An enhancer of the immune system produced by T-lymphocyte cells that destroy cells of viruses and cancer. Echinacea is found to have an interferon effect. Other agents to promote interferon: Boneset, Liquorice and Goldenseal.
Interferon alfa – previously termed leucocyte interferon or lymphoblastoid interferon – has some antitumour e?ect in some solid tumours and lymphomas. It is also used to treat HEPATITIS B and C (chronic variety). Various side-effects include suppression of MYELOBLAST production. Interferon beta – previously termed ?broblast interferon – is used (under restricted conditions in the UK) to treat patients with relapsing, remitting MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS), and interferon beta-16 is licensed for use in patients with the secondary progressive type of this disorder. The use of interferon, which has a range of side-effects, should be recommended by a neurologist.
Human interferon can be produced in bacterial host cells by *genetic engineering for clinical use. Interferon alfa is used in treating hepatitis B and C and certain lymphomas and other cancers, peginterferon alfa is used for hepatitis B and C, and interferon beta for multiple sclerosis. Side-effects, including flulike symptoms, lethargy, and depression, may be severe.
Already genetic engineering is contributing to easing the problems of diagnosis. DNA analysis and production of MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES are other applications of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has signi?cantly contributed to horticulture and agriculture with certain characteristics of one organism or variant of a species being transfected (a method of gene transfer) into another. This has given rise to higher-yield crops and to alteration in colouring and size in produce. Genetic engineering is also contributing to our knowledge of how human genes function, as these can be transfected into mice and other animals which can then act as models for genetic therapy. Studying the effects of inherited mutations derived from human DNA in these animal models is thus a very important and much faster way of learning about human disease.
Genetic engineering is a scienti?c procedure that could have profound implications for the human race. Manipulating heredity would be an unwelcome activity under the control of maverick scientists, politicians or others in positions of power.... genetic engineering
Viral infections by any of hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E viruses and also CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV), EPSTEIN BARR VIRUS, and HERPES SIMPLEX.
Autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune chronic hepatitis, toxins, alcohol and certain drugs – ISONIAZID, RIFAMPICIN, HALOTHANE and CHLORPROMAZINE.
WILSON’S DISEASE.
Acute viral hepatitis causes damage throughout the liver and in severe infections may destroy whole lobules (see below).
Chronic hepatitis is typi?ed by an invasion of the portal tract by white blood cells (mild hepatitis). If these mononuclear in?ammatory cells invade the body (parenchyma) of the liver tissue, ?brosis and then chronic disease or cirrhosis can develop. Cirrhosis may develop at any age and commonly results in prolonged ill health. It is an important cause of premature death, with excessive alcohol consumption commonly the triggering factor. Sometimes, cirrhosis may be asymptomatic, but common symptoms are weakness, tiredness, poor appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and production of abnormal amounts of wind. Initially, the liver may enlarge, but later it becomes hard and shrunken, though rarely causing pain. Skin pigmentation may occur along with jaundice, the result of failure to excrete the liver product BILIRUBIN. Routine liver-function tests on blood are used to help diagnose the disease and to monitor its progress. Spider telangiectasia (caused by damage to blood vessels – see TELANGIECTASIS) usually develop, and these are a signi?cant pointer to liver disease. ENDOCRINE changes occur, especially in men, who lose their typical hair distribution and suffer from atrophy of their testicles. Bruising and nosebleeds occur increasingly as the cirrhosis worsens, and portal hypertension (high pressure of venous blood circulation through the liver) develops due to abnormal vascular resistance. ASCITES and HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY are indications of advanced cirrhosis.
Treatment of cirrhosis is to tackle the underlying cause, to maintain the patient’s nutrition (advising him or her to avoid alcohol), and to treat any complications. The disorder can also be treated by liver transplantation; indeed, 75 per cent of liver transplants are done for cirrhosis. The overall prognosis of cirrhosis, however, is not good, especially as many patients attend for medical care late in the course of the disease. Overall, only 25 per cent of patients live for ?ve years after diagnosis, though patients who have a liver transplant and survive for a year (80 per cent do) have a good prognosis.
