Viralis – Professional Information

Summary

VIRALIS is an herbal formula from GILAD- Health & Beauty Ltd. designed for the purpose of strengthening the immune system and supporting its function, thus enabling a healthy immune system that can properly deal with different pathogens and infectious diseases. The product is recommended for people who want to improve their ability to effectively fight pathogenic agents such as viruses and bacteria.

The formula contains herbs, concentrated extracts and essential oils. The herbs that make up the formula are long recognized for their biological activities on the different body systems and contains bio-active ingredients which are known for their anti-inflammatory for their powerful antioxidants effects, as well as for their ability to stimulate the immune system. The essential oils present in the formula have been shown to exhibit powerful anti-microbial activity against a variety of bacteria and fungi and are also known for their ability to protect the liver function. These biological activities are recorded on the WHO monographs and are corroborated by numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications.

The unique combination of herbal ingredients makes this formula an extremely powerful tool in boosting the immune system thus significantly shortening the time of recovery and the onset of symptoms associated with a healthy and strong immune system.

The main biological activities of VIRALIS related to its herbal components is listed below:

1. Uncaria tomentosa:

Major classes of compounds identified in Uncaria tomentosa include oxindole and indole alkaloids, pyroquinovic acid glycosides, organic acids, proanthocyanidins, sterols, and polyoxygenated triterpenes. Some of the conditions reported to be improved by Uncaria tomentosa include arthritis, viral infections and cancer (acting as a non-specific immunomodulation agent). The compounds found in this plant may also have a potential as immunomodulating adaptogens in cellular aging.

2. Ganoderma lucidum:

Over the past two decades, numerous studies have experimentally investigated the complex chemical composition and the potential pharmacological uses of the reishi mushroom. Triterpenoic acids, ganoderic acids and polysaccharides represent the major active constituents of this mushroom. The reported bioactivities of Ganoderma lucidum include potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as immunomodulatory activity, which act by a mechanism to strengthen the immune system. In addition, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities were reported, as well as protective effect on the intestine and the liver.

3. Sambucus nigra:

Flavonoids represent the major characteristic constituents, mainly kaempferol, astragalin, quercetin, rutin, isoquercitrin and hyperoside. In addition, triterpenes, sterols and phenolic acids were also identified. The pharmacological activities of these components include potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as antibacterial and antiviral activities. In addition, a recent study reported an anti- influenza activity (the common flu virus).

4. Curcuma longa:

Curcumin is the major active compound in the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa). This plant has been extensively used in the traditional eastern medicine and exhibits a variety of therapeutic activities such as anti- antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as antiseptic activity. Recent reports highlight the anti-viral effects of curcumin including its mechanism of action.

5. Agaricus hortensis (variant of Agaricus bisporus):

This variant of the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus is a potent source of dietary fibers, antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins (namely thiamine, ascorbic acid and vitamin D2) and minerals (folates, ergothioneine etc.). Polysaccharides have also been identified. These bioactive substances exhibit a variety of pharmacological activities including antimicrobial activities against several bacteria and fungi. Experimental data shows anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the chemical components of this mushroom. Lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels have also been reported.

6. Angelica sinensis:

The main bioactive chemical components are flavonoids, phthalides, organic acids and polysaccharides. Terpenes (mainly β-cadinene and carvacrol) and coumarins have also been identified. The polysaccharides have been reported to act both as anti-viral agents as well as producing immune system enhanced activity. Angelica phytocomponents have also been reported to act as hepatoprotective agents.

7. Foeniculum vulgare:

The major constituent in the seed extract is the essential oil which contains mainly trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, limonene and p-anisaldehyde. Various pharmacological activities of these compounds have been shown in experimental models. These activities include reducing pain sensation, fever and muscle spasms, lowering blood pressure (due to diuretic effect) and influencing the female hormonal system (estrogenic effect). In addition, potent antimicrobial effects and growth inhibition effect against a variety of bacteria have also been reported.

8. Glycyrrhiza glabra:

The roots of this plant contain several active compounds including flavonoids (such as glabridin, liquirtin, liquiritigenin, coumarin-GU-12 etc.) and saponins (such as glycyrrhizin). Numerous scientific publications highlight the bioactivities of these herbal compounds, including potent antibacterial activity against a variety of strains of bacteria as well as antiviral efficacy against various viruses. Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities due to these phytocomponents have also been reported.

9. Citrus aurantium:

The main constituents identified in the flowers of C. aurantium are the flavonoids rutin, naringin and quercetin. Phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, pyrogallol, syringic acid and caffeic acid were also identified. In experimental models, these components exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as cytotoxic effect against several cancer cell lines. In addition, anti-viral effect has also been reported.

