Mitigating the effects of bacterial superinfections due to a weakened physical condition and a strained immune system caused by viral infections

"Pneumonia is a type of chest infection. It affects the tiny air sacs in your lungs, called alveoli. When you have pneumonia, these air sacs get inflamed and fill with fluid. More people get pneumonia in winter. This is because respiratory viral infections that spread easily from person to person, such as flu, are more common in the winter, and these increase your risk of developing pneumonia."
<a target="_blank" href="https://blf.org.uk/support-for-you/pneumonia/what-is-pneumonia">blf.org.uk</a>
blf.org.ukWhat is pneumonia?

Garlic (Allium sativum)

contributes to maintaining intestinal microbiological balance and protection against harmful bacteria and microorganisms

  • Garlic has been used in various cultures as a medicinal (digestive complaints, rheumatism, skin diseases, wounds) and culinary plant.
  • In the Middle Ages garlic was used to prevent contagious diseases. According to several accounts, it could be successfully used in preventing the plague.
  • Recently, there have been a growing number of publications on the antineoplastic B10 effects of garlic.
  • The efficacy of garlic against atherosclerosisB20 has been studied in animal experiments. This effect can be explained in part by S‑Allylcysteine found in fermented products and its inhibiting effect on the production of cholesterol in the body. As garlic increases the amount of HDL (good cholesterol), the LDL/LHDL ratio shifts positivelyB20. The antioxidant effectB15 B4 of garlic has been proven as well, which may also play a part in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
  • The efficacy of its active agents against pathogensB2 has been proven in several experiments. Due to the proven antibacterial effect of sulphur containing compounds, in theory, it could be used in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections.B19 B13
  • According to epidemiological studies, certain tumours of the digestive system are less frequent among regular garlic eaters,B10 which partly might be due to the antibacterial effect of certain active agents in garlic.
  • Under laboratory conditions, garlic has been found to prevent the growth of several respiratory pathogens (bacteria, viruses).B16
  • Efficacy of garlic against respiratory infections has been proven in a modern clinical trial.B16 According to a study, the prolonged preventive intake of garlic significantly reduced the risk of respiratory infections.
  • Computer modelling has shown that alliin, allicin and quercetin present in garlic inhibit the coronavirus protease enzyme and spike protein of the Sars‑Cov‑2 coronavirusB11, thus they may theoretically be effective against the spread of the virusB6. The anti coronavirus effect might also be due in part to the fact that the compounds of garlic inhibit the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokinesB12. The antiviral effect of the compounds in garlic has been demonstrated against several viruses that cause diseases in humans (e.g. adenoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses herpesviruses, rhinoviruses)B2.
  • HUMAN STUDIES
    • Among the cardiovascular effects of garlic, the slowing of atherosclerosis, the lowering of cholesterol level and blood pressureB7 have been supported by clinical trials.
    • The regular, scheduled intake of garlic reduces the level of LDL cholesterolB9 B1 in the blood responsible for the damage of blood vessel walls and is thus used to slow down the development of atherosclerosis.
    • Taking garlic also slowed down the growth of plaques typical in atherosclerosis.
    • The risk of developing stomach and colon tumours is lowerB10 in people who consume a high amount of garlic.
    • It also has a positive effect in the supplementary treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers.
    • The severity of the infection caused by the 2019 coronavirus (COVID‑19) varies within a wide range, from an asymptomatic course of the disease to the development of a severe acute respiratory infection. A fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fatigue, the loss of appetite, disturbances in smell and taste are the most common general symptoms. This condition is characterized by a reduction in the number of immune cells and an increase of inflammatory cytokines. The compounds in Allium sativum (garlic) are capable of diminishing the impact of inflammatory cytokines and bringing immunological disorders to a more acceptable level. Allium sativum is a beneficial preventive measure prior to SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Allium sativum is a functional food that is well known for its immunological, anti pathogenic, anti inflammatory, antimutagenic and antineoplastic qualities. Its antiviral effect has also been proven. Certain parts of this plant have been found to be effective against unicellular parasites. It appears to restore most of the immune system disfunctions observed in patients with COVID‑19 infection. In conclusion, it can be stated that Allium sativum may be an acceptable preventive measure against COVID‑19 infection by boosting immune system cells and suppressing the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the inflammatory adipose derived leptin hormoneB12.

