Vitamin C supports antiviral activityPLGA/PEG Nanoparticles Loaded with Cyclodextrin- Alkaloid Complex and Ascorbic Acid with Promising Antimicrobial Activities.
Complex formulation limits isolated effects
We investigated the potential of a unique formulation combining vitamin C with a complex of alkaloids to combat the H1N1 influenza virus. Our approach involved creating nanoparticles that encapsulate both the alkaloid-rich fraction and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to enhance the water solubility and bioavailability of these components.
The results were promising, showing that our formulated nanoparticles had a significant selective antiviral effect against the H1N1 virus, achieving an IC50 of 2.7 μg/mL. Notably, this effect was observed without harming the host cells, suggesting that the treatment could be both effective and safe.
However, it's important to note that while the presence of vitamin C in the formulation seems beneficial, we also included other active ingredients, making it difficult to assess the isolated impact of vitamin C alone. The combination of these elements appears to contribute to the overall effectiveness against influenza.
In summary, our findings indicate that this new delivery system might be a promising avenue for treating influenza viruses, with vitamin C playing a supportive role among other powerful components.
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Impact of Zinc on Vaccine ResponseModulation of T-Cell-Dependent Humoral Immune Response to Influenza Vaccine by Multiple Antioxidant/Immunomodulatory Micronutrient Supplementation.
Combination effects dilute zinc's role
We examined how combining zinc with other essential micronutrients could impact the immune response to an influenza vaccine. Our study found that this combination, including vitamins C and D, selenium, manganese, and N-acetyl cysteine, led to increased levels of protective antibodies after vaccinations in mice.
Notably, the supplementation improved not just the overall antibody response but also boosted specific immune responses vital for effective virus clearance. We observed a rise in specific types of immune cells, such as germinal center B cells and helper T cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. Moreover, this combination influenced a greater differentiation of T helper cells, enhancing the production of important cytokines.
While our findings highlighted the beneficial effects of this micronutrient combination on immunity, it is also important to note that the study evaluated these effects in a controlled setting involving multiple micronutrients. Although zinc is included, its isolated impact on the immune response to influenza was less discernible due to the mixture of supplements tested. Overall, our research lays the groundwork for future studies aimed at improving vaccination responses through dietary adjustments.
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Elderberry extracts enhance immunityPolysaccharides from European Black Elderberry Extract Enhance Dendritic Cell Mediated T Cell Immune Responses.
Study highlights elderberry's antiviral effects
Our exploration focused on the effects of European black elderberry extracts, particularly their potential to enhance immune responses against influenza. We specifically evaluated a water extract, enriched in polysaccharides, and compared it to a conventional alcoholic extract.
The findings revealed that the water extract and its polysaccharide fractions significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, which play a vital role in activating T cells. In fact, these matured dendritic cells showed a much higher capacity to stimulate T cells compared to the untreated cells. Conversely, the ethanol extract did not lead to any notable stimulation of T cells.
We also observed that the presence of elderberry extracts increased the release of key inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, indicating a robust immune response. Overall, our research suggests that the polysaccharides sourced from elderberry may be beneficial for developing strong immune responses, particularly against viral infections like influenza.
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Elderberry alleviates respiratory symptomsBlack elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials.
Lower relevance due to specificity
Our analysis focused on the effectiveness of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) as a treatment for upper respiratory symptoms, which often stem from viral infections like the flu. We evaluated data from 180 participants across various studies to gauge how elderberry supplementation can alleviate these symptoms.
What we found was quite promising: elderberry seems to significantly reduce upper respiratory symptoms, showcasing a large mean effect size in our analysis. This could point towards a valuable alternative for those suffering from cold and flu symptoms.
However, it is essential to note that while elderberry appears to be effective in reducing these symptoms, our study did not isolate its effects specifically on influenza. This means that while there’s potential, we can’t make conclusive claims regarding its impact on influenza over other upper respiratory issues.
Overall, these findings invite a closer look at elderberry as a possible safe and effective option for managing respiratory health, especially for those looking to avoid antibiotics and prescription medications.
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Zinc may prevent influenza entryEpipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy Down-regulates the Expression of Cav1.2: A Key Molecule in Influenza Virus Entry.
Significant relevance to zinc treatment
We investigated how zinc, delivered through epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT), might impact the expression of a key molecule known as Cav1.2, which plays a crucial role in allowing the influenza A virus to enter cells. The study included two groups of patients: one group that received EAT, which involved scratching the epipharyngeal mucosa with a zinc chloride-treated swab, and another group that did not receive this treatment.
By analyzing tissue samples, we observed that the levels of Cav1.2 were significantly lower in the EAT-treated patients compared to those who were not treated. In fact, the expression of Cav1.2 in the patients who underwent EAT was measured to be 4.19 times lower than in the non-treated group. This suggests that the squamous metaplasia induced by EAT might help reduce the entry of the influenza virus by down-regulating this key protein.
Our findings indicate that EAT, through its zinc content, could serve as a simple and effective method to potentially prevent influenza infection by limiting the virus's ability to enter cells.
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