September 2003 Members Alert

Don't inject yourself with mercury and anti-freeze…

Four easy ways to beat the flu this year

If the U.S. Centers for Disease Control had its way, we'd already be in line for our annual flu shots. Accor-ding to their website, "The best way to prevent the flu is to get an influenza vaccine each fall, before flu season."

Those of you that read the e-Alert regularly know why we think this is such bad advice. A typical flu vaccine contains chicken embryo injected with living flu strains. From there they add formaldehyde to kill the viruses, thimerosal (a mercury derivative) as a preservative, ethylene glycol (an antifreeze), and phenol, which is a disinfectant. Something tells me that if the CDC promoted the vaccine with a full ingredient list, fewer people would be standing in that line.

Yet, perhaps the most disturbing thing about the CDC recommendation is the way it represents the shot as the only option to avoid getting the flu.

Before you roll up your sleeve for your mercury/formaldehyde cocktail, let's go back to the basics. As we've told you for years, the best way to protect yourself is by strengthening your body's own natural defenses: your immune system.

You've read in these pages about the importance of boosting your immune system in fighting cancer, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and other killer diseases. Yet, the flu kills over 36,000 Americans each year and sends more than another 100,000 to the hospital.

Now an HSI discovery from 1998 has resurfaced amid new research showing it as an effective flu fighter.

Patented protein makes your immune system young again

Just beneath your breastbone is a small glandular organ called the thymus. At birth, it's about the same size as the heart, and it continues to grow until about age three. But after puberty, the thymus begins to shrink. By age 40, most of us are left with only a fraction of our original thymus.

For decades, doctors didn't even understand what it was for. We now know that the thymus is like a high school for lymphocytes, particularly T-lymphocytes. This is where these critical immune system cells mature, multiply, and "learn" how to respond to various threats. T-lymphocytes are produced in the bone marrow, and then migrate to the thymus gland for their "programming." Part of the educational program is differentiating T-cells into T-4s or T-helper cells, which initiate and orchestrate an immune response; and T-8 suppressor cells, which turn off an immune response.

T-4 lymphocytes control the delicate balance of the immune system, secreting cytokines like interleukin-2 and interferon and triggering the production of more T-lymphocytes, other white blood cells, red blood cells and natural killer cells. T-8 suppressor cells are thought to play a role in autoimmune disease and allergic reactions; when T-8 cells don't function properly, the immune system doesn't get the signal to retreat and continues to attack the body's own tissues.

For years, researchers have tried to produce thymic extracts to replace the effects of an aging thymus, creating them from whole, dried, and ground thymus glands. In 1998, when we first covered thymic extract as an immune-booster, Carson Burgstiner, M.D., had combined it with other nutrients in a vitamin-mineral-herbal supplement.

Recently a U.S. immunologist, Terry Beardsley, Ph.D., identified the exact hormone-like protein from the thymus that is responsible for T-cell programming, which he calls Thymic Protein A. And using his patented method, we can now isolate that protein while keeping the thymic cells, with all their transmitter and receptor sites, intact.

Beat the flu 9 times faster

Research shows that this approach works. In an animal study at Virginia Commonwealth University, scientists injected thymic cell cultures from healthy newborn mice into mice whose their thymus glands had been surgically removed. After just eight weeks, newly produced T-cells began to migrate from bone marrow to the implanted thymic cells. In addition, T-lymphocyte responses were "significantly enhanced" in the treated mice as compared to the controls.1 In another animal study, mice that received grafted cultures from human thymus had increased numbers of T cells and showed improvement of T-cell mediated immunologic function when compared to the controls.2

Dr. Beardsley found that the increase in cytotoxic killing ability can increase recovery from influenza up to nine times and, in certain strains of the flu, increase prevention of infection by eight times.3

We first learned about Dr. Beardsley's research from the product development team at American BioSciences, who are now selling it under the name T-Cellerate. In addition, HSI members can obtain Thymic Protein A under the name ProBoost from The Center for Natural Medicine-the online pharmacy run by HSI medical adviser, Martin Milner, N.D.

Discover NASA's secret to healthy mice

Over the years, we've heard from you that there are various reasons you choose one supplement over another-pricing concerns, availability, individual ingredients, even preferred manufacturers.

