Vitaminity Astro Immune

Ingredients:  Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus (Fish.) Bunge) root, dry extract titrated to 70% in polysaccharides; Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba L.) leaves, dry extract titrated to 24% in ginkgoflavonoids; Withania (Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal. ) root, dry extract titrated to 2.5% in Withanolides; Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) root, dry extract titrated to 4% in echinacoside; Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) powder; anti-agglomerant: magnesium salts of fatty (vegetable) acids; Selenium Yeast; Chitosan (produced from shellfish). Capsule shell: food gelatin.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), dry extract titrated to 70% in polysaccharides
Astragalus is a legume native to Mongolia which is now widespread in Siberia, China and North Korea. The Astragalus root is one of the main substances of traditional medicines in China and Japan and its effective action on the immune system has been put in evidence by recent scientific research.
The dry root extract is particularly rich in polysaccharides, saponins, isoflavones and trace elements such as selenium, and this assortment of active ingredients is particularly effective in multiplying immune system cells. The focus of recent research has been on the saponins such as astragaloside, especially astragaloside IV, which proved effective at a dose of 100 mcg/ml on human monocytes and macrophages for their cytokine production. Studies in rats have shown that the Astragalus extract can increase the antibody response to a T-dependent antigen by increasing Th cells in both normal animals and immunodepressed ones.
Other studies have shown efficacy of this extract, linked to the activation of NK (natural killer) cells against lupus erythematosus, and activity in inhibiting herpes simplex virus type 1. It should also be noted that Astragalus has shown a protective action against the side effects of some anticancer drugs acting as immunosuppressants.
This activity on the immune system was particularly effective against parainfluenza virus type 1 and against rotavirus. Clinically, it has been shown to be effective against the common cold both as preventive care and as a therapy by reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.
The virtues of this plant (or rather of the compounds of its root) extend to cardiovascular problems, where Astragalus was effective against angina pectoris: out of 92 patients treated with Astragalus, there were increases in cardiac output in 82.6% of cases compared to only 0.05% with placebo. In a double-blind study on 43 patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction, there was evidence of left ventricle strengthening and anti-radical activity only in subjects who had been given Astragalus. Antioxidant activity is related to the cardiotonic action of Astragalus, which, according to some specialists, is able to increase survival in case of acute viral myocarditis.
Finally, Astragalus is considered an adaptogen useful in reducing stress and enhancing memory, learning and brain function in general, as well as in increasing energy metabolism. It is considered useful in case of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition that is linked to various immune dysfunctions.
In recent years, remedies based on Astragalus extracts rich in saponins (astragalosides I, II, III, IV…) have been developed. These are believed to activate telomerase, the enzyme that lengthens telomeres, i.e. the ends of chromosomes that make up the DNA and that shorten constantly with age because of the continuous cell replications and that after a certain limit (Hayflick limit, equal to about 50 cell replications) would make the renewal of cells and tissue impossible, thereby exposing them to well-known ageing degeneration (and to some diseases emulating it).
This Astragalus molecules are therefore among the most powerful anti-ageing agents (able to lead to biochemical tissue rejuvenation activating telomerase). This action on telomeres, demonstrated in vivo in animal models (while there are some measurements on man that so far have not reached sufficient abundance to be statistically significant), would underlie the immunostimulant activity of Astragalus, promoting the renewal and multiplication of immune system cells.

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba), dry extract titrated to 24% in ginkgo flavonoids 
Ginkgo is a prehistoric plant that appeared on Earth 250 million years ago and has gone through several different geological ages. Its flavonoids (ginkgetin, isiginkgetin, bilabetol, ginkgolide) and terpenes are active ingredients that can make capillaries less permeable and stronger, and inhibit platelet aggregation acting as antioxidants. There have been several studies on the extracts of this plant, particularly regarding the activity against senile degeneration, and the results were largely positive, with improvements in memory, concentration, and both physical and mental health.
Even younger people have shown similar improvements due to the effects on microcirculation and as antioxidants. The recent focus has been on an action of the Ginkgo biloba extract in lengthening telomeres, analogous to that of astragalosides, which allow tissue cells to replicate (see above).
Such activity on telomeres would justify the overall anti-ageing activity of the Ginkgo extract. Furthermore, it should not be overlooked that some dimeric Ginkgo flavonoids inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase V, thereby allowing for easier, longer-lasting erections.