King Of Bitters (Andrographis paniculata)

supports the body’s natural defences, especially in the upper respiratory tract

  • The efficacy of the King of Bitters extract against various pathogens (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis, Candida albicans) and its anti inflammatory, immunomodulant C2 C8 and antispasmodic qualities have been experimentally proven.
  • In a meta analysis the efficacy of Andrographis in treating colds was analysed based on data from over 7000 patients. The results indicate that it relieves cough, soreness of the throat, the symptoms of cold and accelerates recovery when compared to a placebo C17 C2 C12.

White horehound (Marrubium vulgare)

supports the intestinal tract, contributes to healthy digestion and to proper liver and bile function

  • Efficacy as an immunomodulant of white horehound has been demonstrated on animals infected by Salmonella typhimuriumD3. It has shown an antimicrobial effect against several pathogens (Gram + bacteria, fungi, parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis and Plasmodium berghei, E. Coli)D3 D4 under laboratory conditions. It has showed an antiviral effect against the herpes virus.D3 D2

Endotoxins are components of the Gram negative bacteria

They consist of a species specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS) moiety as well as conservative lipid A, which is the toxic portion of the molecule.

  • Millions of Gram‑negative bacteria live in mammals, which usually do not cause a health problem. In pathological cases, endotoxemia develops as a result of higher amounts of endotoxin entering the bloodstream, which can cause trauma and shock. This can happen when the bacterium is killed or starts to multiply, in which case the endotoxins are released from the bacterium and get into the body. Endotoxin (LPS) released by live or dead bacteria binds to the lipopolysaccharide‑binding protein (LPB) in the blood. The LPB‑LPS complex binds to macrophage CD14 receptors, a process that results in macrophage activation. Activated macrophages induce the formation of various molecules, primarily cytokines (e.g. IL‑1, IL‑6, TNF‑α, IFN‑g, etc.), which eventually enter the circulatory system and activate the immune system through various mechanisms. The body’s defence mechanism becomes overloaded due to an increase in the amount of endotoxin entering the bloodstream, the immune system “overreacts” to the danger, which can lead to tissue destruction, endotoxic shock, and ultimately death.
  • Sepsis is a common and increased risk factor for such conditions. Sepsis is when, by overcoming the defence mechanism, pathogenic bacteria spread from a purulent nucleus at different points in the body and, together with the endotoxins, enter the bloodstream and lead to the development of symptoms of sepsis.
  • All of the effects that damage the intestinal mucosa have been shown to reduce or prevent altogether the production of a peptide, cholecystokinin, in the absence of which the gallbladder cannot empty the bile into the intestine and, in its absence, endotoxins released from broken bacteria, and when introduced into the circulation, endotoxemia, in more severe cases, trigger shock. Under natural conditions, however, bile acids protect the body against endotoxins that are still present in the gut because they are broken down into non‑toxic parts.
    It has also been shown that this protection also protects all lipoid‑structured agents (such as enveloped large viruses). This system of protection based on the detergent effect of bile acids is physicochemical protection.

 

Bile acids

NATURAL IMMUNITY. "The Role of Bile Acids in Physico Chemical Host Defence".
Bile acids regulate immunity, according to the latest international research, immunity depends on bile acids.