To avoid being as blind to options as the CDC, we expanded our research to include three additional immune boosters to help you fight off the flu this year. Ironically, the first also comes to us through American BioSciences.

We first brought you news of ImmPower-AHCC in January 2000. Since that time we've heard from countless members regarding its substantial health benefits, particularly in fighting cancer.

In our original coverage, we told you how Immpower-AHCC can stimulate cytokine production, increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, boost T-cell production, raise interferon levels, and increase the formation of the immune system proteins that kill cancer cells.

Since then, several defining studies have been published in scientific journals around the world. In an animal study performed at Dokkyo University School of Medicine in Japan, researchers found that Immpower-AHCC can prevent kidney and liver damage caused by a known oxidant chemical.4 Another experiment by the same group of researchers showed that Immpower-AHCC could reduce mice's biochemical response to stress, which has been shown to have a detrimental effect on immune system function.5

But perhaps the most impressive results were seen in a study supported in part by NASA and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, which we first told you about in the July 14th e-Alert, "Space Case." Scientists know that space flight puts a tremendous strain on the body; career astronauts often suffer with depressed immune systems for the rest of their lives. In this study, scientists simulated some of these physical effects in mice by suspending them from their rear legs in a laboratory; this position replicates the fluid shift to the head and the muscle and bone loss experienced during space flight. Previous studies showed that placing mice in this position altered their immune responses and their resistance to pathogen infection.

Half of the mice were pretreated with Immpower-AHCC for one week prior to being suspended for 10 days. The other half received no treatment. After the first 48 hours of suspension, all the mice were injected with a lethal dose of K. pneumoniae bacteria.

At the end of the study, 75 percent of the Immpower-AHCC treated mice were still alive-while only 25 percent of the untreated group survived. The scientists found that most of the treated mice had been able to effectively clear the bacteria from their systems, even in their compromised immune state. Plus, the treated mice showed increased levels of K. pneumoniae IgG antibodies.6

Plans are being made to study ImmPower-AHCC on astronauts during actual space missions.

Immpower-AHCC comes in packages of 30 500 mg capsules. The recommended dosage varies from two capsules a day for basic maintenance to up to six capsules a day for serious immune challenges; capsules should be taken with food.

Modern insights into ancient immune-enhancing herbs

While those of us in the Western part of the world still look to science to offer us proof, our Eastern counterparts continue to trust centuries of anecdotal evidence regarding the effects of ancient Ayurvedic medicine. Several herbs in particular offer immuno-stimulating properties.

? Balsamodendron mukul, also known as commiphora mukul, but you probably know it by its common name, guggul. It has anti-microbial properties and stimulates the production of white blood cells and their function.

? Glycyrrhiza glabra, or pashi (a.k.a. licorice root), increases antibody production and can inhibit the growth of viruses.

? Tinospora cordifolia, or guduchi, improves the immune system and the body's resistance to infection.

? Emblica officinalis, or amalaki (a.k.a. Indian gooseberry), is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant agent -rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids-which supports healthy adrenal glands.

The medical research team at Himalaya USA, one of the most experienced providers of Ayurvedic medicine in the U.S., introduced us to their single herbal blend that combines all four of these immune boosters, along with other herbs. The consumer version is called ImmunoCare, while it's available to practitioners as Septilin.

In one animal study, Immuno-Care significantly increased the production of neutrophils, a specific type of white blood cell that fights infections and disease.7 The herbal blend also increased the number of activated micro-phages (cells that swallow and kill invading microbes) and stimulated phagocytosis (the immune system process that destroys foreign invaders).8

ImmunoCare comes in tablet form, and the recommended dose is two tablets twice daily with food. The results are progressive, so you should allow several weeks to see and feel the full benefit.

Tiny, milky messengers teach your body to fight foreign invaders

Perhaps the best known story in HSI lore is that of Ralph Snyder, the "miracle man" that overcame incredible odds to beat cancer. The secret behind Ralph's amazing turnaround was one of our very first discoveries--colostrum, the breast secretions produced by a mother in the first few days after childbirth.

But now scientists know that just one set of tiny molecules, called "transfer factors" are responsible for colostrum's ability to transfer immunity.

