A New Generation Herbal Therapeutic for Blocking Viruses
- The Blockade Story
by Taryn Forrelli, ND
Viruses have always been a bit of an enigma. Scientists
hesitate to call them living since they cannot replicate without the aid of
a host cell, yet they seem to exhibit an intelligence that suggests
otherwise. Drugs to stop them have been difficult to develop, and given
their strong ability to mutate in unpredictable ways, vaccinations do not
always guarantee protection. We do not even know their precise origins. What
we do know, however, is that viruses pose a serious threat to our health and
our national security, and that safe and effective therapies are in high
demand. So, when New Chapter, Inc., the fastest growing manufacturer of
natural herbals and herbal therapeutics heard that a team of scientists
developed an all-natural herbal extract that blocks up to 100% of viral
replication in laboratory studies, they jumped at the opportunity to partner
with them to bring New Chapter's Blockade to the market.*
The dark black berries from the elder shrub
have been used as a healthy and therapeutic food since 5 BC. There is record
of the ancient Greeks and Romans using elderberry to shorten the severity
and duration of respiratory distress, and in Europe, where the tree is
native, it is consumed throughout the winter season to promote immune
health. Clinical trials conducted within the past twelve years have
supported the traditional use of elderberry, but it remained unclear how
elderberry might work in human health.
With this question in mind, a team of
virologists began screening different extracts of elderberry for
virus-blocking activity. The samples were all extracted without solvents
like hexane, instead using carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, a
method considered to be far superior to traditional solvent extraction since
it removes and preserves more of the phytochemicals found in the whole herb
without exposing it to damaging heat, oxygen or chemicals. To their
amazement, the researchers found an extract that could inhibit up to 100%
replication of enveloped viruses (like influenza).* They named the extract
ViraBloc and proceeded to determine its chemical profile or “fingerprint”
using a state-of-the-art analytical tool called DART (Direct Analysis in
Real Time) mass spectrometry. Their goal was to identify which of the 1000+
constituents in ViraBlock were responsible for the virus blocking activity
(i.e. bioactives) and to be able to enrich the extract in the key bioactives
and ensure that every extract possessed the desired phytochemical profile.
In doing so, the researchers could guarantee that every serving of the
product would be consistent, whether it is from the same bottle or one
purchased years prior. Until now, this type of dose-to-dose reliability was
only available from pharmaceutical companies, via isolated synthetic
chemicals, not whole herbal extracts.
Success! Further testing revealed that the
bioactives in NewChapter's Blockaid, with ViraBloc belong to a class of phytochemicals
known as flavonoids, phytochemicals which are also responsible for the
powerful antioxidant and cell protective properties of many fruits and
vegetables. It was determined that the bioactives bind to specific proteins
present on the surface of envelope viruses that are required for attachment
and entry into host cells (human cells). By literally coating the virus,
Blockade blocks virus entry and hence blocks replication of the virus, which
must occur inside the cell.* Blockaid is a major breakthrough for herbal
medicine; one that delivers for the first time the full potential
therapeutic intelligence of elderberry.
Since viruses waste no time replicating once
they enter the body, delivering the immune enhancing properties of Blockade,
in the form of a blueberry-flavored lozenge, allows for extremely rapid
absorption of the bioactives into the bloodstream. In fact, a study has
confirmed that the bioactives in Blockade with ViraBlock lozenges are absorbed into the
bloodstream and are available to start blocking viruses within minutes of
consumption.
With scientifically demonstrated reliability
and effectiveness on its side, New Chapter’s Blockaid, with ViraBloc
promises to be a popular ally for its immune and respiratory health benefits
throughout the winter months.* It can be used prophylactically or acutely to
shorten the severity and duration of seasonal stressors, and it is safe for
children and pregnant women too!*
Back to Blockade.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent any disease.
†In accordance with US regulations, this product is not intended to treat
cold or flu. Human results may differ from laboratory studies. |
