Immune-boosting Properties Research Articles

RNA sequencing-based exploration of the effects of blue laser irradiation on mRNAs involved in functional metabolites of D. officinales.

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) has promising lung moisturizing, detoxifying, and immune boosting properties. Light is an important factor influencing functional metabolite synthesis in D. officinale. The mechanisms by which lasers affect plants are different from those of ordinary light sources; lasers can effectively address the shortcomings of ordinary light sources and have significant interactions with plants. Different light treatments (white, blue, blue laser) were applied, and the number of red leaves under blue laser was greater than that under blue and white light. RNA-seq technology was used to analyze differences in D. officinale under different light treatments. The results showed 465, 2,107 and 1,453 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LB-B, LB-W and W-B, respectively. GO, KEGG and other analyses of DEGs indicated that D. officinale has multiple blue laser response modes. Among them, the plasma membrane, cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, heat shock proteins, etc. play central roles. Physiological and biochemical results verified that blue laser irradiation significantly increases POD, SOD, and PAL activities in D. officinale. The functional metabolite results showed that blue laser had the greatest promoting effect on total flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. qPCR verification combined with other results suggested that CRY DASH, SPA1, HY5, and PIF4 in the blue laser signal transduction pathway affect functional metabolite accumulation in D. officinale through positively regulated expression patterns, while CO16 and MYC2 exhibit negatively regulated expression patterns. These findings provide new ideas for the efficient production of metabolites in D. officinale.

Prevalence, Beliefs, and the Practice of the Use of Herbal and Dietary Supplements Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study.

Background and Aim: Alternative treatments for respiratory disorders attempt to prevent or relieve symptoms and enhance functions. Furthermore, substantial evidence shows that several herbal medicines have been clinically effective against respiratory disorders. Thus this study assesses the Saudi students’ use, beliefs, and practices related to herbal and dietary supplements for the possible prevention of respiratory infections. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was designed using Google Forms to collect the data from the healthcare and non-healthcare students currently pursuing their courses at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data was collected over 4 months, from November 2021 to February 2022, using convenience sampling with a 25-item questionnaire. A statistical package for social sciences, SPSS 26, was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 274 participants responded to the study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.9 ± 3.08 (mean (SD)). The prevalence of herbal medicine (HM) was found to be 62.7% (n = 172). Around 48.5% (n = 133) of the respondents occasionally used some form of HM during the period of an illness associated with a respiratory infection. About 66% of the respondents agreed that using HMs prevents or controls respiratory symptoms and strengthens immunity. A majority (75.2%) of the respondents agreed that ginger extract possesses antiviral and immunity-boosting properties, followed by garlic extract (59.5%), cinnamon (39.4%), and lemongrass (38.3%). In addition, between 37% and 45.6% of the respondents agreed that vitamin C and vitamin D intake helps in boosting immunity and reducing the likelihood of developing respiratory infections. The overall mean of the positive beliefs and practice score was 9.6 (range 0-14). The mean positive beliefs and practice scores were significantly higher for males (11.4 ± 3.2) compared to females (8.6 ± 3.6) (P < .001). The numbers were not significantly different regardless of the source of information (9.6 ± 3.5), respondents being in health colleges (8.9 ± 4.1) or non-health colleges (9.8 ± 3.7), them being previously or currently infected (9.7 ± 3.8), the absence of infection (9.7 ± 3.8), or the respondents possessing a history of chronic diseases (10.5 ± 3.9) or not (9.5 ± 3.7) (P > .05). Conclusions: This study found a relatively high prevalence of herbal and dietary supplements’ use, positive beliefs, and practices to strengthen one’s immunity against respiratory symptoms.

Brief Review on Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Its Medicinal Uses

Asparagus racemosus is another name for shatavari. It belongs to the family asparagaceae. It is an adaptable plant as well. The adaptation of human body to mental and physical stress is said to be achieved by the help of adaptogenic herbs like these.&#x0D; Shatavari is an ayurvedic medicine staple that is made available in the form of analeptic for the wellbeing and vitality of person.&#x0D; It is popular among all therapeutic plants due to various active biochemicals present in it such as steroidal glycosides, saponins (Shatavarins I, II, III, and IV), flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins and alkaloids (racemosol). Shatavari extracts from its different parts like roots, flowers, leaves and stems are effective in treating female organs which are involved in reproduction.&#x0D; For centuries, ayurvedic medicine has employed shatavari. However, there haven't been enough human trials to recommend it for any medical problem. It is, however, safe to consume it in modest doses, and doing so will allow you to benefit from its antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.&#x0D; Except for being an indigenous medicinal plant which known to be important for its sapogenin content which is the precursor of many active pharmacological steroids, it also has many medicinal uses like antioxytoxic (shatavarin four),spasmodic to uterus, hypertensive as well as hypoglycemic activity, anticoagulant activity, antiviral activity, anticancer and antidysentric activity. In ayurvedic medicine asparagus racemosus is considered as tonic specific to females .Despite of being a herb which is rejuvenating it is used in infertility cases of females, increases libido , enhances ovulation as well as folliculogenesis, also increases lactation.