Unlike antibodies, researchers say transfer factors are not species-specific, meaning that transfer factors from one animal's colostrum could pass on immunity to a human or another type of animal.9 And now, scientists are able to isolate these transfer factors to provide a far more concentrated dose than you could ever get from colostrum alone.

Scientists familiar with this cutting-edge research say that transfer factors' unique power lies in its ability to impact cell-mediated immunity, which protects against parasites and viral infections (like influenza).

Research shows that treatment with transfer factors can increase cytokine production, boost lymphocyte production, and increase natural killer cell production.10,11

We were able to track down one product, aptly named Transfer Factor,(tm) which is available through a network marketing company called 4Life Research. As we mentioned in the August issue (in regards to Healing America), we typically avoid recommending products available only through network marketing companies, because they usually aggressively recruit customers to become distributors for their products. Please note that we do not support these tactics. However, based on the intriguing evidence on Transfer Factors' ability to enhance the immune system, we wanted to bring you a source as soon as possible. We encourage you to ask the distributor what their policies are on recruiting customers prior to making any purchase. In addition, we remind you that buying a product from any network marketing company distributor in no way obligates you to make any additional purchase.

4Life's patented Transfer Factor product is available in bottles of 90 capsules, each containing 200 mg of transfer factors extracted from bovine colostrums. 4Life recommends one capsule each day.

Your best weapons against the flu: Information and choice

Unlike the CDC, we won't tell you there's only one way to protect yourself-and certainly not that the flu vaccine is your only defense. We know that one size never fits all, and now you're armed with four more options so you can choose which one is best for you. Although the mainstream may choose to ignore them, these immune-boosting alternatives may provide your first-and best-line of defense against the flu this fall.

Citations available upon request and on HSI website

ImmPower, Harmony Company, P.O. Box 93, Northvale, NJ 07647; tel. (800)422-5518 or (860)426-1518; www.theharmonyco.com; one bottle of 30 capsules (500 mg) is US$49.95 plus US$5 shipping and quantity discounts are available.

Immunocare (Septilin), Himalaya USA, 10440 Westoffice Drive, Houston, TX 77042; tel. (800) 869-4640 or (713) 863-1622; fax (713) 863-1686; www.himalayausa.com; one bottle of 60 tablets(875 mg) is US$15.95 plus US$5 shipping.

ProBoost (Thymic Protein A), Center for Natural Medicine, 1330 SE 39th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214; tel. (888)305-4288 or (503)232-0475; fax (503)232-7751; www.cnm-inc.com; a 12-pack is US$30.50 plus US$6.95 shipping.

T-Cellerate (Thymic Protein A), Harmony Company, P.O. Box 93, Northvale, NJ 07647; tel.(800)422-5518 or (860)426-1518; www.theharmonyco.com; one box (30 packets) is US$59.95 plus US$5 shipping and quantity discounts are available.

Transfer Factor(tm), contact Lesley Sears, Independent Distributor for 4Life Research, 1963 South 17th St. East, Ely, NV 89301; tel. (775)289-3804; www.my4-life.com/elypaws; one bottle (90 capsules) is US$37.95 plus US$6 shipping.

Nose Candy

Another look at flu vaccines excerpted from the HSI e-Alert, July 8, 2003

This year there's going to be a twist on the flu-vaccine issue. Because this year one company will be offering a brand new type of vaccination. And like anything new, "guinea pigs" are needed for testing. Want to sign up? Sure, it'll be expensive-but the side effects are free.

A couple of months ago the FDA gave its official stamp of approval to FluMist, the first nasal-spray flu vaccine available in the U.S.

Back in December 2002, an FDA panel had recommended that FluMist receive final approval, but only for those between the ages of five and 49. MedImmune (the manufacturer of FluMist) had hoped the approved age range would be five to 65, but FluMist had proven neither safe nor effective for people over the age of 50.

In addition…well, there are several more concerns about FluMist:

? FluMist increases the risk of asthma attacks in kids under the age of five.

? Typical side effects of FluMist include sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, and runny nose.

? Clinical trials show that FluMist stops flu-like symptoms in only half the people who take it.

? FluMist costs about five times more than a traditional flu vaccine administered by injection.