Autoimmune hepatitis is a type that most commonly occurs in women between 20 and 40 years of age. The cause is unknown and it has been suggested that the disease has several immunological subtypes. Symptoms are similar to other viral hepatitis infections, with painful joints and AMENORRHOEA as additional symptoms. Jaundice and signs of chronic liver disease usually occur. Treatment with CORTICOSTEROIDS is life-saving in autoimmune hepatitis, and maintenance treatment may be needed for two years or more. Remissions and exacerbations are typical, and most patients eventually develop cirrhosis, with 50 per cent of victims dying of liver failure if not treated. This ?gure falls to 10 per cent in treated patients.
Viral hepatitis The ?ve hepatic viruses (A to E) all cause acute primary liver disease, though each belongs to a separate group of viruses.
•Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an ENTEROVIRUS
which is very infectious, spreading by faecal contamination from patients suffering from (or incubating) the infection; victims excrete viruses into the faeces for around ?ve weeks during incubation and development of the disease. Overcrowding and poor sanitation help to spread hepatitis A, which fortunately usually causes only mild disease.
Hepatitis B (HBV) is caused by a hepadna virus, and humans are the only reservoir of infection, with blood the main agent for transferring it. Transfusions of infected blood or blood products, and injections using contaminated needles (common among habitual drug abusers), are common modes of transfer. Tattooing and ACUPUNCTURE may spread hepatitis B unless high standards of sterilisation are maintained. Sexual intercourse, particularly between male homosexuals, is a signi?cant infection route.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a ?avivirus whose source of infection is usually via blood contacts. E?ective screening of blood donors and heat treatment of blood factors should prevent the spread of this infection, which becomes chronic in about 75 per cent of those infected, lasting for life. Although most carriers do not suffer an acute illness, they must practise life-long preventive measures.
Hepatitis D (HDV) cannot survive independently, needing HBV to replicate, so its sources and methods of spread are similar to the B virus. HDV can infect people at the same time as HBV, but it is capable of superinfecting those who are already chronic carriers of the B virus. Acute and chronic infection of HDV can occur, depending on individual circumstances, and parenteral drug abuse spreads the infection. The disease occurs worldwide, being endemic in Africa, South America and the Mediterranean littoral.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is excreted in the stools, spreading via the faeco-oral route. It causes large epidemics of water-borne hepatitis and ?ourishes wherever there is poor sanitation. It resembles acute HAV infection and the patient usually recovers. HEV does not cause chronic infection. The clinical characteristics of the ?ve hepatic
viruses are broadly similar. The initial symptoms last for up to two weeks (comprising temperature, headache and malaise), and JAUNDICE then develops, with anorexia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea common manifestations. Upper abdominal pain and a tender enlarged liver margin, accompanied by enlarged cervical lymph glands, are usual.
As well as blood tests to assess liver function, there are speci?c virological tests to identify the ?ve infective agents, and these are important contributions to diagnosis. However, there is no speci?c treatment of any of these infections. The more seriously ill patients may require hospital care, mainly to enable doctors to spot at an early stage those developing acute liver failure. If vomiting is a problem, intravenous ?uid and glucose can be given. Therapeutic drugs – especially sedatives and hypnotics – should be avoided, and alcohol must not be taken during the acute phase. Interferon is the only licensed drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, but this is used with care.
Otherwise-?t patients under 40 with acute viral hepatitis have a mortality rate of around
0.5 per cent; for those over 60, this ?gure is around 3 per cent. Up to 95 per cent of adults with acute HBV infection recover fully but the rest may develop life-long chronic hepatitis, particularly those who are immunode?cient (see IMMUNODEFICIENCY).
Infection is best prevented by good living conditions. HVA and HVB can be prevented by active immunisation with vaccines. There is no vaccine available for viruses C, D and E, although HDV is e?ectively prevented by immunisation against HBV. At-risk groups who should be vaccinated against HBV include:
Parenteral drug abusers.