Improving the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of chicken protein‐based shelf‐stable snacks using Solanum nigrum , a natural immune booster

An attempt was made to develop chicken protein-based shelf-stable snacks and to improve their lipid-oxidative and microbial-stability using Solanum nigrum extract. The snacks were developed using different levels of chicken protein-powder viz. 20% (T1), 30% (T2), 40% (T3), and 0.0% (control). Products containing optimum level of protein-powder (40%) and S. nigrum extract (1.0%) were stored for 75 days (25 ± 1°C). The addition of protein-powder significantly decreased the carbohydrate whereas increased protein and fat contents. Products containing 40% protein-powder showed the highest scores for all sensory attributes. The 1,1 diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl-radical scavenging and total-phenolic content of S. nigrum extract was 79.0% and 80 mg GAE/g, respectively. The extract significantly reduced the free-fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, and microbial counts while improving the sensory quality of the products during storage. S. nigrum and protein-powder improved the nutritive value and storage stability of the shelf-stable snacks. S. nigrum-based snacks can have health importance during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 due to their strong immune-boosting properties. Novelty impact statement Chicken protein-based shelf-stable snacks were developed and Solanum nigrum extract was used to improve their storage quality and functional value. The extract improved the lipid oxidative and microbial stability of the developed products.

Immunity boosting nutraceuticals: Current trends and challenges.

The immune function of the human body is highly influenced by the dietary intake of certain nutrients and bioactive compounds present in foods. The preventive effects of these bioactive ingredients against various diseases have been well investigated. Functional foods are consumed across various diverse cultures, in some form or the other, which provide benefits greater than the basic nutritional needs. Novel functional foods are being developed using novel bioactive ingredients such as probiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and various phytoconstituents, which have a range of immunomodulatory properties. Apart from immunomodulation, these ingredients also affect immunity by their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The global pandemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 has forced the scientific community to race against time to find a proper and effective drug or a vaccine. In this review, various non-pharmacological interventions using nutraceuticals and functional foods have been discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Despite a plethora of research being undertaken to understand the immunity boosting properties of the various bioactive present in food, the findings are not translating to nutraceutical products in the market. Immunity has proved to be one of the most important factors for the health and well-being of an individual, especially when the world has been under the grip of the novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2. The anti-inflammatory properties of various nutraceuticals can come out as potential inhibitors of the various inflammatory processes such as cytokine storms, usually being observed in COVID 19. This review gives an insight into how various nutraceuticals can help in the prevention of various diseases through different mechanisms. The lack of awareness and proper clinical trials pose a challenge to the nutraceutical industry. This review will help and encourage researchers to further design and develop various functional foods, which might help in building immunity.

Synthesis and biological activity on IBD virus of diverse heterocyclic systems derived from 2-cyano-N'-((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)acetohydrazide

A 2-cyano-N'-((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)methylene)ethanohydrazide (3) was synthesized in 87% yield via condensation of 3-formyl-2-oxoquinoline (1) with 2-cyanoethanohydrazide (2). The titled compound was then treated with some electrophilic reagents to construct some novel quinoline-based heterocyclic systems, for example, pyrazole, thiazoline, pyridine, pyrimidine, chromene, and thiophene derivatives. The behavior of the titled compound toward hydrazine and phenylhydrazine was examined. Seven substances were screened for their in vitro antiviral activity against infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken embryos and evaluation of immune-boosting properties of these substances in SPF chicks. The antiviral results disclosed that compounds 5a and 17 exhibited the most potency as compared to the reference drug, ribavirin. Therefore, they are considered as promising antiviral additives in vaccine production of IBVD vaccine to increase the immune stimulant.