Ashwagandha Withania (Withania somnifera), dry extract titrated to 2.5% in withanolides 
Ashwagandha is one of the best-known plants of Ayurvedic medicine – that is, traditional Indian medicine -, where it is used as a tonic, energizer, anti-ager, and against insomnia, stress, sexual impotence and mental fatigue.
These traditional practices have also been confirmed by recent studies which showed powerful antioxidant activity by withanolides, which are believed to increase superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in the frontal cortex and in corpus striatum. In addition, an effect against brain lipid peroxidation has been reported in animals treated with colchicine (a potent neurotoxin) repairing the damage in just 3 weeks of administration of Withania somnifera. In particular, Withaferin A, an active alkaloid of Ashwagandha, showed a potent anti-inflammatory activity against arthritis, without side effects.
Besides fighting inflammation with results similar to those of cortisol, this substance showed febrifugal, analgesic and anti-stress properties similar to those of the same hormone. It is therefore regarded as an adaptogenic plant useful against nervousness, stress, anxiety and mental fatigue.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), dry extract titrated to 4% in echinacoside 
This is a North American plant having well known and studied immunostimulant properties, effective against colds and flu, and, generally speaking, possessing immunostimulant non-specific effects. Echinacea intake has been shown to result in an increase in phagocytic cells, white cells and macrophages as well as interferon and interleukins. In animal models, an increased survival of NK (natural killer) cells was observed, while children with pertussis taking Echinacea showed a reduction of both the symptoms and duration of the disease. In studies on colds and common flu, Echinacea proved effective in over 60% of cases, showing relapses in only 40% of cases, compared to 60% of placebo. It also showed reduced activity of flu symptoms such as coughs and hoarseness, decreasing the duration of the disease compared to placebo.
In several studies Echinacea was shown to be effective in fighting infections of the upper respiratory tract, especially if taken upon onset of symptoms. It was also shown to have anti-inflective activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Epidermophyton interdigital, and against Herpes simplex type 1 and influenza type A2. It also has anti-inflammatory activity stimulating the hormone ACTH, which activates the production of glucocorticoids, and this can be useful in the treatment of prostatitis and urethritis.

Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)
This is an edible and medicinal Asian mushroom with a good content of proteins and essential amino acids. It is considered very effective in boosting the immune system and for its action against viruses and bacteria, increasing the body’s resistance to pathogens. It seems to have anticancer properties, and clinical trials on lung cancer are underway.
The main active ingredients identified for this type of action are an alpha-glucan called AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) and a beta-glucan, lentinian. AHCC is an antioxidant which activates the immune response and, strengthens resistance to viruses, and appears to have anticancer activity (according to some studies on prostate and liver cancer).
Lentinian is used in some countries as an anticancer agent with intravenous administration. Some studies have focused on its action against stomach and colon cancer, whereas other clinical trials highlight its positive action on life expectancy and quality of life in cancer patients, and for the prevention of tumour development.

Selenium 
This element is a component of glutathione-peroxidase, an enzyme which helps protect cells from hydrogen peroxide oxidation and hyperperoxides. In addition, it helps activate thyroid hormone T3, from its precursor, T4.
It protects the structure of cellular and intracellular membranes, promoting cellular respiration. Selenium works synergistically with vitamin E Nutrition Facts Table

Quantitativi per dose massima giornaliera cosigliata ( 6 capsule )

*NRVs: Nutrient Reference Values

Recommended intake: 6 capsules daily, with plenty of water.

The capsules can be taken at any time of the day, with or between meals.