Close contacts of infected individuals such as regular sexual partners and infants of infected mothers.
Men who have sex with men.
Patients undergoing regular haemodialysis.
Selected health professionals, including laboratory sta? dealing with blood samples and products.... hepatitis
Attacks of symptoms are followed by a variable period of remission, in which dramatic improvements may be made.
Women are more likely to develop than men, and there may be a genetic factor, as the disease sometimes runs in families. There may also be an environmental factor, as is more common in temperate zones than in the tropics.
Symptoms usually develop early in adulthood. Spinal cord damage may cause tingling, numbness, weakness in the extremities, spasticity, paralysis, and incontinence. Damage to white matter (myelinated nerves) in the brain may cause fatigue, vertigo, clumsiness, muscle weakness, slurred speech, blurred vision, numbness, weakness, or facial pain.
Attacks may last several months. After a variable remission period, a relapse occurs, which may be precipitated by injury, infection, or stress. Some people have mild relapses and long periods of remission, with few permanent effects. Some people become gradually more disabled from the first attack. A few suffer gross disability within the 1st year.
There is no single diagnostic test, but MRI may show damage to white matter in the brain. Evoked response tests on the eyes also provide strong evidence.
There is no specific treatment.
Some people claim that dietary modifications such as sunflower or evening primrose oils are beneficial.
In some cases, interferon beta can extend the time between attacks and reduce the rate of decline.... multiple sclerosis
Habitat: Cultivated throughout India, wild on coasts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and South India.
English: Curacao Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Indian Aloe, Jaffarabad Aloe.Ayurvedic: Kanyaasaara, Eleyaka (dried juice of the leaves). Kumaari, Kumaarikaa, Kanyaa, Grihkanyaa, Ghritkumaarika (plant).Unani: Gheekwaar, Sibr.Siddha/Tamil: Sotru Kattraazhai, Kumaari. Moosaambaram (dried juice).Folk: Elwaa, Musabbar (dried juice of leaves).Action: Purgative (causes griping), emmenagogue. Gel—topically emollient, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (used for wound healing, sunburn).
Key application: In occasional constipation; contraindicated in intestinal obstruction and acutely inflamed intestinal diseases, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis. (German Commission E, ESCOP, WHO.)The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the use of dried juice of leaves in dysmenorrhoea and diseases of the liver.Aloe vera improved the hypoglycaemic effect of glyburide (gliben- clamide) when one tablespoonful aloe juice was given orally in the morning and at bedtime to 36 diabetic patients for 42 days. The juice (same dose) showed antihyperglycaemic activity (independently). (Francis Brinker.)Anthraquinone glycosides, known as aloin, in small doses act as a tonic to the digestive system, and at higher doses become a strong purgative, as well as increase colonic secretions and peristaltic contractions. Resin fraction is also as important as aloin in cathartic action. In A. barbadensis the highest percentage of aloin is 21.8%.Aloe produces pelvic congestion and is used for uterine disorders, generally with Fe and carminatives. The pulp is used in menstrual suppressions.A molecule in the Aloe vera gel, ace- mannan, stimulates macrophages and releases immune system potentiators; enhances function of T cells and interferon production. Animal studies have shown promising results in sarcoma.The carboxypeptidase and salicylate components of Aloe gel can inhibit bradykinin, a pain-producing agent; C-glycosyl chromone appears to reduce topical inflammation. Aloe gel also slows or inhibits the synthesis of thromboxane, which may accelerate the healing of burns. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)Dosage: Leaf pulp juice—10-20 ml. (CCRAS.) Dried leaf pulp juice— 125-500 mg powder. (API Vol. I.)... aloe barbadensisHabitat: Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region; extensively cultivated in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for its fleshy tap roots which are eaten raw or cooked. Wild Carrot: Native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Grows at 3,000-3,600 m in the Himalayas.
