THE SCIENCE BEHIND VIRILLIN®
VIRILLIN® is a doctor-formulated supplement for supporting immune function and the body’s defences against infectious agents.
VIRILLIN® contains the medicinal herbs Andrographis Paniculata and Sambucus Nigra, along with zinc and vitamin C for broad immune support.
ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA
Andrographis paniculata grows in India, South East Asia and the Far East. The plant is rich in a substance known as andrographolide, which has known antimicrobial properties, including against viruses [1]. For example, andrographolide has been found to have the potential to combat the flu virus,2-4 the herpes simplex virus [5-7] and the Epstein Barr virus [8]. Andrographis also has the ability to stimulate activity in the immune system [9].
The impact of andrographis has also been studied in adults affected by ‘upper respiratory tract infection’ (URTI), characterised by symptoms such as cold, sore throat and cough). Several studies have found that the herb has the ability to reduce the symptoms of infection [10-14].
In a review of 33 trials where Andrographis was used in the treatment of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis and pneumonia), the conclusion was that the evidence showed it had statistically significant benefits in terms of improving symptoms (compared to placebo or usual care), and that the herb shortened the duration of cough, sore throat and time to resolution or length of sick leave compared to usual care. The herb was found to be very safe, with no major adverse effects reported. Minor adverse effects were mainly gastrointestinal in nature (such as constipation, diarrhoea or nausea) [15].
SAMBUCUS NIGRA
Sambucus nigra is the botanical name of black elderberry, which grows in Europe and North America. The berries of this plant are rich in substances known as polyphenols and anthocyanins, and are believed to be the ‘power’ behind the plant’s historical use for the treatment of fever. Laboratory studies have found that Sambucus has the ability to inhibit several strains of the flu virus [16]. More importantly, this herb has been shown help flu symptoms [17-19]. A review of several studies concluded that there is good evidence that Sambucus is effective in treating influenza [20].
VITAMIN C AND ZINC
VIRILLIN® contains zinc ascorbate, a form of zinc that is highly ‘bioavailable’ (readily absorbed by the body), that also provides vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid).
Both zinc and vitamin C are officially recognised for their role in supporting the normal function of the immune system.
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES:
1. Gupta S, Broad-spectrum antiviral properties of andrographolide. Archives of Virology 2016;162(3)
2. Chen J-X, et al. Activity of andrographolide and its derivatives against influenza virus in vivo and in vitro. Biol Pharmaceut Bull 2009:1385–1391
3. Yu B, et al. Andrographolide as an anti-H1N1 drug and the mechanism related to retinoic acid-inducible gene-I-like receptors signaling pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2014; 20(7):540–545
4. Yuan L, et al. The semi-synthesis of novel andrographolide analogues and anti-influenza virus activity evaluation of their derivatives. Bioorgan Med Chem Lett 2016; 26(3):769–773
5. Seubsasana S, et al. A potential andrographolide analogue against the replication of herpes simplex virus type 1 in vero cells. Med Chem 2011;7(3):237–244
6. Aromdee C, et al. Stage of action of naturally occurring andrographolides and their semisynthetic analogues against herpes simplex virus type 1 in vitro. Planta Med 2011;77(9):915–921
7. Priengprom T, et al. Synergistic effects of acyclovir and 3, 19-isopropylideneandrographolide on herpes simplex virus wild types and drug-resistant strains. BMC Complement Altern Med 2015;15(1):56
8. Lin T-P, et al. Inhibition of the Epstein–Barr virus lytic cycle by andrographolide. Biol Pharmaceut Bull 2008;31(11):2018–2023
9. Puri A, et al. Immunostimulant agents from Andrographis paniculata. J Nat Prod 1993;56: 995-9
10. Caceres DD, et al. Use of visual analogue scale measurements DVAS) to assess the effectiveness of standardised Andrographis paniculate extract SHA-10 in reducing the symptoms of common cold. A randomised double-blind placebo study. Phytomedicine 1999;6:217-223
11. Hancke JL, et al. A double-blind study with a new monodrug Kan Jang: decrease of symptoms and improvement in the recovery from common colds. Phytotherapy Research 1995;9:559-62
12. Melchior J, et al. Controlled clinical study of standardised Andrographis paniculata extract in common cold - a pilot trial. Phytomedicine 1996; 3: 315-???
13. Thamlikitkul V, et al. Efficacy of Andrographis paniculate Nees for pharyngotonsillitis in adults. J Med Assoc Thai 1991;74: 437-42
14. Saxena RC, et al. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical evaluation of extract of Andrographis paniculata (KalmCold) in patients with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(3–4):178–85
15. Xiao-Yang Hu, et al. Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017;12(8): e0181780
16. Zakay-Rones Z, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1(4):361–369
17. Kong F. Pilot clinical study on a proprietary elderberry extract: efficacy in addressing influenza symptoms. Online J Pharmacol Pharmacokinet. 2009;5:32–43.
18. Zakay-Rones Z, et al. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(2):132–140.
19. Zakay-Rones Z, et al. Inhibition of several strains of influenza virus in vitro and reduction of symptoms by an elderberry extract (Sambucus nigra L.) during an outbreak of influenza B Panama. J Altern Complement Med. 1995;1(4):361–369
20. Ulbricht C, et al. An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Journal of Dietary Supplements 2014,11(1):80–120