CVT-E002 enhances innate immune responses by:

	Activation of Macrophages to release TNF-alpha and Nitric Oxide (NO). Macrophages are able to kill intracellular pathogens or release cytokines which are intracellular mediators, such as TNF-alpha and NO, that stimulate neighboring cells to kill intracellular infections.
	Increasing the number of Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are important in natural resistance. They can directly kill a wide variety of infected or oncologically transformed cells. Macrophages and NK cells cross communicate with each other by amplifying each other’s killing capacity while activating the acquired immune responses.

CVT-E002 enhances acquired immune responses (humoral and cell-mediated) as demonstrated by an:

	Increase in interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by stimulation of Macrophages. Both IL-1 and IL-6 are involved in maintaining the inflammatory process which is a major defensive reaction initiated by infection. IL-1 stimulates proliferation of B- and T- cells. IL-6 stimulates the growth and differentiation of B-cells and subsequent increase of antibody production.
	Increase in B cell proliferation in the spleen. B cells are transformed into plasma cells which produce large amounts of antibodies against pathogens.
	Increase in circulating IgG. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the main antibody response against bacteria and viruses. IgG acts on pathogens through agglutination, opsonization, activation of complement-mediated reactions against cellular pathogens and by the neutralization of toxins.
	Increase in interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a regulator of cell-mediated immunity. It is secreted by TH1 CD4 cells to activate the growth of T- and B-Cells. IL-2 also activates NK cells.
	Increase in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). IFN-gamma is also a regulator of cell-mediated immunity. It is secreted by T cells. It has protective properties by activating macrophages, stimulating the differentiation of cytotoxic T cells and activating B cells to produce antibodies.

Immune modulating effects of CVT-E002 (COLD-FX) have been published in the following laboratory studies:

	Wang M. et al. 2001. Immunomodulating activity of CVT-E002, a proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium). Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 53 (11):1515-23. Abstract available via PubMed: click here
	Wang M. et al. 2001. A proprietary extract from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) enhances IL-2 and IFN-gamma productions in murine spleen cells induced by Con-A. International Immunopharmacology. 4(2):311-5. Abstract available via PubMed: click here
	Predy, G. et al. 2006. Immune Modulating Effects of Daily Supplementation of COLD-FX (a Proprietary Extract of North American Ginseng) in Healthy Adults. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. 39:162-167.
	Further laboratory research on CVT-E002 is ongoing in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at McMaster University to investigate the precise molecular mechanism of action of CVT-E002. The objective of this research is to further understand how CVT-E002 enhances the immune system. This study is conducted with the support of National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). For further information about this study click here