That added cost creates other possible stumbling blocks. For one thing, there's a very good chance that insurance companies won't cover the extra expense because the only apparent benefit of choosing FluMist over a traditional vaccine will be to avoid the needle.

It's alive!

The absence of a needle isn't the only difference between FluMist and an injection vaccine. Unlike traditional flu vaccines (from which you receive dead flu virus), FluMist will contain three live flu viruses. That's right-- MedImmune wants to put three strains of living flu virus into your head. But don't worry. The FDA says everything's going to be just fine. The FluMist viruses are "modified" so they won't grow at body temperature.

Has MedImmune conducted long-term studies to make absolutely certain that these "modified" viruses won't find a way to work around the modifications? No. Which is part of the reason why many are concerned that FluMist may be harmful for anyone with a compromised immune system. So the long-term "study" will, in effect, be conducted on the general population.

Meanwhile, MedImmune (and its parent company Wyeth) are investing $100 million to advertise FluMist. But that's a small investment compared to what they hope will eventually be a $1 billion a year product.

To read the full text of the e-Alert, go to www.hsibaltimore.com and search the e-Alert archives for FluMist. While you're there, you can sign up to have the free e-Alert sent to your e-mail inbox.

Ancient herb meets modern science to slash rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in half

There's an interesting debate heating up among supporters of Cat's Claw. On the one hand, its track record providing centuries of relief speaks for itself. On the other, a group of scientists has, for lack of a better term, dissected it-and their findings are what's causing the controversy.

In the 1970s, scientists began to investigate this herb, used for centuries in South and Central America to treat disorders from asthma to ulcers. They identified several components that may contribute to its power. They cataloged at least six types of alkaloids, called oxidole alkaloids, which they found to have immune-boosting properties.

In dozens of clinical studies since then, Cat's Claw's oxindole alkaloids have demonstrated their ability to stimulate the immune response and increase white blood cell production, as well as decrease inflammation.1-4 In fact, based on this research, Cat's Claw became a popular complementary treatment for fighting cancer and AIDS.

Scientists isolate alkaloids responsible for the power of Cat's Claw

Then a few years ago, a group of Austrian scientists probed a little deeper. They classified Cat's Claw's oxidole alkaloids into two distinct groups: pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids (POAs) and tetracyclic oxindole alkaloids (TOAs). Their research showed that the POAs alone were responsible for Cat's Claw's immune-enhancing effects-and that the TOAs actually inhibited the positive effects of the POAs.5,6 In one study, the author went so far as to say: "Recent studies have shown that the tetracyclic alkaloids exert antagonistic effects on the action of the pentacyclic alkaloids. Mixtures of these two types of drugs are therefore unsuitable for medicinal uses."7

But the idea that one of the constituents "does all the work" doesn't sit well with a lot of people. It reminds me of the old commercial for peanut butter cups-is it the chocolate or the peanut butter that's responsible for the taste? Obviously, it's both.

HSI panelist Leslie Taylor is among those herbal researchers that's skeptical about the validity of the findings against TOA. They point to decades of Cat's Claw research that demonstrates the plant's power without specifying TOA and POA content, and to the synergistic effects of the many other active phytochemicals in Cat's Claw.

In fact, in a report titled, "The Cat's Claw TOA/POA Controversy," Taylor wrote: "I've seen too many times where nature has provided us with a great beneficial and biologically-active medicinal plant-and a rich indigenous history of effective use-but some have a compelling need to alter its chemical composition. The number of compounds present in such plants is staggering, and their interactions are subtle; science can only hope to understand most of them. I don't believe that science can state, at this point, that Cat's Claw's "active constituents" are its alkaloids (or just one group of alkaloids), extract them, and expect them to work as efficiently as the natural form."

Could one herb slash tender joint pain in half?

The jury may still be out on TOA-free Cat's Claw. And I have to wonder if the researchers behind it don't want it that way. Just recently, a study at Austria's Innsbruck University Hospital demonstrated the effectiveness of TOA-free Cat's Claw against rheumatoid arthritis. In this clinical trial, doctors recruited 40 patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology's criteria for RA. All of the patients were taking sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) or hydroxyxhloroquine (Plaquenil) for their condition, as well as small doses of NSAIDs and/or prednisolone as needed, but still suffered with painful, swollen joints and morning stiffness. On average, the participants had been dealing with RA symptoms for seven years.

