Natural immunity boosters: Clinical trial reports

Antioxidants play a very crucial role in maintaining cell homeostasis. Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress and cause inhibition of the excess free radicals generated within the body due to various reasons like some diseases, stress, environmental changes, pollution, overexertion leading to low immunity, changes in gene expression, and results in the formation of abnormal proteins which leads to degenerative diseases and ageing. Extracts from various herbs, plants contain large amounts of antioxidants. A formulation containing the proper proportion of these antioxidants can provide prophylactic and therapeutic support against COVID-19. Mulmina® Amla Orange Health drink contains extracts Amla and Orange. Both contain high amounts of Vitamin C which exhibit the antioxidant property that reduces oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. The in vitro study below shows the total antioxidant capacity of Mulmina® Amla Orange.¹

Study design ¹

The study was designed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of Mulmina® Amla Orange using the ORAC assay. 

A pre-incubation mixture containing sodium phosphate buffer/Trolox/test solution of various concentrations and sodium fluorescein was used to pre-incubated plates.

Pre-incubation was followed by the addition of a free radical generator AAPH [2,2’-azobis (2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride] and mixed.

Method ¹

• The fluorescence measurements were taken at 485 nm excitation and 520 nm emission filters after the reaction was complete with the below settings:

    Mode: Fluorescence intensity 

    Filters: Excitation 485 nm, emission 520 nm 

    Plate used: Costar 96, Code 3792 from corning 

• Data reduction and ORAC value calculation were done and the assay was performed in duplicates.

Results ¹

• ORAC value (hydrophilic) for sample Mulmina® Orange was found to be 27 µg/mL of Trolox equivalent
• The ORAC value of Mulmina® Mango is 5,400/200 mL pack

Discussion 

The current in vitro study showed the antioxidant activity of that Mulmina® Amla Mango using ORAC assay. The ORAC assay measures the degree of inhibition of peroxy-radical-induced oxidation by the test compounds as compared with the standard.² In this method, the protective effect of the antioxidants is measured by assessing the longer fluorescence time/intensity area under the curve (AUC) of the sample compared to the blank (AUC) without antioxidants.¹

It measures the value as Trolox equivalents and includes both inhibition time and the extent of inhibition of oxidation. An increase in the ORAC value shows strong free radical inhibition activity and a reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to high antioxidant content.²

The Mulmina® Amla Orange contains Amla and Orange as the main constituents. Both contain vitamin C in large quantities, which is a potent antioxidant and reduces reactive oxygen species preventing lipid peroxidation and protein alkylation, thus providing a protective shield to the cells from oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage.³

Conclusion

The above studies reveal that Mulmina® Amla orange has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and immunomodulatory effects which may be beneficial in enhancing immunity and helping to combat the complexities in patients infected by COVID-19 in this pandemic situation.

References:

1. Mulmina, Scientific updates,Update-1, 1-64.
2. Jaffe R, Mani J. Chapter 29 - Polyphenolics Evoke Healing Responses: Clinical Evidence and Role of Predictive Biomarkers. In: Watson RR, Preedy VR, Zibadi S, editors. Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action in Human Health and Disease (Second Edition): Academic Press; 2018. p. 403-13.
3. M. Mrityunjaya, V. P., R. Neelam, P. Janhavi P. M. Halami and P. V. Ravindra. Immune-Boosting, Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Food Supplements Targeting Pathogenesis of COVID-19. Front. Immunol. 2020, Volume 11 ,  Article 570122, 1-12.