Study on Ayurvedic herbal teas to strengthen the immune system

Jyoti Bhat et al.

January 2010

Ayurveda medicine / treatment

Immune boost

This study under Jyoti Bhat investigated the effect of a tea fortified with five Ayurvedic herbs(Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Ocimum sanctum and Elettaria cardamomum) on innate immune defense.

In two independent, double-blind intervention studies in India, the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells) was examined after consumption of the fortified tea in comparison to normal tea. Participants were healthy adults aged 55 and over with low NK cell activity and a history of frequent colds and coughs.

Consumption of the herbal-enriched tea(Natural Care Tea) led to a significant improvement in NK cell activity compared to the control group. The results of the pilot study were confirmed in a validation study .

Regular consumption of the Ayurvedic-enriched tea significantly increased NK cell activity, an important mechanism of early immune defense against infections.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Colds
Institution: Unilever Food and Health Research Institute, Unilever Research India, 64, Main Road, Whitefield, Bangalore 560066, India
Title: Study on Ayurvedic herbal teas to strengthen the immune system
Brief description: The study shows that Ayurvedic herbal tea significantly improves NK cell activity and strengthens the innate immune defense.
Original title: In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19504465/