In the first phase of the study, participants were divided into two groups and received either a capsule containing 60 mg of TOA-free Cat's Claw extract or a placebo three times a day. In the second phase, all participants received the Cat's Claw extract capsules. Phase one lasted 24 weeks; phase two continued another 28 weeks after that.

This is where my curiosity gets aroused. If they are so confident that TOA-free Cat's Claw is superior, wouldn't it have made sense to have a three-way trial-one that tested standard Cat's Claw vs. the TOA-free variety vs. a placebo? That would have allowed them to measure any true impact the TOA was having --negative or positive.

But back to the study they did do. At the beginning of phase one, all the RA patients' symptoms were assessed in a number of ways: by number of tender and swollen joints; by the Ritchie index, a widely accepted tool for assessing RA symptoms; and by duration of stiffness each morning. Participants were also asked to use a visual analog scale (VAS), which is essentially a long line they mark to reflect the severity of their pain. At the end of the first 24 weeks, the Cat's Claw-treated patients' scores had been cut in half in several significant areas. Their number of tender joints fell from 7.7 to 3.8, and their Ritchie index scores declined from 5.5 to 2.9. (In comparison, the placebo group went from 8.3 to 6.3 respectively, and their Ritchie Index scores moved from 4.8 to 4.2.) During phase two, the phase one placebo group began taking Cat's Claw, and soon they began reaping the benefits as well. After beginning Cat's Claw therapy, the former placebo group lowered its number of tender joints to 2.7, and saw its Ritchie Index score plummet to 1.8. Even better, the original treated group continued to see additional gains in phase two; its number of tender joints was reduced to 2.5, and Ritchie Index fell to 2.4.8 And during the entire study period, there were no adverse effects attributed to Cat's Claw treatment.

Ninety-eight percent of patients improved; more energy, better mental clarity, and more

Another recent study, published in the British Naturopathic Journal, supports these findings on RA and reports on TOA-free Cat's Claw's efficacy against a wide range of other health concerns.

In this clinical review, John Kule M.D. of the East Aiken Health Center in South Carolina discussed his treatment of 60 patients with the new formulation. Overall, Dr. Kule says that 98 percent of his patients have shown clinical improvement after treatment. Specifically, he highlights seven case studies showing that TOA-free Cat's Claw increases energy, improves mental clarity, decreases inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces blood sugar.9

TOA-free formulas come at a premium

As the debate between the Cat's Claw camps continues, there's one thing everyone agrees on: TOA-free Cat's Claw doesn't come cheap. In fact, it costs about three times more than regular Cat's Claw. Its proponents justify the price jump as necessary to cover the additional expenses of harvesting and verifying the plant's alkaloid content.

Critics say the additional testing is unnecessary and consumers can obtain the same benefits with regular Cat's Claw. They point out that it's been used for at least 2,000 years to relieve pain and treat rheumatism, arthritis, swelling, and infections. And since the two have never been tested against each other, our advice would be to let your pain and your pocketbook decide.

On a related note, Taylor stresses the need to know your Cat's Claw source, and make sure you are getting Uncaria tomentosa and not one of the other varieties out there. As Cat's Claw has become more popular, Uncaria tomentosa has become harder to find, and some suppliers are now substituting another Cat's Claw species called Uncaria guianensis. Taylor recommends reading labels carefully to ensure that you are getting the real thing.

Whichever one you choose, the evidence is clear that Cat's Claw is safe and without side effects. For information on how to order both forms of Cat's Claw, see the Member Source Directory.

Citations available upon request and on HSI website

Cat's Claw (contains TOA), Raintree Nutrition Inc., 10609 Metric Blvd, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78758; tel. (800)780-5902 or (512)833-5006; fax (512)833-5414; www.rain-tree.com; one bottle (100 capsules, 500 mg) is US$13.95 plus US$4 shipping and 6 bottles are US$12 each plus US$4 shipping.

Una Del Gato (TOA-free Cat's Claw), Nutricology, 30806 Santana Street, Haywood, CA 94544; tel. (800)545-9960; www.nutricology.com; one bottle (90 capsules) is US$90 plus US$5 shipping. There is a 10 percent discount for orders of 3 bottles or more.

