Anti-Maxs incredible immune-boosting properties can protect you from a nasty cold or debilitating bout of flu this winter

It isnt just the cold weather that makes you more prone to colds and flu during the winter months. It can be harder to get enough exercise or fresh air when the days are shorter and its bleak outside; comfort food becomes more tempting than fresh fruit and vegetables; plus there are the after-effects of indulging in one to many sherries and party nibbles over the festive season for your body to contend with.

All of these factors can soon take their toll on your immune system so getting a little extra nutritional support at this time of year is a good idea to help ward off ill-health.

A brand new product called Anti-max helps guarantee this. It has been specially formulated with winter health in mind and is made up of four potent antioxidants ginger, black elderberry, green tea and black seed oil all of which have proven benefits when it comes to bolstering immune function. It can be taken on a daily basis as a preventative throughout the winter months or used to help fight colds and flu when immunity is low.

Gingers anti-bacterial properties are effective against catarrh, coughs and a runny nose

Ginger has been added to the formula as it has a long tradition of use as a warming herb, making it an excellent support for the circulatory and immune systems. Its warming properties help maintain body temperature and it is also what is known as a diaphoretic meaning it promotes sweating (Ref. 1). This action helps remove waste products and toxins from the body through your skin and also helps cool your body during a fever.

In addition, ginger has demonstrated antibacterial effects on four respiratory tract pathogens. In a study, throat swabs were collected by researchers from 333 individuals suffering from running nostrils, coughs and/or catarrh.

Four different types of harmful bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were isolated from the specimens collected, and the effects of ginger were tested against each strain. The researchers found that ginger exhibited potent antibacterial activity against all four types (Ref. 2).

Elderberry can speed up your recovery time from flu and helps ease symptoms

The second ingredient in Anti-max, black elderberry, has become a popular antiviral remedy in recent years, following research showing that it is able to shorten the duration of the influenza virus (strains A and B) and reduce the severity of symptoms (Ref. 3).

Unlike bacteria, a virus cannot replicate on its own. In order to survive it must attack living cells. It does this by puncturing cell walls with tiny protein spikes of hemagglutinin that covers its surface. The spikes are also armed with an enzyme called neuraminidase which helps to break down the cell wall, allowing the virus to invade healthy tissue. It is believed that black elderberry works by disarming the protein spikes by binding to them, thereby preventing the virus from piercing cell membranes.    

There are a number of different types of elderberry growing in Europe and America, but it is the properties of black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) that appear to have flu-fighting qualities. The active compounds in black elderberry are flavonoids including quercetin and two anthocyanins. 

In one study, researchers found that a group taking black elderberry had higher levels of antibodies than those receiving a placebo, verifying an enhanced immune response in those patients. Like ginger, black elderberry also has sweat-inducing properties that help reduce a fever.

Green tea fights a flu attack in two key ways

Green tea has been added to Anti-Max for its antiviral and antioxidant activity. In a recent study it was shown that catechins (polyphenols) in green tea were able to inhibit influenza viruses via two mechanisms: by inhibiting hemagglutination and neuraminidase activity. This inhibition prevents the spread of these viruses in the blood and cells (Ref. 4). 

 
In addition to the polyphenol substances present in green tea, its other active constituents include volatile oils, vitamins, minerals and caffeine. These compounds all contribute to green teas wide range of health benefits as well as being a powerful immune-enhancer it also helps alleviate depression, combats tooth decay, and reduces high cholesterol levels.

Black seed oil improves the immune-enhancing actions of T-cells and natural killer cells

Black seed oil is extracted from black seed (Nigella sativa) an aromatic spice similar looking to sesame seed except black in colour. Often referred to as black cumin, its healing properties have been known for centuries, although its only in the last few decades that researchers have begun to analyse it.

Studies have revealed that it has an impressive list of benefits including immune stimulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects. 
In relation to immune health, black seed oil appears to have a stabilising effect. In one study, a group of volunteers received black seed oil capsules for four weeks, while a second group received a placebo. A complete lymphocyte (white blood cell) count was carried out in all volunteers at the beginning of the trial and at the end. After four weeks results showed that those who took the supplement had an improved T-cell ratio and enhanced natural killer cell activity (Ref. 5).
Although T-cells do not kill infections directly, they help maximise the immune system by activating other immune cells to do their jobs efficiently. Natural killer cells, however, kill viruses on contact.
Dr Peter Scleicher, a highly regarded immunologist in Germany, who was the youngest member ever selected for the World Academy of Scientists, and co-author of Black Cumin: The Magical Egyptian Herb for Allergies, Asthma and Immune Disorders, said: Calling black cumin a magical cure would certainly be an exaggeration, but it is almost impossible not to exaggerate its effectiveness.

Anti-Max: What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for Anti-max is one capsule taken twice a day with food.

Contraindications: Pregnant women should not take Anti-max.

References:

1. Chem Pharm Bull, 1991;39(3):690-2.

2. East Afr Med J. 2002;79(11):588-92.

3. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 1995;4:361-369.

4. Antiviral Res, 2005:68(2):66-74.

5. Bull Islamic Med1986;4:344-8.