Rapid increase in immune surveillance and expression of NKT and γδT cell activation markers after consuming a nutraceutical supplement containing Aloe vera gel, extracts of Poria cocos and rosemary. A randomized placebo-controlled cross-over trial

Abstract

Goal To evaluate the acute impact of a nutraceutical blend on immune surveillance. Study design A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted in 11 healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken immediately before and at 1, 2, and 3 hours after consuming placebo or 500 mg of UP360, which is a blend of botanicals from Aloe vera, Poria cocos, and rosemary (APR extract). Immunophenotyping and flow cytometry quantified numbers of monocytes, NK cells, NKT cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, γδT cells, and total T cells, and expression of CD25 and CD69 activation markers. Plasma was tested for cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Results Compared to the placebo, consumption of APR extract triggered rapid increases in chemokine levels starting at 1 hour, including IP-10 (P<0.05) and MCP-1 (P<0.1), which peaked at 2 hours (P<0.01) and 3 hours (P<0.05), respectively. The stem cell-mobilizing growth factor G-CSF increased at 2 hours (P<0.05). Increased immune surveillance involved a transient effect for monocytes at 1 hour, followed by NKT cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and γδT cells at 2–3 hours. Increased immune cell alertness was seen at 1 hour by increased CD25 expression on monocytes (P<0.01), NKT cells (P<0.01), and T cells (P<0.05). NKT cells showed upregulation of CD69 at 2 hours (P<0.01). Increased enzymatic activity was seen at 2 hours for the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (P<0.05) and catalase (P<0.01). Conclusion Consumption of APR extract triggered acute changes to chemokine levels. In addition, immune alertness was increased via the expression of activation markers on multiple types of innate immune cells, followed by increased immune surveillance and antioxidant protection. This suggests a beneficial enhancement of natural immune surveillance, likely via a combination of gut-mediated cytokine release and vagus nerve communication, in combination with cellular protection from oxidative stress.

Rapid Immune Modulation after Consuming Euglena gracilis Whole Algae Involving Altered Responses to Ex Vivo Immune Challenges: A Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Trial

“…Consuming nutraceutical products represents a unique opportunity to provide rapid support for the natural processes of immune surveillance [17,26,27]. The clinical data presented here showed rapid and highly significant changes to activation markers on NK cells, where the CD25 activation marker was significantly elevated at 1 h after consuming a single dose of EG compared to placebo, suggesting increased NK cell proliferative activity [28], and possibly cytotoxic activity [29].…”

“…A placebo-controlled cross-over study design was used for this clinical study (clinical trial registration NCT05431751), which was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Argus Independent Review Board, Tucson, AZ, USA. The sample size was determined based on previous studies on β-glucan-rich nutritional supplements and we aimed for a minimum of 10 participants to complete the study [17]. People from the database at the study site, representing people who have previously indicated an interest in participating in clinical studies on natural products, were approached, and, if interested, were invited for screening.…”

“…In previous studies on nutraceutical modulation of immune surveillance, the changes to cell numbers in the blood circulation were typically associated with changes to cytokine levels. The consumption of a blend of botanicals and medical mushrooms showed rapid increases in IP-10 and MCP-1, in association with monocyte surveillance and increased CD25 expression on NKT and T cells [17]. Consumption of an immunogenic yeast fermentate was associated with increased CD25 levels as well as T and NK cell migration, associated with significant changes in IFN-γ [27].…”

“…First, the in vivo model examined the effects of a single dose of EG on immune surveillance and immune cell trafficking within the body. From each blood sample, the numbers and activation status of innate immune cells were documented, following our previously published protocol [15][16][17]. Secondly, as part of the clinical trial, an ex vivo model was applied to document the rapid re-programming of immune cells following EG consumption, where immune cells were cultured ex vivo, and the spontaneous versus inflammation-challenged cytokine production was evaluated.…”

Enhancing effects of Aloe vera gel extracts on the humoral and cellular immune response and growth performance in broiler chickens

“…A neutraceutical combination of AV, Poria cocos, and rosemary extract triggered the activation markers on various types of innate immune cells, resulting in enhanced immune surveillance and antioxidant defense [ 14 ]. In C57BL/6 mice, processed AV gel given orally functions as an adjuvant for influenza vaccinations [ 15 – 17 ].…”