English: Carrot, Cultivated Carrot. Wild carrot (D. carota Linn.wild var.: the root, small and white), Queen Anne's Lace, Bird's Nest. Bees' Nest Plant.Ayurvedic: Gaajara, Garjara, Granjana.Unani: Gaajar.Action: Roasted roots—prescribed in palpitation, burning micturation, cough and bronchitis. Carrot increases the quantity of urine and helps the elimination of uric acid; also lowers blood sugar. Juice—a rich source of carotene. Seeds—diuretic, emmenagogue, spasmolytic (prescribed in anuria and sexual debility). Wild carrot— diuretic and antilithic (used for kidney stones, cystitis and in gout). Seeds—emmenagogue. Also used for hot flushes of the menopause.
In cooked (orange) carrots beta- carotene content (1890 mcg) was found much higher than in raw carrots- (1045 mcg/100 g). Heat processing of carrots affected alpha- and beta-carotene contents; their value decreased (3.7; 5.3) in water blanching, whereas increased (5.8; 8.2) in steam blanching compared to that in fresh carrots (5.2; 8.1 mg/100 g) respectively.An interferon inducer has been isolated from carrot. It stimulates cells to produce the protein that increases human resistance to virus infections.Aqueous extract of carrots showed hepatoprotective activity against CCl4- induced hepatic damage in mice liver.The ethanolic extract exhibits direct relaxant action on cardiac and smooth muscle preparation and this action may be responsible for its hypotensive action. (Gently heated peeled roots, mixed with sugar candy, are given as a hypotensive drug.)The ethanolic extract of seeds exhibited diuretic effect in dogs.The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommends Daucus carota Linn. (wild carrot) for its diuretic activity. Wild carrot contains flavones including apigenin, chypsin, luteolin; flavonols including kaempferol, quer- cetin and various glycosides. The fura- nocoumarins, 8-methoxypsoralen and 5-methoxypsoralen are found in the plant. The seed oil contains terpinen- 4-ol, a renal irritant. It is believed to cause diuretic activity.... daucus carotaCytotoxic drugs are used either singly or in combination, when an enhanced response is the aim. Chemotherapy of cancer is a complex process and should be supervised by an oncologist in co-operation with physicians, surgeons, radiotherapists and radiologists as appropriate.
The cytotoxic drugs include:
(1) The alkylating agents which act by damaging DNA, thus interfering with cell reproduction. Cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, chlorambucil, kelphalan, busulphan, thiotepa and mustine are examples of alkylating agents.
(2) There are a number of cytotoxic antibiotics used in the treatment of cancer – doxorubicin, bleomycin, dactinomycin, mithramycin and amsacrine are examples. They are used primarily in the treatment of acute leukaemia and lymphomas.
(3) Antimetabolites – these drugs combine irreversibly with vital enzyme systems of the cell and hence prevent normal cell division. Methotrexate, cytarabine, ?uorouracil, mercaptopurine and azathioprine are examples.
(4) Another group of cytotoxic drugs are the vinca alkaloids such as vincristine, vinblastine and vindesima.
(5) Platinum compounds such as carboplatin, cisplatin and oxaliplatin are e?ective. All of them are given intravenously, but the latter two tend to have more unpleasant side-effects. Carboplatin and cisplatin are useful in the treatment of solid tumours. Carboplatin, a derivative of cisplatin, is given intravenously in ovarian cancer and in small-cell lung cancer. Better tolerated than cisplatin, the drug causes less nausea and vomiting, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and ototoxicity. Where platinum-containing therapy has failed, intravenous treatment with paclitaxel may be tried. With only a limited success rate, it is relatively toxic and should be carefully supervised; responses, however, are sometimes prolonged.
Also of increasing importance in treating cancer are interferons. These are naturally occurring proteins with complex effects on immunity and cell function. Although toxic, with numerous adverse effects, they have shown some anti-tumour e?ect against certain lymphomas and solid tumours.... cytotoxic
Ribavarin, along with INTERFERON alpha-2b, is given orally to treat patients with chronic HEPATITIS C infection. It is also used to treat LASSA FEVER.... ribavirin
Cytokines (which include interferons) bind to other cells, activating the immune response (see immune system).... cytokine
The term is also used to describe hyposensitization treatment for allergy.
