is important to use licorice with supporting herbs to mitigate side effects. Professional guidance is recommended if you are consuming licorice by itself for longer than three months.
Ligustrum ( Ligustrum lucidum , nu zhen zi)
Ligustrum is a small fruit that contains oleanolic acid, oxalic acid, along with other constituents including syringin, nueshenide, linolenic acid, palmitic acid and oeuropenin. In Chinese medicine, ligustrum is known as a yin tonifying herb and is used in formulas for infertility, backache, dizziness, ringing in the ears and blurred vision. Because it increases white blood cell production, ligustrum is used in China to prevent and treat leukopenia caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In a clinical evaluation at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston , Texas , ligustrum improved subjects' tolerance for chemotherapy and radiation. Ligustrum leaf has been studied in China to treat bronchitis.
Schizandra ( Schizandra chinensis , wu wei zi)
In Chinese, schizandra is known as wu wei zi -- meaning "five-flavored fruit" -- because it contains the five tastes of Chinese medicine: bitter, sweet, salty, sour and pungent. In TCM, schizandra has been used as an astringent for the lungs and kidneys to reduce phlegm, sweating, incontinence and coughing. It is traditionally used for nervous exhaustion, fatigue, insomnia, depression, diarrhea and forgetfulness. Today, schizandra is considered to be an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and is also used for its liver-protecting effects, especially in treating hepatitis.
Chinese studies including thousands of cases of hepatitis have shown specially processed schizandra to lower SGPT levels and increase liver and glycogen synthesis. One study noted that SGPT levels tended to rise six to 12 weeks after treatment was discontinued, which is why schizandra should not be discontinued suddenly, but rather, the dosage should be tapered off gradually. Animal studies have confirmed the liver-protecting effects of schizandra.
Since the 1950s, Russian research has focused on schizandra's adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress, and its positive effects on mental and physical performance. For example, telegraph operators taking schizandra (5-10 mg per/kg) were found to increase productivity by 22 percent, with less fatigue. In a study of 59 flight attendants taking schizandra, the experimental group did not notice an increase in heart rate or blood pressure while flying , as the controls did. And in a study of soldiers and athletes, "physical work capacity" was increased after twenty-one days of treatment, while it was unchanged in the placebo group.
To have an effect at reducing liver enzymes, schizandra must be specifically processed. For other indications standard preparation is suitable. Schizandra may aggravate peptic ulcers or stomach acidity, so it should be discontinued if this effect is noticed. It is also traditionally avoided in the early stages of cold, flu and rashes and not used with the Chinese herb yu zhu (polygonum odoratum).
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