Edible dry fruits and seeds in combating second wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Dry fruits and few edible seeds are very common consumableitems with the rich source of polyphenolic compounds. Many other phytochemicals are also present in dry fruits and shows significant antioxidant activity that further correlated to get rid of many health complications. These fruits are commonly known as dry fruits or super foods with the rich content of proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. They are well known for their immuno modulatory activities with various medicinal applications, especially as antiviral activity. The ongoing COVID outbreak has posed a serious threat to global health sector. At present, the second wave of coronavirus is already has started and gradually increasing day by day in worldwide which arestronger and much more detrimental for the people including in India. In connection with the previous history, it is obvious to increase immunity to fight against the pandemic virus. In the present manuscript, some important dry fruits and seeds are selected which have dual characters, i.e., potent immune boosting property along with antiviral efficacy. Various phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, sesquiterpenes, benzoic compounds were reportedly isolated from these plant extracts those are having strong antiviral as well as immune boosting properties. Therefore, the detail study of these dry fruits and seeds with their sources, chemicals responsible for the therapeutic efficacy, their structural nature, and potent uses along with their combined preparations as home as remedies in boosting immunity and also to resist the viral infection are discussed. The article will focus to the researchers for detailed ethnopharmacological and phytochemical studies on these dry fruit and seed plants used to treat as immuno modulators as well as in the development of novel antiviral drugs.

Improving Human Health with Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Lactic Acid Bacteria, and Bifidobacteria.

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), the component that surrounds fat globules in milk, and its constituents have gained significant attention for their gut function, immune-boosting properties, and cognitive-development roles. The MFGM can directly interact with probiotic bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), through interactions with bacterial surface proteins. With these interactions in mind, increasing evidence supports a synergistic effect between MFGM and probiotics to benefit human health at all ages. This important synergy affects the survival and adhesion of probiotic bacteria through gastrointestinal transit, mucosal immunity, and neurocognitive behavior in developing infants. In this review, we highlight the current understanding of the co-supplementation of MFGM and probiotics with a specific emphasis on their interactions and colocalization in dairy foods, supporting in vivo and clinical evidence, and current and future potential applications.

Exploring the Insilico Properties and Docking Studies of Sudarshan Churna for Anti-Sars-CoV-2 Activity

The origin and practice of ayurvedic preparations in India dates back centuries ago. These preparations are used to treat a variety of conditions from common cold to genetic disorders. Antiviral activities of Phyllanthus niruri, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eclipta alba, Allium sativum, Ocimum sanctum and many other plants are researched for potent antiviral agents. SARS CoV-2 a strain of coronavirus causing COVID19 emerged as a global pandemic affecting millions of people. Ayurvedic preparations like Kabasura Kudineer, Chavanprash and Nilavembu Kudineer are being tested for their antiviral and immunity boosting properties. Objective: Sudarshan churna is an ayurvedic preparation. It is a mix of many herbal powders. It is in use in India since many centuries. Swertia chirata, a potent antiviral herb is the main ingredient of Sudarshan churna. Apart from it, this highly effective product contains many antiviral and antibacterial herbs such as Giloya, turmeric neem, Parpata etc. This study aims to explore the insilico properties and molecular docking studies of this preparation against COVID19. Method: The druglikeness of 202 compounds were evaluated and molecular docking for these compounds were performed against SARS CoV-2 proteins by insilico techniques Results: 177 compounds exhibited druglikeness. Good docking results were observed with 45 ligands against 6M0J and 55 ligands against 6LU7 protein.Conclusion: The active constituents of Sudarshan Churna have good anti SARS CoV-2 activity and can serve as a lead against the SARS CoV-2.

When SARS ‐CoV‐2 comes knocking on your lab door

A snapshot of how scientists are personally affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Synthesis and antiviral activity of some pyrrolonyl substituted heterocycles as additives to enhance inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine

This research reported the design and synthesis of some influential new pyrrolone derivatives bearing a pyrazole scaffold with the evaluation of their antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryos and immune boosting properties of these substances in SPF chicks. The building block synthon was the pyrazolyl acid hydrazide, derived from 2(3H)-furanone, which was reacted with some carbonyl compounds, e.g., salicylaldehyde, furfural, 1,3-diphenylpyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde, chromone-3-carbaldehyde, and 3-acetylcoumarin. The results revealed that pyrazole derivative 6, quinoline derivatives 7 and 8 exhibited 100% protection against NDV while the hydroxyphenyl derivative 3 showed 95% protection. In turn, chromone derivative 10 and coumarin derivative 11 exhibited 90% protection. The structures of all products were established on the basis of their elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques.

Opioid Growth Factor and its Derivatives as Potential Non-toxic Multifunctional Anticancer and Analgesic Compounds.