One type of immunotherapy used in the treatment of cancer uses immunostimulant drugs.
More recently, monoclonal antibodies (see antibody, monoclonal) directed against tumours have been produced artificially by genetic engineering.
Interferon or chemical poisons can be linked to these antibodies to increase their ability to destroy tumour cells without damaging normal cells.... immunotherapy
Cause Although this is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system in Europe – there are around 50,000 affected individuals in Britain alone – the cause is still not known. The disease comes on in young people (onset being rare after the age of 40), apparently without previous illness. The ratio of women-to-men victims is 3:2. It is more common in ?rst and second children than in those later in birth order, and in small rather than big families. There may be a hereditary factor for MS, which could be an autoimmune disorder: the body’s defence system attacks the myelin in the central nervous system as if it were a ‘foreign’ tissue.
Symptoms These depend greatly upon the part of the brain and cord affected by the sclerotic patches. Temporary paralysis of a limb, or of an eye muscle, causing double vision, and tremors upon exertion, ?rst in the affected parts, and later in all parts of the body, are early symptoms. Sti?ness of the lower limbs causing the toes to catch on small irregularities in the ground and trip the person in walking, is often an annoying symptom and one of the ?rst to be noticed. Great activity is shown in the re?ex movements obtained by striking the tendons and by stroking the soles of the feet. The latter re?ex shows a characteristic sign (Babinski sign) in which the great toe bends upwards and the other toes spread apart as the sole is stroked, instead of the toes collectively bending downwards as in the normal person. Tremor of the eye movements (nystagmus) is usually found. Trembling handwriting, interference with the functions of the bladder, giddiness, and a peculiar ‘staccato’ or ‘scanning’ speech are common symptoms at a later stage. Numbness and tingling in the extremities occur commonly, particularly in the early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, the paralyses, which were transitory at ?rst, now become con?rmed, often with great rigidity in the limbs. In many patients the disease progresses very slowly.
People with multiple sclerosis, and their relatives, can obtain help and guidance from the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Another helpful organisation is the Multiple Sclerosis Resources Centre. Those with sexual or marital problems arising out of the illness can obtain information from SPOD (Association to Aid the Sexual and Personal Relationships of People with a Disability). (See APPENDIX 2: ADDRESSES: SOURCES OF INFORMATION, ADVICE, SUPPORT AND SELFHELP.)
Treatment is di?cult, because the most that can be done is to lead a life as free from strain as possible, to check the progress of the disease. The use of INTERFERON beta seems to slow the progress of MS and this drug is licensed for use in the UK for patients with relapsing, remitting MS over two years, provided they can walk unaided – a controversial restriction on this (expensive) treatment. CORTICOSTEROIDS may be of help to some patients.
The NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE (NICE) ruled in 2001 that the use of the drugs interferon beta and glatiramer acetate for patients with multiple sclerosis was not cost-e?ective but recommended that the Department of Health, the National Assembly for Wales and the drug manufacturers should consider ways of making the drugs available in a cost-e?ective way. Subsequently the government said that it would consider funding a ‘risk-sharing’ scheme in which supply of drugs to patients would be funded only if treatment trials in individuals with MS showed that they were e?ective.
The Department of Health has asked NICE to assess two CANNABIS derivatives as possible treatments for multiple sclerosis and the relief of post-operative pain. Trials of an under-thetongue spray and a tablet could, if successsful, lead to the two drugs being available around 2005.
It is important to keep the nerves and muscles functioning, and therefore the patient should remain at work as long as he or she is capable of doing it, and in any case should exercise regularly.... multiple sclerosis (ms)
Naevus simplex Also known as ‘salmon patch’. About one-third of white children are born with macular pink areas of ERYTHEMA on the nape, brow or eyelids which usually disappear after a few months, but patches on the nape may persist.
