Guest guest Posted February 7, 2003 Report Share Posted February 7, 2003 The Immune System JoAnn Guest Oct 21, 2002 12:49 PDT The Immune System The immune system is perhaps one of the most complex and fascinating systems of the human body. The immune system's prime function is to protect the body against infection and the development of cancer. The immune system is composed of the lymphatic vessels and organs (thymus, spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and lymph nodes), White blood cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, etc.) Specialized cells residing in various tissues (macrophages, mast cells, etc.) and specialized chemical factors such as complement, interferon, and interleukin. Also included are the " Peyer's patches " , (on the small intestine) the appendix and bone marrow. T lymphocytes-- T lymphocytes, or T cells, are a type of white blood cell responsible for " cell-mediated immunity. " Cell-mediated immunity refers to immune mechanisms not controlled or mediated by antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity is extremely important in providing resistance to infection by moldlike bacteria, yeast (including Candida albicans), fungi, parasites, and viruses (including herpes simplex), Epstein- Barr virus, and viruses that cause hepatitis. If you are suffering from an infection by these organisms, it's a good indication that your cell-mediated immunity is not functioning up to par. Cell-mediated immunity is also critical in protecting against the development of cancer, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. Not surprisingly, Echinacea has been used to treat all of these conditions. Echinacea promotes nonspecific T cell activation. When Echinacea polysaccharides bind to the surface of T cells, the T cells increase their production of interferon and other immune potentiators. The result is enhanced T cell replication, macrophage activity, antibody binding, and increased numbers of circulating neutrophils. Neutrophils are another type of white blood cell. Neutrophils actively phagocytize –that is, engulf and destroy— bacteria, tumor cells, and dead particulate matter. Neutrophils are especially important in preventing bacterial infection. The nonspecific T cell activation by Echinaceaalso increases the factitively of another type of white blood cell-- –natural killer cells. They are called " natural killer cells " because they destroy cells that have become cancerous or infected with viruses. They are the body's first line of defense against cancer development. The level or activity of natural killer cells in chronic fatigue syndrome is usually low. Effect on macrophages " Macrophages " are blood monocytes that have taken up residence in specific tissues such as the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. From here these large cells filter the lymphatic fluid (or lymph fluid),engulfing (or phagocytizing) foreign particles including bacteria and cellular debris. Macrophages and monocytes are in essence, the " garbage collectors " of the body. Macrophages protect the body against invasion by microorganisms, as well as prevent damage to the lymphatic system. Echinacea polysaccharides have been shown to enhance macrophage phagocytosis and stimulate macrophages to produce a number of immune potentiating compound (e.g. tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon, and interleukin. Furthermore, macrophages have been shown to destroy tumor cells in tissue culture and inhibit " Candida albicans " infection in rats infected intravenously with a lethal dose of Candida albicans. The interactions of macrophages are most likely responsible for much of the immune system enhancement of Echinacea polysaccharides. Antiviral properties The fresh-pressed juice of the aerial portion of E. purpurea along with alcoholic and aquaeous extracts of the roots, possess antiviral activity. Some viruses inhibited in cell culture include influenza, herpes virus, and vesicular stomatitis virus. Antibacterial properties The direct antibacterial activity of Echinacea is quite mild. Clearly, its clinical efficacy is due to its strong immune potentiating actions. Echinacea does possess some mild antibacterial action due largely to echinacoside, the complex caffeic acid derivative, found in highest concentrations in the root of E. augustifolia. Echinacoside and caffeic acid inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus,Corynebacterium Diphtheria, and Proteus vulgaria. Approximately 6.3 mgs of echinacoside is equivalent to-- 10 Oxford units of penicillin. Anticancer Activity Echinacea obviously possesses indirect anticancer activity via its general immuno-enhancing effects. Particularly important is its stimulation of macrophages to greater cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. (Z)-1,8 –pentadecadiene, a lipid-soluble component found in the root of E. augustifolia and E. pallida, possesses, in vivo, significant direct anticancer activity. Taken from: " The Healing Power of Herbs " By Michael T. Murray, N.D. The only caution with Echinacea is that those with auto-immune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and diabetes should not use it since the herb could antagonize an already over-active immune system. The typical length of time to take Echinacea is 10 to 14 days. If you're in good health, the herb generally doesn't need to be used for longer than four days. Current research shows that in many cases, Echinacea's fighting ability tends to slow down after 14 consecutive days of use. That doesn't mean that the herb becomes toxic to the body or dangerous, --- it simply means that it weakens in intensity. For this reason, it's always good to take a week or more off from the herb before resuming with your dosages. Research has shown that Echinacea is most effective for anywhere from 14 to 28 consecutive days. Echinacea has been shown to shorten the duration of cold symptoms. Chronic sinus and ear infections are often linked to your body's inability to process dairy and/or wheat products. JoAnn Guest jgu- Friendsforhea- DietaryTi- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Melanoma.html http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html *theaimcompanies* -Wisdom of the past,Food of the future- " Health is not a Medical Issue " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.