Despite significant research progress on the pathogenesis, molecular biology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer, its morbidity and mortality are still high around the world. The emerging resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs remains still a significant problem in oncology today. Furthermore, an important challenge is the inability of anticancer drugs to selectively target tumor cells thus sparing healthy cells. One of the new potential options for efficient and safe therapy can be provided by opioid growth factor (OGF), chemically termed Met-enkephalin. It is an endogenous pentapeptide (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met) with antitumor, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties. Clinical trials have demonstrated that OGF therapy alone, as well as in combination with standard chemotherapies, is a safe, non-toxic anticancer agent that reduces tumor size. In this paper, we review the structure-activity relationship of OGF and its analogues. We highlight also OGF derivatives with analgesic, immunomodulatory activity and the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and may be used as safe agents enhancing chemotherapy efficacy and improving quality of life in cancer patients. The reviewed papers indicate that Met-enkephalin and its analogues are interesting candidates for the development of novel, non-toxic, and endowed with an analgesic activity anticancer drugs. More preclinical and clinical studies are needed to explore these opportunities.

β-glucan: Immune boosting potential and antioxidant candidate

In literature, β-glucan is abundantly found in oats and currently used as well as tested against various varieties of food products. The objective of our study is to evaluate its immune-boosting potential of β-glucan extracted from oats and tested against specific protein antigen i.e., bovine serum albumin (BSA) and also measure its antioxidant activity. For these studies, β-glucan using variable concentration and tested in human whole blood samples (exposed with an optimized concentration of bovine serum albumin, BSA) and examined its immune-boosting potential. In contrast, estimation of Th1 (IFN-gamma) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines were also measured from cell culture supernatant and also measured its antioxidant potential through DPPH assay. The results showed that β-glucan enhanced immune-boosting activity in a concentration-dependent manner against BSA. In contrast, there is enhancement in Th2 (IL-4) cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, but there is no significant effect in Th1 (IFN-gamma) as compared to control. In addition, β-glucan showed drastic enhanced antioxidant potential, which is confirmed through DPPH assay. The data demonstrate that β-glucan showing immune-boosting properties and antioxidant potential.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential of Common Vegetables in Pakistan

Vegetables contain many important antioxidants and nutrients. Daucus carota L (carrot) is rich in hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants and is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals such as Ca, Mg, P, and Fe. It shows anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, and immune boosting properties. It also provides protection against muscular degradation and development of senile cataract and reduces the risk of many diseases in humans. The nutritional value of Cucurbita pepo Linn (pumpkin) is attributed to the high level of carotenoids, carbohydrates, vitamins, other minerals. Pumpkin due to the presence of vitamin B complex, Ca and P, provides protection against many acute and chronic diseases. Pumpkin peel and pulp are the good source of antioxidants, polyphenols, carotenoids, dietary fiber and minerals such as P and Fe. Pumpkin extract shows antioxidant, antimicrobial and other activities. Spinacia oleracea (spinach) is a good source of essential nutrients such as carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals (P, K, Mg). Its leaves contain carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. Fresh spinach extract shows antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Solanum tuberosum (potato) is rich in starch, alkaloids, flavonoids, dietary fiber, and some other minerals (K, Mg, Fe). Potato helps to overcome chronic and acute diseases and has an impact on blood pressure and gut health.

Gut microbiota modulation and immune boosting properties of prebiotic dragon fruit oligosaccharides

SummaryThis is the first report of the evaluation of suitability for consumption of dragon fruit oligosaccharide (DFO) and its efficacy on gut microbiota modulation and in boosting the gut immune response in rats. The DFO produced significantly increased faecal bifidobacteria and lactobacilli but decreased bacteroides and clostridia. The DFO also showed immune‐response boosting properties by significantly increasing the plasma immunoglobulin A and G concentrations. In addition, it was confirmed by blood chemistry analysis and histology of the colon of the rats that DFO is suitable for the consumption. These results suggest that DFO is a potentially novel source of prebiotic ingredients with probiotic‐stimulation and immune boosting properties.

Vitamin E - The Next 100 Years.

α-Tocopherol is the only tocopherol that has been shown to prevent the human deficiency disease Ataxia with Isolated Vitamin E Deficiency (AVED), and thus it is the only one that, for humans, can be called vitamin E. Vitamin E in addition to preventing AVED has documented immune boosting properties and an activity against nonalcoholic hepatosteatosis and low-grade inflammation. Epidemiological studies indicating that vitamin E could prevent cardiovascular events, neurodegenerative disease, macular degeneration, and cancer were in general not confirmed by clinical intervention studies. Vitamin E and some of its metabolites modulate cell signaling and gene transcription. Future research is needed to achieve a better understanding of the molecular events leading to gene regulation by vitamin E, especially in its phosphorylated form. Isolation and characterization of the vitamin E kinase and vitamin E phosphate phosphatase will help in the understanding of cell regulation processes modulated by vitamin E. A clarification of the pathogenesis of AVED remains an important goal to be achieved. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(4):411-415, 2019.

