A systems biology-based mathematical model demonstrates the potential anti-stress effectiveness of a multi-nutrient botanical formulation.

Stress is an adaptive response to the stressors that adversely affects physiological and psychological health. Stress elicits HPA axis activation, resulting in cortisol release, ultimately contributing to oxidative, inflammatory, physiological and mental stress. Nutritional supplementations with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties are among widely preferred complementary approaches for the stress management. However, there is limited research on the potential combined impact of vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients on stress. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of a multi-nutrient botanical formulation, Nutrilite® Daily Plus, on clinical stress parameters. The stress-modulatory effects were quantified at population level using a customized sub-clinical inflammation mathematical model. The model suggested that combined intervention of botanical and micronutrients lead to significant decline in physical stress (75% decline), mental stress (70% decline), oxidative stress (55% decline) and inflammatory stress (75% decline) as evident from reduction in key stress parameters such as ROS, TNF-α, blood pressure, cortisol levels and PSS scores at both individual and population levels. Further, at the population level, the intervention relieved stress in 85% of individuals who moved towards a healthy state. The in silico studies strongly predicts the use of Gotukola based Nutrilite® Daily Plus as promising anti-stress formulation.

In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs.

The effect of a tea fortified with five herbs selected from Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) for their putative immunoenhancing effect (Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhzia glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum and Elettaria cardamomum) on innate immunity was investigated. Ex vivo natural killer (NK) cell activity was assessed after consumption of fortified tea compared with regular tea in two independent double-blind intervention studies. Both studies were conducted in India with healthy volunteers (age >or= 55 years) selected for a relatively low baseline NK cell activity and a history of recurrent coughs and colds. In a pilot study conducted with 32 volunteers, the consumption of Natural Care tea significantly improved the NK cell activity of the volunteers in comparison with a population consuming regular tea. These results were validated in an independent crossover study with 110 volunteers. Data from these two studies indicate that regular consumption of the tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs enhanced NK cell activity, which is an important aspect of the (early) innate immune response to infections.