Polybiotic™

The immune system protects people from disease caused by bacteria, viruses, and toxins. It also helps remove foreign bodies and malignant cells from our system. Additionally, the immune system is responsible for down-regulating immune responses against external, harmless triggers, such as food or against the body’s own tissue. Failure to do so can result in the development of allergies or other autoimmune disorders. The immune system is not fully developed at birth, but it matures over the first few years of life.

Polybiotic+™ is a combination of vitamin C, herbs, and herbal extracts formulated to promote an effective immunological response.

Ingredients

Clinical research shows that vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an important antioxidant. It fights free radicals in the organism, which may help reduce or delay several illnesses, including heart disease. Some evidence suggests that high doses of vitamin C may help shorten the duration of cold symptoms and reduce the risk of catching a cold. Vitamin C promotes many other benefits, such as healthy aging, making it one of the most important vitamins for daily consumption.

Health professionals widely recognize the immune-boosting properties of pau d’ arco. Lapachol, one of the main compounds in the bark, has demonstrated potential immune-system-enhancing capabilities in laboratory and animal models. Pau d’ arco contains various compounds that work synergistically to influence human physiology.

Grapefruit seeds are an abundant source of flavonoids, ascorbic acid, citric acid, tocopherols, and citrus limonoids. Naringin, a flavonoid found in grapefruits, provides protective compounds with strong antioxidant effects, fighting against free radicals that destroy cells through oxidation. They also play an important role in maintaining immune activity.

Two species of echinacea are in this supplement: angustifolia and purpurea. Echinacea is an herb native to the United States (Rocky Mountains). Presently, it is grown in western states, Canada, and Europe. Both species were used in traditional herbal remedies by the Great Plains Indian tribes. Echinacea is thought to support the immune system by activating white blood cells. Three major groups of constituents appear to work together to increase the production and activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), including alkylamides, polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides. Echinacea may also increase production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response against viruses.

Studies have verified the ability of goldenseal alkaloids to support healthy immune activity. Reviews of animal cell studies have demonstrated berberine’s activity against disease-causing organisms. In herbal medicine, the properties of goldenseal are described as bitter, cold, dry, and moving. These properties may be attributed, in part, to hydrastine, one of its naturally occurring alkaloids, which is thought to support healthy mucous membranes.