And another thing…

…Is there a downside to choosing an herbal tea? A recent study in the Journal of Dentistry shows that the pH acidity levels in herbal tea generally ranges from 3.1 to 7.1 - high enough to cause erosion of tooth enamel. Orange juice (which also erodes enamel) has a pH of only 3.7.

…While herbal teas erode tooth enamel, green and black tea extracts may benefit dental health. Comparing the effects of green and black tea extracts on three species of bacteria, resear-chers found that both teas significantly inhibit the growth of oral bacteria. The result is less tooth decay, a lower risk of strep throat, and even better breath.

…Low-fat foods are not the "magic bullet" of weight loss that many people believe, but there may be a benefit to consuming low-fat foods along with foods that have higher fat content. A dietary study of children and adults found that those who ate foods considered low-fat, high-fat, and mixed-fat, enjoyed a high intake of essential nutrients, including antioxidants.

…High anxiety levels have now been associated with cancer. Data compiled from a Norway psychological study that surveyed more than 62,500 subjects (1995-1997), was examined by National Cancer Registry resear- chers who found that those who tested high in anxiety were 25 percent more likely to have pre-malignancies than those with lower anxiety levels.

…Spine and neck adjustment may have a negative effect on patients who have tiny tears in their arteries known as dissection. A University of California study shows that patients who experience dissection-related stroke are almost seven times more likely to have had an adjustment of the spine and neck within 30 days prior to their stroke.

…Night shifts may pose an unexpected hazard. According to new research from the Nurses' Health Study, women who worked the night shift for 15 years (three or more shifts a month) had a significantly higher risk of breast, colon, and rectal cancer. Researchers believe that night work may suppress the production of the hormone mela- tonin, which has been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties.

And, in case you didn't see it in the e-Alerts…

…Women may be able to cut their risk of ovarian cancer by almost half with a high intake of plant fiber. A study examined the effects of phytochemical-rich foods on ovarian cancer. Results showed that carotenoid vegetables (vegetables with yellow, orange, and red pigments), and lignans (a phytonutrient in flaxseed) may have anti-carcinogenic effects.

…Crops produced by conventional agriculture provide enough food to feed the entire world. That's the consensus of the Independent Science Panel, a group of prominent scientists in the U.K. that recently issued a report titled "The Case for a GM Free Sustainable World." The scientists called for a ban on genetically modified crops, pointing out that GM technology is not designed to increase crops yields and will do nothing to benefit starving populations.

…The average senior receives 25 prescriptions annually--a 100 percent jump from just four years ago, according to a recent study. As the over-medication of seniors grows at an alarming rate, two serious problems pose even greater health threats: 1) the wider variety of drug intake creates conflicting side effects, and 2) many doctors treat drug side effects with other types of drugs, perpetuating overall drug intake.

To your good health,

Jenny Thompson

SIDEBOX PAGE 7

More evidence to go with your tea

Tea flavonoids can protect your heart and lower your cholesterol, as we reported in our May 2003 issue. We cited results from a clinical study we were given access to before it was published and told you it would appear "in a major medical journal in June."

Since we couldn't give you details then, we wanted to get them to you now: Maron DJ, et al., "Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial," Arch Intern Med 2003;163:1448-53.

SIDEBOX PAGE 8

Clarification on the contact information for Detoxamin

In the August issue, we mistakenly superimposed the sources for Detoxamin. Below are the correct sources:

World Health Products, tel. (877)656-4553; 1 box (30 count) is US$289 plus US$10.00 priority shipping.

Age Erasers, 1076 Allentown road, Lansdale, PA 19446; tel. (877)412-5676; www.age-erasers.com; 1 box (15 count) is US$150 plus US$4.95 shipping and 1 box (30 count) is US$225 plus US$4.95 shipping.

