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PROVINCE OF ONTARIO<br />
CANADA<br />
)<br />
)<br />
)<br />
)<br />
I, JORDANA ENIG STOCKHAMER, a Notary Public in and for the Province <strong>of</strong> Ontario, <strong>by</strong> Royal<br />
Authority duly appointed, residing in the City <strong>of</strong> Vaughan, in the Regional Municipality <strong>of</strong> York, in<br />
the Province <strong>of</strong> Ontario, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the paper writing hereunto annexed, each<br />
page <strong>of</strong> which bears an impression <strong>of</strong> my seal, is a true and correct copy <strong>of</strong> A CASE-CONTROL<br />
STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF PHYTOTHERAPY WITH THE ALVEO FORMULA ON<br />
IMMTINITY IN CHILDREN signed <strong>by</strong> Josef Richter, <strong>MD</strong>, PhD, <strong>of</strong> the Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Immunology, Regional Public Health Institute, Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, the same having<br />
been compared <strong>by</strong> me with the.original document, an act where<strong>of</strong> being requested I have granted<br />
under my hand and notarial seal <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice to serve and avail as occasion shall or may require.<br />
DATED at Toronto, Ontario, this 26tr day <strong>of</strong> August, 2010<br />
Public in and for the<br />
Province <strong>of</strong> Ontario
an health se1ices, treatment and health procedures worldwide are provided <strong>by</strong> the practices<br />
<strong>of</strong> CAM (2).<br />
The public's growing interest in botanical formulas is notable. There has been a wide<br />
application <strong>of</strong> phytotherapy in the past decade (9, 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 27'and 29). The general<br />
public is becoming more concerned with the use <strong>of</strong> various herbal formulas, herbal extracts<br />
and mixtures. Many clinical case studies based on a wide scale <strong>of</strong> herbal products have<br />
already been published (1, 2,7,8, and l9).<br />
This is what inspired us to conduct a study on the effects <strong>of</strong> the botanical formulation<br />
ALVEO. We were mostly interested in the response <strong>of</strong> clinical changes and the changes in<br />
seeretory immunity after the administration <strong>of</strong> Alveo. After studying its individual<br />
components we suspected the possibility <strong>of</strong> positive effects. To observe its impact we selected<br />
two groups <strong>of</strong> children: one group consisted <strong>of</strong> children being treated at our clinic for chronic<br />
upper respiratory tract infections and the other was a control group <strong>of</strong> healthy children'<br />
ALVEO is a botanical tonic manufactured <strong>by</strong> <strong>Akuna</strong> Health Products Inc. in Canada-<br />
It was used in the recommended dose <strong>of</strong> 28 ml per day. The study was conducted between<br />
September 2006 and September 2007. Following are the partial results <strong>of</strong> this study.<br />
Study methodolory:<br />
The case group (Group A) consiste d <strong>of</strong> 27 children ( 14 boys and I 3 girls) undergoing longterm<br />
treatment at the Department <strong>of</strong> Microbiology and Immunology; the control group (Group<br />
B) consisted <strong>of</strong> 35 children (18 boys and 17 girls) from an elementary school in Usti nad<br />
Labem, Czech Republic. The children in Group A were between the ages <strong>of</strong> 6 and 13 with the<br />
average age being 10.95 years; the children in Group B were between the ages <strong>of</strong> 9 and 14<br />
with the average age being 10.74 years. Group A was given I ounce or 28 ml <strong>of</strong> ALVEO<br />
daily on an empty stomach or half an hour after a meal. Every child consumed I bottle <strong>of</strong><br />
product in Bn average <strong>of</strong> 35 days. The children in Group B received a placebo which<br />
resembled Alveo in appearance and contained the same amount (950 ml) <strong>of</strong> liquid but no<br />
active ingredients. The length <strong>of</strong> application was averaged 34 days.
The clinical disposition <strong>of</strong> each child was recorded on a daily basis using a<br />
questionnaire with an emphasis on the symptomatology <strong>of</strong> infections mainly <strong>of</strong> the upper<br />
respiratory tract (cough, phlegm discharge, temperature, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and otitis).<br />
Collected data was processed and duration <strong>of</strong> illness observed. Anthropometric measurements<br />
were taken for each child and hiVher BMI was calculated'<br />
At the same time, the saliva <strong>of</strong> each child was collected prior to and after application<br />
using the standard method <strong>of</strong> gathering unstimulated saliva. These specimens were stored in<br />
standard plastic test tubes at less than 70 o C until processing. The exact time <strong>of</strong> collection<br />
was observed when the effects <strong>of</strong> circadian rhythmicity were not present (24). The levels <strong>of</strong><br />
albumin and IgA in the saliva were determined <strong>by</strong> immunonephelometry using the Behring<br />
and the Dade Behring BN II antisera. The obtained results were grouped according to the<br />
following levels: Albumin at 50rng/L <strong>of</strong> saliva being the norm; 100mg/L being a sign <strong>of</strong><br />
irritation; 500 mg/L a sign <strong>of</strong> infection; and amounts greater than 500 mg/L signiffing an<br />
infection in progress. As for the IgA, normal amounts range between 20 and 150 mgll <strong>of</strong><br />
saliva.<br />
The ratio <strong>of</strong> IgA to albumin was then calculated at all levelsin relation to the<br />
individual groups observed. The preference <strong>of</strong> this index being a reduction in the amount <strong>of</strong><br />
lgA transferred into the saliva as a result <strong>of</strong> infection.<br />
Data analysis:<br />
Differences in findings for the individual groups observed were compared for each <strong>of</strong> the<br />
groups before and after the application <strong>of</strong> Alveo and later also in interrelation to the placebo<br />
