Immunity
Definition
Western
Immunity is the ability of the body to defend against foreign particles that invade and cause diseases [1]. The body’s immunity is built upon the immune system, which includes complex yet delicate mechanisms involving many important components. There are two general types of immunity: innate or passive immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity involves neutrophils, macrophages and the complement system while adaptive immunity is mediated by antibodies, antigens, B and T lymphocytes [1]. When the immune system is not functioning at its full potential, the body becomes susceptible to various infections especially in the severe cases of immunodeficiency, such as Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, Hyper IgM Syndrome and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) [2-3].
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, Qì (气), or the vital energy, is the key component to sustain life [17]. Wèi Qì (卫气), or defensive energy, is a form of energy that is mainly distributed along the surface of the skin and embedded in the muscles, which serves to warm and nourish the other tissues, and at the same time, function like a shield against pathogenic factors[17-18]. When the body becomes weak, its natural defences become more vulnerable against foreign attack, thus bringing about colds and flu or in cases of severe malfunction, it may also affect the physiological functions of the other vital organs in the body.
Symptoms Displayed and Classifications
Weak immunity is characterised by frequent bouts of cold or flu, with one feeling cold and getting tired easily. In TCM, this is seen as a crucial condition which requires proper treatment in order to prevent critical illnesses from occurring or recurring.
Immunodeficiency
Immunodeficiency is a kind of condition in which the body’s immune system is compromised or entirely absent [2]. This causes the body to be extremely vulnerable to external or internal pathogens, even to those that are usually harmless to normal individuals. Immunodeficiency is further classified as primary and acquired immunodeficiency [3-5]. Primary immunodeficiency [6], such as Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome, is hereditary whereas acquired immunodeficiency is usually a result of contracting diseases, such as AIDS, or after certain surgeries [5].
Weaken Body Constitution
In TCM, Qì functions to promote and sustain life, providing warmth, defence and governs the regulation of the body’s essential liquids [17-18]. Individuals usually experience fatigue, lethargy, lack of physical strength [19] and are prone to falling sick. They may also suffer from headaches, dizziness and perspire easily [19]. In more serious cases, they may display symptoms such as diarrhoea and even organ relocation such as uterine and rectal prolapse. At times, spontaneous perspiration, urinal or faecal incontinence, various kinds of haemorrhages, heavy menstruation flow in women, and premature ejaculation in men are the some of the usual observed symptoms [19].
Causes
Genetics
Primary immunodeficiency is due to genetic abnormalities most often found within the X-chromosomes [6]. These genetic abnormalities may result in malfunctioning white blood cells or other blood components in the immune system [2,4].
Lifestyle
Individuals with a lifestyle of long working hours tend to utilise more energy and overstrain the body functions. Without sufficient rest they are more susceptible to having weak immune system. Lack of exercise also leads to stagnation of energy flow [17-19].
Treatments
1. Ren Shen – 人参
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English/ Common name
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Asian Ginseng
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Latin species
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Panax ginseng
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Park of plant used
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Roots
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Action/s
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Found to enhance the immune system and improve the formation of blood in the body [16]. Also helps to reduce blood pressure [7], inhibits cancer growth [8], and possesses anti-inflammatory properties [9].
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Precaution/s
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Not to be used with Black False Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum L.) 藜芦[20].
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2. Dang Shen – 党参
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English/ Common name
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Poor Man’s Ginseng; Root of Pilose Asiabell
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Latin species
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Codonopsis pilosula
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Park of plant used
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Roots
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Action/s
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Helps to improve blood formation by increasing the amount of red blood cells and haemoglobin levels. Also helps to stimulate the white blood cell activities in the body [10-11].
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Precaution/s
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Not to be used with Black False Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum L.) 藜芦[20].
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3. Huang Qi –黄芪
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English/ Common name
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Milk vetch; Chinese Astralagus
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Latin species
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Astragalus memeranaceus
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Park of plant used
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Roots
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Action/s
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Most widely used to boost the immune system by increasing production and activities of white blood cells [12]. Also helps to modulate the immunity [13], and is believed to have anti-tumour effects [14].
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Precaution/s
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Not to be used with Black False Hellebore (Veratrum nigrum L.) 藜芦[20].
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4. Mai Men Dong –白术
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English/ Common name
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Largehead Atractylodes
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Latin species
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Atractylodes macrocephala
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Park of plant used
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Rhizomes
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Action/s
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Mainly used to improve the functions of the digestive system. Also helps to stimulate activities of the white blood cells [15] and is found to have anti-inflammatory effects [20].
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Precaution/s
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Should not be used for those individuals who have late nights or working long hours [20].
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5. Gan Cao – 甘草
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English/ Common name
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Licorice
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Latin species
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Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. inflate, G. glabra
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Park of plant used
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Roots and rhizomes
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Action/s
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Has been found to have a variety of activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties [16]. Also found to stimulate production of cortisol by the adrenal glands [12].
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Precaution/s
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Excessive use of this herb can lead to water retention [20].
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Test & Diagnosis
Blood tests
Blood tests are required to confirm the diagnosis of any signs of immunodeficiency. Blood samples are taken for the analysis and determination of the total number of white blood cell count and the percentages of major types of white blood cells. White blood cells may also be examined under the microscope for abnormalities. Other specific tests may include specific antibodies levels or complement levels.
Home Remedies
Dang Shen + Huang Qi + Bai Zhu + Gan Cao
a) Put all ingredients in a cooking pot and add enough water to fill half the pot.
b) Bring to boil for 10 minutes.
c) Simmer for a further 30 minutes.
d) Remove from heat. Serve warm.
References
1. Sherwood. Human Physiology – From Cells to Systems. Thomson Learning. 2004. pp. 412-425.
3. SC. Smeltzer, BG. Bare, JL. Hinkle, KH. Cheever. Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2008. pp1803-9.
5. P Kumar, M Clark. Kumar & Clark Clinical Medicine. 2007. pp213-4.
6. Primary Immunodeficiency. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/primary_immuno.cfm. Accessed June 20, 2010.
7. Byeong HJ, Cuk SK, Kyoung SP, Jae WL, Jin BP, Kwang-JK, Se HK, Seok JC, Ki YN. Effect of Korea red ginseng on the blood pressure in conscious hypertensive rats. General Pharmacology: The Vascular System. 2000. 35(3). pp135-141.
8. AS. Attele, JA Wu, CS Yuan. Ginseng pharmacology: Multiple constituents and multiple actions. Biochemical Pharmacology, 1999, 58(11), pp1685-1693
9. H Matsuda, K Samukawa, M Kubo. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginsenoside Ro. Planta Med. 1990. 56. pp. 19–23
12. Foster S, Johnson RL. Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine. National Geographic Society. 2006. pp28-9, pp230-1.
15. Yamahara J, Sawada T, Tani T, Nishino T, Kitagawa I, Fujimura H. Pharmocological evaluation of the crude drug ‘Zhu’. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1997. pp873-879.
16. Marjan NA, H Hosseinzadeh. Review of Pharmacological Effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its Bioactive Compounds. Phytotherapy Research. 2008. 22(6). pp709-724.
17. 孙广仁. 中医基础理论.中国中医药出版社. 2002. pp71-82.
18. 李德新. 中医基础理论. 人民卫生出版社. 2001. pp127-134.
19. 朱文锋. 中医诊断学. 中国中医药出版社. 2002. pp165-167.
20. 高学敏. 中药学. 中国中医药出版社. 2002. pp496-503.