HSI September 2003

References

Four new immune boosters you need to know about before flu season

Don't fall for the government's disinformation campaign; help your body protect itself

[1] Haar JL, Taubenberger JK, Doane L "Augmentation of pre-and post-thymic T-lymphocyte responses in thymic epithelial cell grafted nude mice" Exp Hematol 1988;16)7):631-635

2 Hays EF, Beardsley TR "Immunologic effects of human thymic stromal grafts and cell lines" Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1984;33(3):381-390

3 Summary of Pre-Clinical Studies in Symptomatic Treatment of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)-Infected Cats as a  Model for Human AIDS, with  T4 Immune Stimulating Factor (TISF), a Stromal Cell Derived Protein, page 17

4 Wang S, Ichimura K, Wakame K "Preventive Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on Oxidatve Stress" Dokkyo Journal of Medical Sciences 2001;28(2-3):745-752

5 Wang S, Wakame K et al "Beneficial Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compounds (AHCC) on Immobilization Stress in the Rat" Dokkyo Journal of Medical Sciences 2001;28(1):559-565

6 Aviles H, Belay T et al "Active hexose correlated compound enhances resistnace to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in mice" J Appl Physiol 2003 Aug;95(2):491-496

7 Daswani BR, Yegnanarayan R "Immunomodulatory Activity of Septilin, a Polyherbal Preparation" Phytotherapy Research  2002;16:162-165

8 Sharma SB, Ray S "Effect of herbal preparation on immune response in immunosuppressed mice" Indian J of Physiology Pharmacology 1997;41(3):293-296

9  Kirkpatrick CH "Transfer factor" J Allergy Clin Immunol 1988;81(5):803-813

10  Alvarez-Thull L, Kirkpatrick CH "Profiles of cytokine production in recipients of transfer factors" Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3):55-59

11  Pizza G, Chiodo F et al "Preliminary observations using HIV-specific transfer factor in AIDS" Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3):41-47

12 Kirkpatrick CH "Activities and characteristics of transfer factors" Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3):13-16

New Cat's Claw formulation soothes rheumatoid arthritis

[1] Lemaire I, Assinewe V et al "Stimulation of interleukin-1 and -6 production in alveolar macrophages" J Ethnopharmacol 1999 Feb;64(2):109-115

2 Riva L, Coradine D et al "The antiproliferative effects of uncaria tomentosa extracts" Anticancer Res 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-2461

3 Mur E, Hartig F et al "Randomized Double Blind Trial of an Extract from the Pentaclyclic Alkaloid-Chemotype of Uncaria tomentosa" J Rheumatol 2002;29(4) 678-681

4 ibid

5 Wurm M, Kacani L et al "Pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from uncaria tomentosa induce human endothelial cells" Planta Med 1998 Dec;64(8):701-704

6 Keplinger K, Laus G et al "Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC.-ethnomedicinal use and new pharmacological, toxicological and botanical results" J Ethnopharmacol 1999 Jan;64(1):23-34

7 Reinhard KH "Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC:cat's claw, una de gato, or saventaro" J Altern Complement Med 1999 Apr;5(2):143-151

8 ibid

9 Somova LO et al "Cardiovascular, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of oleanolic and ursolic acids in experimental hypertension" Phytomedicine 2003 Mar;10(2-3):115-21

10 Aquino R et al "Plant metabolites: Structure and in vitro antiviral activity of quinovic acid glycosides from Uncaria tomentosa and Guettarda platypoda" J Nat Prod 1989 Jul-Aug;52(4):679-85

11 Kule J "TOA-Free Cat's Claw in the Primary Care Setting"

And Another Thing
 

[1] "Herbal teas causing tooth erosion" NutraIngredients.com 5/9/03

2 "Tea beats bad breath" NutraIngredients.com 5/23/03

3 "Mixed fat diet more nutritious" NutraIngredients.com 5/6/03

4 "Worriers more prone to cancer" NewScientist.com 5/28/03

5 Neurology 2003;60:1424-28, 1408-09

6 "Nurses' night shifts linked with colon cancer" Reuters 6/3/03

7 "Risk of Human Ovarian Cancer Is Related to Dietary Intake of Selected Nutrients, Phytochemicals and Food Groups" Journal of Nutrition, 133:1937-1942, June 2003

8 "The Case for a GM Free Sustainable World" Independent Science Panel, 5/10/03, i-sis.org.uk

9 "New Data Uncovers Medication Matrix: Multiple Physicians, Pharmacies and Drugs Over-Medicate Seniors; Drive Higher Costs" Press Release, Medco Health Solutions, Inc., 5/21/03, businesswire.com