Disruption of TET2 Dioxygenase Enhances Antitumor Efficiency in CD8+ Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes

Background: T cell exhaustion is a dysfunctional state of T cell that occurs during many chronic infections and cancer [1,2]. T cell exhaustion is generally defined by poor effector function, continuous expression of inhibitory receptors and a distinctive transcriptional state when compared with functional effector T cells [2]. Exhaustion prevents optimal control of infection and tumors. Recently, a clearer picture of the functional and phenotypic profiles of exhausted T cells has emerged and T cell exhaustion has been defined in many experimental and clinical settings. Although the involved pathways remain to be fully defined, advances in the molecular delineation of T cell exhaustion are clarifying the underlying causes of this state of differentiation and also suggest promising therapeutic opportunities. A recent study reported disruption of TET2 to promote the therapeutic efficacy of CD19 targeted T cells during cancer immunotherapy [3]. Furthermore, Tet2 deficient macrophages could alter the tumor microenvironment to reduce tumor burden during melanoma progression [4]. Together, these data suggest, contrary to the tacit belief of Tet2 as a tumor suppressor, deletion of Tet2 in specific subsets of immune cells might enhance anti-tumor immunity to benefit cancer therapy. In this study, we set out to explore the role of Tet2 in CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) during melanoma progression.Methods: We intradermally injected B16-OVA mouse melanoma cell lines in B6.SJL-Ptprca Pepcb/BoyJ (CD45.1) mice, and use this as an in vivo model to monitor melanoma progression [5]. In parallel, we injected WT-OTI and Tet2KO-OTI CD8+ T cells into CD45.1 mice injected with B16-OVA cells. Melanoma progression was monitored by measuring the tumor sizes for two weeks. At the end point, spleen and tumor infiltrated CD45.2+CD8+ cells were collected and analyzed. RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and CMS-IP-seq experiments were carried out to examine genome-wide gene expression, chromatin accessibility and DNA hydroxymethylation, with the goal of unveiling the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results: Compared with the control mice injected with WT-OTI CD8+ T cells, we observed a strong delay of melanoma disease progression and up to 80% reduction in tumor sizes in mice injected with Tet2KO-OTI CD8+ T cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed no significant changes in CD8+ T cell populations in major lymphoid organs. However, we detected a pronounced reduction of T cell exhaustion in Tet2KO CD8+ TILs compared with the WT group. Further transcriptome and integrative epigenome analysis revealed that Tet2 deleted TILs showed augmented activation of immune related pathways and reduction of the expression of immunosuppressive genes.Conclusion: Our novel findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Tet2 inactivation in immune cells during cancer immunotherapy. In our study, we observed that Tet2 depleted CD8+ TILs displayed increased anti-tumor efficiency in a mouse model of melanoma. Tet2 deletion could effectively alleviate T cell exhaustion to boost CD8+ TIL function. Nonetheless, since Tet2 deficiency is closely associated with various hematology disorders [6,7]; cautions must be taken to balance the tumor promoting and immune-boosting properties of Tet2 during cancer therapy. A temporally controllable system to inactivate Tet2 in specific immune cells might be most desirable for pursuing future therapeutic intervention by targeting Tet2.

The use of macro- and microalgae as functional ingredients in diets for meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Asso 1801)

The use of macro- and microalgae as functional ingredients in diets for meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Asso 1801)

The Role of Vitamins and Minerals on the Immune System

It has long been recognized that individuals living in poverty who suffer from malnutrition are more susceptible to infections and certain diseases due to deficiencies in macronutrients such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. More recently, it has come to light that micronutrients such as several vitamins and minerals also play major roles in boosting the immune system to protect against certain infections, inflammation, and possibly some cancers. This article discusses the various immune boosting properties of several micronutrients.

Our daily bread has more benefits than we thought

Whole grains in bread and other foods can add a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to our diets. But scientists such as Inge S. Fomsgaard of Aarhus University are looking further at how some lesser-known bioactive grain compounds called benzoxazinoids, or BXs for short, can improve health through their immune-boosting properties. Scientists have known for a few decades that BXs help protect young cereal grain plants such as rye, wheat, and corn against weeds, insects, and diseases. But it wasn’t until 2009 that Fomsgaard’s group discovered that mature grains also contain BXs. Fomsgaard and her colleagues subsequently found that BXs survive food processing and that the composition and concentration of the compounds are enhanced via enzymatic processes during malting or baking. Using mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics methods in rats, pigs, and people, the researchers have shown that BXs are taken up, distributed, and metabolized by mammals and that a