Lee Swanson Research Update

Epicor® Shows Rapid Immune-Boosting Potential

July 2011

A single dose of the branded yeast frementate Epicor® may modulate the immune system and influence antioxidant levels in the blood, according to results of a pilot study from Embria Health Sciences.

A single 500 mg dose of the frementate from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was associated with rapid changes in levels of compounds called cytokines associated with immune function, according to findings published in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

"The data presented were generated by using a study protocol that was carefully planned to be able to control for normal circadian variations in levels of circulating leukocytes," explained researchers from Oregon-based NIS Labs and Iowa-based Embria. "Epicor consumption may hold promise as a nutritional immune support in healthy subjects under acute stress, as well as for patients with specific chronic illnesses affecting innate and adaptive immune defense mechanisms."

The ingredient has been linked to a range of immune-related benefits, including a reduction in cold- and flu-like symptoms in non-vaccinated individuals (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Vol. 16, pp. 23-218), a reduction in the incidence and duration of cold and flu symptoms in subjects who had been vaccinated (Urologic Nursing Vol. 28, pp. 50-55) and an improvement in allergy symptoms like runny nose (Advances in Therapy Vol. 26, pp 795-804).

Led by NIS Labs’ Gitte Jensen, PhD, the researchers recruited 12 healthy volunteers to participate in their placebo-controlled randomized crossover pilot study.

Samples collected from volunteers one to two hours after consumption of a single dose of 500 mg of EpiCor or placebo revealed a decrease in numbers of T and natural killer (NK) cells. The decreased count of these cells would indicate that rather than circulating through the body, they are actively engaged in strengthening the immune system.

Dr. Jensen and her co-workers reported significant changes in levels of specific lymphocytes, T cells and NK cells.

In addition, antioxidant activity of the blood was assessed using NIS Labs’ CAP-e cell-based test. "We found a statistically significant improvement in serum antioxidant protection capacity after ingestion of 500 mg of Epicor," wrote the researchers.

"This may reflect the content of easily absorbed antioxidants existing in the native product, as well as antioxidant compounds released or generated as a result of normal digestive processes," they added.

Dr. Jensen and her co-workers said that future studies should "address whether Epicor consumption may support immune surveillance in populations experiencing stress and sleep disturbances."

Epicor is manufactured by Embria Health Sciences.

Journal of Medicinal Food; Published online ahead of print.

New to Natural Health?
Tools
Customer Service