10. Alpinia galanga:

The major groups of active constituents identified in this plant’s rhizome are phenylpropanoids (mainly 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate) and diterpenes. Experimental data indicates the antimicrobial activity of these ingredients against a variety of bacteria and fungi. In addition, anti-inflammatory, as well as hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic effects have been described.

11. Commiphora myrrha:

This tree contains resins, essential oils and a water-soluble gum. The major constituents of the essential oil are furanosesquiterpenes and the monoterpenes
α-, β- and γ−bisabolene. Experimental data support the efficacy of these compounds in lowering inflammation and fever (antipyretic) as well as reducing pain sensation (analgesic effect). Anticoagulant effect has also been reported.

12. Crocus sativus:

The main chemical constituents in the saffron are safranal, picrocrocin, crocins, β-pinene and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). Numerous scientific publications indicate a wide range of biological activities which include effects on the vascular system (by reducing serum cholesterol levels and preventing arteriosclerotic plaques), the central nervous system and the immune system. In addition, a recent study reported the ability of some of the herbal ingredients to act as antiviral agents acting both the entry of the virus to the cells as well as its replication.

13. Saccharum officinarum:

The major constituents in the sugarcane are mainly fatty acid and fatty alcohol, phytosterols and terpenoids. In addition, phenolic acids (such as hydroxycinnamic acid sinapic acid and caffeic acid), and flavones (such as apigenin, luteolin, and tricin) were also identified. These compounds were reported to exhibit several pharmacological activities in experimental models, which include reducing pain sensation, protection of the liver against toxicity, lowering of blood glucose levels, anti-inflammatory effect and diuretic effects.

14. Portulaca oleracea:

Many constituents have been isolated from this plant including terpenoids, polysaccharides, flavonoids (mainly kaempferol and apigenin), vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. These compounds possess a wide range of pharmacological activities which include potent antimicrobial activity (against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses), anti-inflammatory effect and liver protective effect. Additionally, this herb is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in strengthening the immune function.

15. Turmeric oil (Curcuma longa):

Turmeric oil is a byproduct of Curcuma longa extraction of curcumin and is rich in active ingredients, mainly essential oils and curcuminoids. Hundreds of compounds have been identified including ar-turmerone, curlone, ar-curcumene, α-turmerone, α-zingiberene, β-caryophyllene, humulene oxide, 1,8-cineole, terpinolene etc.
The oil’s pharmaceutical activities have been widely described and include potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. In addition, there are reports showing its anti-carcinogenic effect.

16. Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita):

The major constituents of this oil are menthol and menthone. Other monoterpenes present include isomenthone, 1,8-cineole, -pinene, -pinene, limonene, neomenthol and menthofuran. Experimental models have reported antimicrobial activity and growth inhibition of different strains of bacteria and fungi. Anti-viral activity has also been reported. Other studies report anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities as well as relaxing effect on smooth muscle contraction.

17. Ginger oil (Zingiber officinale):

The major phytochemicals composing the ginger essential oil are β-zingiberene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, geraniol, neral and β-sesquiphellandrene. It has been reported that these compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and growth inhibition against several strains of bacteria and fungi. Other pharmacological activities include anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, antioxidant activity, immuno-modulatory effect and bronchodilatation effect.

18. Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia):

The main components of the essential oil are monoterpene alcohols such as linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole and camphor. Numerous experimental evidences indicate the various pharmacological effects of these herbal ingredients.
In experimental models, these compounds were shown to act as potent anti-inflammatory agents, as well as smooth muscle relaxants. Antimicrobial effect against a range of bacteria and fungi has also been reported. In clinical studies on humans, these compounds have been reported to reduce pain (analgesic effect) and to reduce depression and anxiety (anxiolytic activity).

19. Lemon oil (Citrus limon):

The major herbal components identified in the essential oil from C.limon are β-Pinene, limonene, linalool, α-terpineol, nerolidol and acetate geranyl. Experimental evidences indicate that these compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, a potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of bacteria and fungi has also been reported.

20. Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis):

The main constituents of rosemary oil are camphor, 1,8-cineol, α-pinene, β-pinene borneol, camphene, β-caryophyllene and myrcene.
These compounds exhibit antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory effects, in addition to hepatoprotective and smooth muscle relaxation effects. Anti-microbial activity has also been reported.

Bibliographic References in addition to the WHO and EMEA monographs regarding the herbal substances in the formula

* WHO– World Health Organization

* EMEA– European Medicines Agency

Andrade JM. et al. Rosmarinus officinalis L.: an update review of its phytochemistry and biological activity. Future Sci OA. 2018.

