How Does It Work?:
Esberitox is a unique blend of wild indigo root, coneflower root, and
white cedar leaf that has been widely used in Europe for decades. This powerful
combination of herbs fortifies the immune system, helping to strengthen the
body's natural defense mechanisms.†1
Research has shown that the Esberitox combination provides a broader
range of activity than any individual component alone.† This additive effect is
produced via the actions and interactions of the concentrated botanical
extracts. Although the activity of the individual components overlap in some
way, each herb is unique in how it enhances immune function.†1
The following table summarizes the key benefits of each ingredient:1
| Ingredient |
Benefits |
| Echinacea purpurea and pallida |
Increase interferon production†
Stimulates B-cell and antibody production†
Increases interleukin-1 production†
Increases production of tumor necrosis factor†
|
| Wild indigo (Baptisia tinctoria |
Increases interferon production†
Stimulates B-cell and antibody production†
Increases interleukin-1 production†
|
| Thuja occidentalis (white cedar leaf) |
Enhances T-4 helper cells and increases interleukin-2 production†
|
| Esberitox® |
Increases chemotaxis of white blood cells†
Increases phagocytosis rate and killing capacity of neutrophils†
Activates macrophages†
Increases phagocytosis of macrophages†
|
Clinical Research Findings
The safe and efficacious use of Esberitox in both children and adults has
been documented in over thirty clinical and scientific studies. Unlike
Echinacea, which has generated both negative and positive results, studies on
the Esberitox combination have yielded only positive findings.
Immune System Support
Several studies have examined the ability of Esberitox to quickly
and effectively enhance immune system function.†2-8 The
powerful combination promotes the body's resistive functions by stimulating the
production and activity of critical immune cells.†
One randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-center study
involving 263 adults, found that improvement was noticeable after only two days
of supplementation - three days earlier than the placebo group.†2
Similar benefits have been noted in children, where safety and tolerability have
been established for those as young as two years of age.†3
Esberitox is especially beneficial when extra immune system support is
desired.† Clinical research has demonstrated that supplementation increased the
rate of phagocytosis by 7.4%, whereas the rate in the placebo group decreased
3.2%.†1,4 Phagocytosis is a process through which immune cells rid
the body of waste and foreign bodies. Esberitox has also been shown to
double the level of killer cell activity and the lymphocyte count in individuals
in need of immune support.* These findings provide strong evidence of
Esberitox's ability to stimulate the immune system.†5
Safety
Numerous studies have been done with various dosages and preparations of
echinacea. Research indicates that echinacea preparations are generally
considered very safe, and few adverse effects have been reported in the
literature.†
However, because of the documented immune-stimulating action of echinacea,
there is potential for a theoretical interaction in individuals for whom immune
system enhancement is contraindicated. Therefore, we have included the following
cautionary statement on the label as a conservative measure for our consumers:
“Not recommended for individuals with autoimmune diseases, HIV infection,
progressive systemic disease, or who are allergic to echinacea or other flowers
of the same Compositae (or Asteraceae) family”.
The potential for interaction was examined at the 1999 American Herbal
Products Association International Echinacea Symposium. The conclusion drawn
following an extensive review of the literature was that these precautionary
warnings are based more on theoretical arguments than on specific scientific
data.9
Conclusion
Esberitox has a long history of safe and effective use. This unique
combination of herbs possesses a broader spectrum of activity than Echinacea
alone, and when taken initially, can dramatically enhance the function of the
immune system.†
References:
1. Wüstenberg P, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Köhler G, Stammwitz U. Efficacy and
Mode of Action of an Immunomodulator Herbal Preparation Containing Echinacea,
Wild Indigo, and White Cedar. Advances in Therapy. 1999;16(1):51-70.
2. Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Hentschel C, Schnitker J, Kohnen R, Kohler G,
Wustenberg P. Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the
treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results
of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre study. Curr
Med Res Opin. 1999;15:214-227.
3. Kohler G, Elosge M, Hasenfuss I, Wustenberg P. Children's dosage of
phytopharmaceuticals: representative, exemplary, age-stratified dosage practice
for the herbal combination of active substances in Esberitox. Zeitschrift
fur Phytotherappie. 1998;19:318-322.
4. Qadripur SA. Influencing the phagocytic ability of granulocytes with drugs.
Ther d Gegenw. 1976;115:1072-8.
5. Kindzel'skii LP, Zlochevskaia LL, Tsyganok TV, Shabaeva MM. The effect of
natural immunomodulators on the lymphocytic natural killer activity in patients
with malignant lymphoproliferative diseases. Lik Sprava.
1995;(1-2):146-8.
6. Freitag U, Stammwitz U. Shortened duration of pertussis infection through
non-specific immuno-stimulation. Kinderarzt. 1984;8:1068-1071.
7. Hauke W, Kohler G, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, Freudenstein J. Esberitox N as
supportive therapy when providing standard antibiotic treatment in subjects with
a severe bacterial infection (acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis).
Chemotherapy. 2002;48:259-266.
8. Stolze H, Forth H. Antiobiotic treatment can be optimized by adjuvant
immunostimulation. Der Kassenarzt. 1983;23:43-48.
9. Panel Discussion: Possible contraindications an side effects of echinacea.
Presented at: The 1999 AHPA International Echinacea Symposium. Kansas City, MO.
June 3-5, 1999.