  • “The important effect of bile acids, what we have discovered (since then others have confirmed the results of our studies) is the special protection of the human body, expressing itself in the bowel system. We have been inspired by the in vitro experiments of an American research group, which observed that the treatment of endotoxin with a bile acid, sodium deoxycholate, resulted in the production of small atoxic units. On the basis of these findings, we considered the possibility that bile acids may play an important role in vivo in the detoxification of endotoxin. Bacterial endotoxin chemically is a lipopolysaccharide molecule, in which the toxic moiety has been identified as the lipid portion‑rich in fatty acids. On the basis of the above observations, one may suggest that bile acids detoxify endotoxin within the gastrointestinal tract. We have named this protective process as „physio‑chemical host defence”. The basis of this defence mechanism is the detergent effect of bile acids. The virus of yellow fever and other athropod borne viruses (Flaviviridae‑family according to present taxonomy) are inactivated. We named this protection system, based on the surfactant (detergent) effect of bile acids „physico‑chemical host defence” (Bertók, 2002). Weaker or stronger endotoxemia due to bile deficiency may play a role in several forms of the disease, such as septic shock, renal insufficiency in patients with jaundice due to bile duct obstruction, intestinal ischemia, burn shock, radiation sickness, certain endocrine disorders, psoriasis, or the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, bile acids can be effectively used to prevent or cure some of these diseases (kidney failure, psoriasis). All of the effects that damage the intestinal mucosa have been shown to reduce or prevent altogether the production of a peptide, cholecystokinin (CCK), in the absence of which the gallbladder cannot empty the bile into the gut and, in its partial absence, endotoxins produced by the disintegration of bacteria may be “absorbed” and reach the circulation causing endotoxemia, or – in more severe cases – shock. It can be concluded that „physico‑chemical host defence”, that based on the surface‑active property of bile acids is a general defence mechanism of the human body, which is not confined to bacterial endotoxins but refers to all the “agents” (such as some viruses) having lipoid (peplos) or lipoprotein structure on their surface. Therefore, we can add „physico‑chemical host defence” to the line‑up of general defence mechanisms of the human body, which trustees are bile acids, produced in the liver and taking part in the enterohepatic circulation.

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

supports the immune system that protects the human body

  • Elderflower has been part of European folk medicine for centuries: it is used primarily for inducing sweating and in cases of fever and cold. Fruit jam made of its berries is also used as a mild laxative. More recently, the squeezed juice and extract of its berries have also been used in colds.
  • The berries of the plant contain large amounts of anthocyanins (giving them their colour). These compounds have an antioxidantG5 and antiviral effect against respiratory viruses (e.g. influenza, rhino and coronavirus). They also support the immune system and thus contribute to the protection against viruses.A6 A4 A3
  • Traditional studies of elderberry extract have shown that elderberry accelerates recovery and reduces symptoms in people with influenza.A4
  • A similar effect was observed for colds.A5 A re‑analysis (meta analysis)A9 of the results of the clinical trials confirmed the above findings.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

supports the immune system, lung and respiratory health. It provides protection against allergies and has a significant antioxidant function

  • Centuries of oriental folk experience and informative scientific studies support the anti‑inflammatory effect of the drug and clinical evidence to the same effect is also available.E19
  • Curcumin has an immunostimulatory effect proven in experiments: during the immune response, it enhanced the production of anti-bodies and white blood cell count.E2 But its impact on the immune system is even more complex. In the experimentally induced allergen-provoked airway obstruction, it also moderated airway narrowing in the experiments.E6
  • This effect is produced by the inhibition of the NF‑κB pathway, which also plays a role in the development of asthma.E7 According to the experiments, the antiallergic effect develops in food allergies as well,E21 partly through maintaining the balance of Th1 / Th2 cells.
gallmet-immune (antibac) beneficial for alleviating symptoms and side effects of various infections
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References:

B4 – Assessment report on Allium sativum L., bulbus

Assessment report on Allium sativum L., bulbus Download – PDF Introduction Description of the herbal substance(s), herbal preparation(s) or combinations thereof. The aim of this report is to assess the non-clinical and clinical data available on Allium sativum for preparing

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C12 – A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection

A randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection Download – PDF Abstract A randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy

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E2 – Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin

Immunomodulatory activity of curcumin Download – PDF Abstract Curcumin, an active ingredient present in Curcuma longa, was analysed for the immunomodulatory activity in Balb/c mice. Curcumin administration was found to increase the total WBC count (15,290) significantly on the 12th

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G16 – Gram negative sepsis and shock

Gram negative sepsis and shock Download – PDF Abstract In the modern hospital gram negative bacteremia and the associated condition of septic shock are common occurrences. In the United States the estimated incidence of gram negative bacteremia ranges from 71,000

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