Badgujar SB., Patel VV. and Bandivdekar AH. Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2014.

Batiha GES et al. Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae). Biomolecules. 2020.

Boskabady MH., Byrami G. and Feizpour A. The effect of safranal, a constituent of Crocus sativus (saffron), on tracheal responsiveness, serum levels of cytokines, total NO and nitrite in sensitized guinea pigs. Pharmacol Rep. 2014.

Cardia GFE. et al. Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018.

Cat’s claw on LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet] Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Assessed on September 02, 2020 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548323/

Chanda S. and Ramachandra TV. Phytochemical and Pharmacological Importance of Turmeric (Curcuma longa): A Review. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology. 2019.

Chouni A. and Paul S. A Review on Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential of Alpinia galanga. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2018.

Erowele GI. Kalejaiye AO. Pharmacology and therapeutic uses of cat’s claw. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2009.

Ferreira ICFR. et al. Chemical features of Ganoderma polysaccharides with antioxidant, antitumor and antimicrobial activities. Phytochemistry. 2015.

Gonzales GF. and Valerio Jr. LG. Medicinal plants from Peru: a review of plants as potential agents against cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2006.

Hsouna AB. et al. Citrus lemon essential oil: chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with its preservative effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in minced beef meat. Lipids Health Dis. 2017.

Karimi E. et al. Phenolic compounds characterization and biological activities of Citrus aurantium bloom. Molecules. 2012.

Kieliszek M. et al. Biological Activity of Some Aromatic Plants and Their Metabolites, with an Emphasis on Health-Promoting Properties. Molecules. 2020.

Kojima-Yuasa A. and Matsui-Yuasa I. Pharmacological Effects of 1′-Acetoxychavicol Acetate, a Major Constituent in the Rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and Alpinia conchigera. J Med Food. 2020.

Ling J. et al. Anti-hyperlipidaemic and antioxidant effects of turmeric oil in hyperlipidaemic rats. Food Chemistry. 2012.

Liu Y. et al. Inhibitory effects of citrus lemon oil and limonene on Streptococcus sobrinus – Induced dental caries in rats. Arch Oral Biol. 2020.

López V. et al. Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets. Front Pharmacol. 2017.

Lu J. et al. Molecular mechanisms of bioactive polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi), a review. Int J Biol Macromol. 2020.

Luqman S. et al. Potential of rosemary oil to be used in drug-resistant infections. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007.

Mahboubi M. Zingiber officinale Rosc. essential oil, a review on its composition and bioactivity. Clinical Phytoscience. 2019.

Mahendran G. and Rahman LU. Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-A review. Phytother Res. 2020.

Mathew D. and Hsu WL. Antiviral potential of curcumin. Journal of functional foods. 2018.

Młynarczyk K., Walkowiak-Tomczak D. and Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018.

Nieto G., Ros G. and Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. Medicines (Basel). 2018.

Rahimi VB. et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Portulaca oleracea Extract on LPS-Induced Rat Lung Injury. Molecules 2019.

Ramos M. et al. Agaricus bisporus and its by-products as a source of valuable extracts and bioactive compounds. Food Chemistry. 2019.

Reis SR. et al. Immunomodulating and antiviral activities of Uncaria tomentosa on human monocytes infected with Dengue Virus-2. International Immunopharmacology. 2008.

Sharma V., Katiyar A. and Agrawal RC. Glycyrrhiza glabra: Chemistry and Pharmacological Activity. Sweeteners. 2018.

Singh A. et al. Phytochemical profile of sugarcane and its potential health aspects. Pharmacogn Rev. 2015.

Soleymani S. et al. Antiviral Effects of Saffron and its Major Ingredients. Curr Drug Deliv. 2018.

Su S. et al. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of individual and combined extracts from Commiphora myrrha, and Boswellia carterii. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2012.

Torabian G. et al. Anti-influenza activity of elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Journal of Functional Foods. 2019.

Wang K. et al. Angelica sinensis polysaccharide attenuates concanavalin A-induced liver injury in mice. International Immunopharmacology. 2016.

Wei WL. et al. Angelica sinensis in China-A review of botanical profile, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and chemical analysis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016.

Williams JE. Review of antiviral and immunomodulating properties of plants of the Peruvian rainforest with a particular emphasis on Una de Gato and Sangre de Grado. Altern Med Rev. 2001.

Yang T. el al. Antivirus and immune enhancement activities of sulfated polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2012.

Zhao HY. et al. Bioactivity evaluations of ingredients extracted from the flowers of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. Food Chem. 2012.

Zhou YX. et al. Portulaca oleracea L.: a review of phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. Biomed Res Int. 2015.