Naevus ?ammeus Also known as ‘portwine stain’ and present at birth. It is unilateral, usually on the face, and may be extensive. It tends to darken with age and is permanent. Laser treatment is e?ective.
Strawberry naevus (cavernous haemangioma) is usually not present at birth but appears within a few weeks and grows rapidly, reaching a peak in size after 6–12 months, when the lobulated red nodule may resemble a ripe strawberry. Untreated, the naevus disappears spontaneously over several years. It may occur anywhere and may be very troublesome when occurring around an eye or on the ‘nappy’ area. If possible it should be left alone, but where it is causing problems other than simply cosmetic ones it is best treated by an expert. This may involve medical treatment with steroids or interferon or laser therapy.
Spider naevus is due to a dilated ARTERIOLE causing a minute red papule in the skin, the small branching vessels resembling spider legs. A few spider naevi are common in young people, but multiple naevi are common in pregnancy and may also be a warning sign of chronic liver disease.... naevus
A single virus particle, known as a virion, comprises an inner core of NUCLEIC ACID which is surrounded by one or two protective coverings (capsid) made of protein. Sometimes the capsid is enclosed by another layer called the viral envelope (also a protein structure). The envelope often disintegrates when the virus invades a cell. Viruses enter cells and then indulge in a complex and variable process of replication using some of the cells’ own structure. Viruses may stay in a host’s nucleus, being reactivated months or years later. There are more than a score of large families of viruses, from papoviruses, which cause WARTS, through HERPES viruses (cold sores, CHICKENPOX, SHINGLES) and orthomyxoviruses (in?uenza), to corona viruses (common cold) and retroviruses (AIDS/HIV). Viral diseases are more dif?cult to treat than those caused by bacteria: ANTIBIOTICS are ine?ective but INTERFERON, a group of natural substances, shows promise. IMMUNISATION is the most e?ective way of combating viral infections; smallpox, poliomyelitis, MUMPS, MEASLES and RUBELLA are examples of viral diseases which have been successfully combated. Research is progressing to ?nd a vaccine against HIV.... virus
Action: Liver detoxifier, hypotensive, antibiotic, metabolic stimulant. Bowel cleanser and nutrient for friendly flora. Immune sustainer. Antiviral. Anti-candida. Anti-ageing. Blood oxidant for production of red cells. Anti-cholesterol. Fat mobiliser.
Uses: High blood pressure, diabetes, hypoglycaemia, radiation sickness, high cholesterol levels, constipation, immune system insecurity, anaemia and nutrient deficiencies, bone maintenance, regeneration of tissue, asthma, the fatigue of old age. Shown to have a high binding affinity for poisonous substances in the gut and liver.
Inhibitory effect on growth of tumour cells. (21st Japanese Bacteriology Convention, 1984)
Reduces pain in peptic and duodenal ulcer. (“The Treatment of Peptic Ulcer by Chlorella”, by Dr Yoshio Yamagishi)
Cases of arsenical poisoning due to contaminated Taiwan water supply were successfully detoxified.
Dramatic height and weight increases in children and animals recorded. Appears to increase production of interferon, a body chemical that protects against harmful viruses. Of value for lead poisoning and heavy metal toxaemia.
Preparations: Available as tablets, capsules and health supplement granules.
Diet. Highly nutritional; yield 65 per cent protein; desirable for vegetarians and vegans. ... chlorella
Action. Antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, detoxicant, parasiticide, antibiotic (non- toxic), vasodilator, lymphatic. Does not act directly upon a virus but exerts an antiviral effect by stimulating an immune response. Raises white blood cell count and increases the body’s inherent powers of resistance. Has power to stimulate ‘killer’ cells that resist foreign bacteria. T-cell activator. Vulnerary. Uses. Boils, acne, abscesses, sore throat: streptococcal and staphylococcal infections generally. Ulcers of tongue, mouth, gums, tonsils, throat (mouth wash and gargle). Duodenal and gastric ulcer. Systemic candida. Putrefaction and fermentation in the alimentary tract. Skin disorders: eczema. Infection of the fallopian tubes. Ill-effects of vaccination. A cleansing wash and lotion for STDs and varicose ulcers. Vaginal candidiasis.
