Developed based on a thorough review of the scientific evidence, NutraOrigin’s Immunagin formula includes only ingredients with documented efficacy and safety, and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The ingredients described below will give you a better understanding of how Immunagin helps support a healthy immune system.*

Aloe Vera Concentrate
Originating in Northern Africa, aloe vera is a succulent plant that has long been used topically to treat burns. Modern research reveals it has internal health benefits as well.

Laboratory and animal studies suggest that Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) has immune-stimulatory properties.* (1,2,3,4) Aloe vera contains acemannan, a complex carbohydrate fraction considered responsible for the plant’s immune benefits. In vitro research has identified that acemannan works through several possible immunologic mechanisms: it increases the generation and functional capacity of T-cells and supports the maturation of dendritic cells — two types of white blood cells that play an important role during an immune response.* (2,4) Immunagin proudly features organic aloe vera concentrate.

Ashwagandha
Ashwaganda is an Indian herb that plays a central role in the herbal tradition of Ayurveda. It is considered an adaptogen, meaning an herb that helps the body adapt to all kinds of stress.*

Animals studies have consistently found that ashwagandha combats the effects of occasional stress and generally promotes wellness.* (5,6,7,8) One reason may be its effect on the immune system, as demonstrated by several animal studies. Ashwagandha has been shown to mobilize macrophages, key players in the immune response.* (9,10) The herb also supports healthy blood markers, such as hemoglobin concentrations, red blood cell count and white blood cell count.* (11)

Bromelain
Bromelain (bromelin) is a collection of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes naturally present in pineapple.

A number of in vitro and ex vivo studies indicate that bromelain possesses immuno-stimulatory properties.* The results of this research show that bromelain induces cytokine production, modulates T cell and B cell immune responses, and activates macrophages, natural killer cells and phagocytes — all important for healthy immunity.* (14,15,16,17,18)

Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an herb originating from the Amazon rainforest. It gets its name from its claw-shaped thorns. The use of cat’s claw dates back to the ancient Incas, who employed the herb for a variety of health concerns.

Key components of cat’s claw have been studied for their ability to enhance overall immunity.* Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cat’s claw enhances immune function and supports a healthy response to inflammation.* (19,20) A human intervention study further enforced these findings; cat’s claw was shown to product statistically significant immune enhancement in human volunteers compared to untreated controls.*(21)

Colostrum
Colostrum, also known as “first milk,” is the substance that nursing mothers produce in the first few days after birth. It contains important immune-enhancing and growth factors that support the well-being of the baby.

Recently, it has been demonstrated that bovine colostrum can also benefit human wellness. It contains numerous health-giving factors, including a cytokine called osteoprotegenerin, which regulates the immune system, and immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which provide protection to the host.* (22,23,24) A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adult males found that men taking colostrums for eight weeks had strengthened resistance compared to those taking placebo (whey protein).* (25) Another human study comparing colostrum to placebo showed there was a trend toward boosted immune response with colostrum treatment.* (26)

N, N-Dimethylglycine
N, N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is non-protein amino acid that exists naturally in the food supply as well as in human cells. It is believed to enhance the body’s tissues’ ability to utilize oxygen.* (27)

Initial studies in animals and humans indicate that DMG has immune-enhancing properties.* DMG administration to rabbits significantly boosted their immune response to an immune challenge.* (28,29) A similar finding was reported in a double-blind human clinical trial. The researchers concluded, “these results suggest that DMG enhances both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in humans.”* (27) Humoral immunity refers to immune responses that take place in the humor, or bodily fluids, while cell-mediated immunity refers to immune responses that take place in the cells.

Echinacea
Echinacea is the top-selling herb for supporting the natural defenses and one of the most well-researched.* Native to North American, it was used by Native Americans for a variety of health concerns.

Laboratory and animal research indicates echinacea has immuno-stimulating activity.* Specifically, echinacea and echinacea constituents have been shown to activate human phagocytes.* (30,31,32) The most compelling support for echinacea comes in the form of human clinical trials. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted on over 1,000 people have found that echinacea boosts short-term immune response.* (33-43)

Green Tea Extract
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) is made from the same plant as black tea; however, because it is less processed, it retains higher levels of active constituents. The main antioxidants contained within green tea are catechin polyphenols, and scientists have paid particular attention to a constituent called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). A recent USDA tea study noted that among all the catechins, EGCG was the most potent by a wide margin. (44)

Whereas echinacea is good for stimulating immune function short-term, green tea extract has more of a nutritive, long-term resistance-building effect.* A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trial found that taking green tea capsules every day for three months boosted the resistance of study participants.* (45)

How does it work? Laboratory research indicates that green tea — particularly EGCG — has immune-protective properties and may increase the production of immuno-regulatory cytokines.* (46,47,48,49)

Maitake Mushroom
Certain mushroom species have been identified as having immune-strengthening activity, hence their moniker “medicinal mushrooms.” One such species is maitake, which hails from Japan.

In vitro, animal and human clinical research has reported that a polysaccharide from maitake mushrooms, called D-fraction, may enhance both innate immunity (the kind you are born with) and adaptive immunity (the kind you develop as you mature).* Innate immune activation is evidenced by increased cytokine production, activation of macrophages and dendritic cells, and enhanced natural killer cell activity.* (50,51,52) Adaptive immune activation is evidenced by activation of T cells.* (53,50,52)

Noni
Found throughout the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, India and Australia, noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) has been used as a food and medicine for thousands of years.

Laboratory research shows noni may have immune-enhancing activity. (54,55) Its polysaccharide component has been shown to stimulate the release of immunity-enhancing compounds that trigger white blood cells, giving noni its healthful properties.* (56)

Pine Bark Extract
The bark of the maritime pine is loaded with naturally occurring antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, making it an effective scavenger of free radicals.* (57) While most antioxidants work either in lipid or aqueous environments, proanthyocyanidins are effective in both.

Pine bark extract has been shown to have an immuno-modulating effect in both animal models and human subjects, enhancing cytokine production and increasing the activity of natural killer cells.* (58,59,60)

Zinc and Selenium
Zinc and selenium are essential trace minerals that play an important role in immune function, and people who are low in these elements tend to have weaker resistance.* (61,62,63,64) Even a mild zinc deficiency may impair immune function.* (65)

Two placebo-controlled trials in elderly adults, who tend to have less resilient immune systems, found that taking zinc-only or zinc-plus-selenium supplements increased resistance compared to placebo.* (66,67) A study in children supplemented with zinc reported similar results.* (68)

Zinc and selenium are both believed to modulate cytokine production and activate T helper cells.* (69)