Tonsillitis and infective sore throat: “In all cases do not forget the value of Echinacea. I rely on it to restore a poisoned system.” (I.F. Barnes MD, Beverley, Mass, USA)
Appendicitis. “Seven cases of fully diagnosed appendicitis were completely cured by 5 drops liquid extract Echinacea, in water, every 1-3 hours.” (Henry Reny MD, Biddeford, Maine, USA)
Gangrene. “Echinacea retards and prevents gangrene.” (Finlay Ellingwood MD)
Shingles. Genital herpes. Echinacea purpurea. Self-medication by “T.S., London” for neuralgic pains caused by the virus ‘moving down the nerves’ preceding appearance of a herpetic lesion. “Each time an attack has been aborted – pains subsiding within six or so hours.”
Phytokold capsules. Arkopharma.
Listeria. Complete protection against. (Dr H. Wagner, Munich University)
Preparations: Thrice daily.
Decoction. 1g dried root or rhizome to each cup water simmered 15 minutes. Dose: 1 cup.
Powder. 250mg (one 00 capsule or one-sixth teaspoon).
Liquid extract: 3-15 drops in water.
Alcoholic and aqueous extract from 360mg root. 1 tablet.
Tincture, BHC Vol 1. (1:5, 45 per cent ethanol). Dose: 2-5ml.
Formula. Tincture Echinacea 2; Tincture Goldenseal 1. Dose – 15-30 drops in water every 2 hours (acute) thrice daily (chronic).
Echinacea and Garlic tablets/capsules. Echinacea 60mg; Garlic 20mg; powders to BHP (1983) standard. Versatile combination for minor infections: colds and influenza. (Gerard House)
Historical. “Many years ago American Indians observed that by tantalising the rattlesnake it would in its wrath bite itself. The creature was seen to become immediately restless and sought to retreat. On following the snake it was observed that it went straight to a certain shrub and there became a veritable ‘sucker’. When it finished sucking the plant it would seek a hole in which to hide, but not to die. It would recover. This led to the discovery of the plant, Echinacea. It was from the medicine-men of the Mohawk and Cherokee Indians we obtained our first knowledge of this remarkable herbal remedy.” (J.H. Henley MD, Enid, Oklahoma, USA)
Often positive results may not follow because too small a dose is given. For desperate conditions, Dr L.W. Hendershott, Mill Shoals, Illinois, USA, advised frequent 1 dram (4ml) doses. (Ellingwood, Vol 10, No 4)
Echinacea has an ‘interferon’ effect by enhancing body resistance to infection. (Wagner and Proksch) GSL, schedule 1 ... echinacea
Action. Anti-infective against Coxsackie virus. Immune stimulant. Antiviral.
Uses: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Upper respiratory infection. For increased white blood cell count, improved sleep habits and to stimulate appetite in patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation. (American Health 1989 8th Oct. –100) To increase production of interferon. Gastric ulcer therapy. Influenza. The common cold. To combat Coxsackie B myocarditis. Of value for incontinence and frequency of urine. Inhibits HIV-1 replication in cells acutely or chronically infected.
Preparation. Decoction. Dried root: 2 teaspoons to each cup of water simmered gently 20 minutes. Half- 1 cup thrice daily. ... huang qi
Constituents: alkaloids, glycoproteins, polypeptides, flavonoids.
Action: tranquilliser, vasodilator – reducing blood pressure after an initial rise. Cardiac depressant. Used as an alternative to beta-blocking drugs when they produce sore eyes and skin rash. Stimulates the vagus nerve which slows the pulse. Contains acetylcholine. Diuretic. Immune enhancer. Anti-inflammatory. Uses. Arterial hypertension, insomnia, temporal arteritis, nervous excitability, hyperactivity, limb- twitching, epilepsy, (petit mal), chorea, tinnitus, rabies (Dr Laville). Benzodiazepine addiction – to assist withdrawal. Arteriosclerosis (with Horsetail). Headache, dizziness, fatigue.
Cancer: some success reported in isolated cases. Juice of the berries has been applied to external cancers since the time of the Druids. Present-day pharmacy: Iscador (Weleda), Viscotoxin. Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79) and Hippocrates record its use in epilepsy and for tumours. The berries may be prescribed by a medical practitioner only (UK). As an immune enhancer it is used as an adjunct to surgery and radiotherapy for patients for whom cytotoxic drugs are inappropriate because of adverse side-effects. Lymphocytes divide more readily by production of interferon.
Combinations: (1) with Skullcap and Valerian for nervous disorders (2) with Motherwort and Hawthorn for myocarditis (3) with Blue Cohosh for menstrual irregularity (4) with Hawthorn and Lime flowers for benign hypertension. Never combine with Gotu Kola. (Dr John Heinerman)
Preparations: Average dose: 2-6g, or equivalent. Thrice daily.
Tea: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup cold water steeped 2 hours. Dose: half-1 cup.
Green Tincture. 4oz bruised freshly-gathered leaves in spring to 1 pint 45 per cent alcohol (Vodka, strong wine, etc). Macerate 8 days, shaking daily. Filter and bottle. Dose: 3-5 drops: (every 2 hours if an epileptic attack is suspected).
Powder, capsules: 300mg. 2 capsules thrice daily before meals. (Arkocaps)
Plenosol. (Madaus)
Liquid Extract (1:1): 8-10 drops.
Sale: pharmacy only. ... mistletoe
In about 5 percent of cases, the virus continues to cause inflammation and can still be detected in the blood 6 months after infection. People who suffer from persistent infection are at long-term risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis and may be treated with interferon.... hepatitis b
Chronic hepatitis may cause slight tiredness or no symptoms at all.
It is diagnosed by liver biopsy.
Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with corticosteroid drugs and immunosuppressants.
Viral infections often respond to interferon.
In the drug-induced type, withdrawal of the medication can lead to recovery.
For metabolic disturbances, treatment depends on the underlying disorder.... hepatitis, chronic
The term innate immunity is given to the protection that we are born with, such as the skin and the mucous membranes that line the mouth, nose, throat, intestines, and vagina. It also includes antibodies, or immunoglobulins (protective proteins), that have been passed to the child from the mother. If microorganisms penetrate these defences, they encounter “cell-devouring” white blood cells called phagocytes, and other types of white cells, such as natural cellkilling (cytotoxic) cells. Microorganisms may also meet naturally produced substances (such as interferon) or a group of blood proteins called the complement system, which act to destroy the invading microorganisms.The 2nd part of the immune system, adaptive immunity, comes into play when the body encounters organisms that overcome the innate defences. The adaptive immune system responds specifically to each type of invading organism, and retains a memory of the invader so that defences can be rallied instantly in the future.
The adaptive immune system first must recognize part of an invading organism or tumour cell as an antigen (a protein that is foreign to the body). One of 2 types of response – humoral or cellular – is then mounted against the antigen.
Humoral immunity is important in the defence against bacteria. After a complex recognition process, certain B-lymphocytes multiply and produce vast numbers of antibodies that bind to antigens. The organisms bearing the antigens are then engulfed by phagocytes. Binding of antibody and antigen may activate the complement system, which increases the efficiency of the phagocytes.
Cellular immunity is particularly important in the defence against viruses, some types of parasites that hide within cells, and, possibly, cancer cells. It involves 2 types of T-lymphocyte: helper cells, which play a role in the recognition of antigens and activate the killer cells (the 2nd type of T-lymphocyte), which destroy the cells that have been invaded.
Disorders of the immune system include immunodeficiency disorders and allergy, in which the immune system has an inappropriate response to usually innocuous antigens such as pollen.
In certain circumstances, such as after tissue transplants, immunosuppressant drugs are used to suppress the immune system and thus prevent rejection of the donor tissue as a foreign organism.... immune system
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