groups and the control files. The average values <strong>of</strong> the findings were calculated as well as the<br />
absolute values and later also the logarithmic values <strong>of</strong> the mean-root-square errors at95% Cl<br />
<strong>by</strong> means <strong>of</strong> statistical s<strong>of</strong>tware such as Micros<strong>of</strong>t Excel,Instat 3 and Prism 4 (USA). The<br />
differences were then evaluated using the Smirnov-Kolmogorov test, the t-test, the A}'{OVA<br />
test, the Tukey-Kramer test.<br />
Ethics:
This case study was conducted in accordance to the Declaration <strong>of</strong> Helsinki (Fourth revision<br />
1996) and the guidelines for clinical testing in the Czech Republic. Permission was obtained<br />
prior to the start <strong>of</strong> the study from all the parents <strong>of</strong> the children tested with the formula.<br />
Results:<br />
Table I contains the findings before and after the application <strong>of</strong> the formula and the placebo<br />
over the course <strong>of</strong> 4 weeks (equal to the consumption <strong>of</strong> one bottle <strong>of</strong> product). The<br />
comparison in the amounts <strong>of</strong> IgA and albumin in the saliva <strong>of</strong> the placebo controlled group<br />
did not show any significant changes before or after application. On the contrary, the children<br />
who were given the ALVEO formulation and who suffered from chronic upper respiratory<br />
tract infections showed statistically a highly significant decrease in the amount <strong>of</strong> IgA and<br />
albumin alike.<br />
In studying the occumences in clinical evidence, we discovered that the clinical<br />
symptoms in children who consumed the ALVEO formula decreased <strong>by</strong> almost two thirds.<br />
Discussion:<br />
Even in the more advanced countries there are both historical and cultural reasons for the use<br />
and application <strong>of</strong> alternative medicine rather than conventional treatments. It is important to<br />
acknowledge that for half the world's population this type <strong>of</strong> treatment is actually the norm.<br />
The use <strong>of</strong> the term "supplementary"- alternative medicine (complementary - altemative -<br />
medicine - CAM) stems form the close relationship between the classical and alternative<br />
approaches to treatment. This can include altemative physical procedures such as acupuncture<br />
and acupressure as well as the application <strong>of</strong> herbal remedies as practiced <strong>by</strong> Indian, Japanese<br />
and Chinese cultures and in procedures such as phytotherapy and so on (19,29).<br />
An example would be in the treatment <strong>of</strong> allergies where a blend <strong>of</strong> various botanicals<br />
was used. The formulation Pollen contains a mixture <strong>of</strong> 12 different pollens. The reported<br />
effect <strong>of</strong> this product was a decrease in the frequency <strong>of</strong> allergy symptoms and a lower intake<br />
<strong>of</strong> antibiotics (2). The use <strong>of</strong> various herbal homeopathic formulas was observed in a series <strong>of</strong><br />
clinical trials in individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, bronchitis as well as other health<br />
conditions (7, 8, 10, 13, 15, lg,zg,and 30). Althoughthe discussion about the positive effecs
<strong>of</strong> homeopathic products on the market remains intense, it is necessary to take a truly<br />
qualifred stance on the matter; the evidence for which can only be provided <strong>by</strong> scientific and<br />
complex studies (1, 2, and l2). Presently there are no trial results that completely negate the<br />
effects <strong>of</strong> phytotherapeutic products; nor are there any results that entirely support them (2).<br />
We discovered that from the total 26 ingredients contained in the tested formula, at least 16<br />
have an effect on the modulation <strong>of</strong> immunity response while others seem to function via<br />
modulation <strong>of</strong> CNS (10, 30). In present day USA, herbal extracts and the formulas containing<br />
herbal extmcts are considered to be medicines, food and even dietary supplements. The latter<br />
are commonly refened to as DSHEA (4). Some herbal products are considered to be<br />
adaptogens - products which have a normalizing (restorative) influence on the body and help<br />
defend it against stressors (4, 10). We still require more research about the antioxidant<br />
tendencies <strong>of</strong> herbal extracts, their effects on the regulation <strong>of</strong> enzymatic functions and their<br />
precise influence on the entire immune system (1, 7, and 8). In our observations at the Health<br />
Institute we have noticed that herbal extracts have positive effects on the health <strong>of</strong> children<br />
who are already successfully responding to treatment. But even with some <strong>of</strong> our patients, we<br />
realize that short-term application <strong>of</strong> these herbs (over the course <strong>of</strong> one month) is not enough<br />
to positively influence the observed immunity parameters.<br />
The safety <strong>of</strong> herbal formulations depends on their.orrrportdon; though the fact<br />
rcmains that the effects <strong>of</strong> many herbal extracts are still not known. For example, there are<br />
more than 100 different components in tea tree oil alone (29).<br />
Preference should be given to those products, which have undergone a series <strong>of</strong><br />
laboratory and clinical tests, and most importantly, which have been approved <strong>by</strong> the<br />
appropriate bodies in the respective country. Many widely available folk remedies may<br />
actually turn out to be potentially harmful, Therefore, it is important to always notify the<br />
public about the possible side-effects and risks involved with taking any particular formula<br />
(29). Chamomile can for example trigger an allergic reaction in individuals who have been<br />
sensibilized <strong>by</strong> the allergens <strong>of</strong> ragweed or chrysanthemum (29). Other herbs such as Garden<br />
angelica and rue can highly increase one's photosensitivity.<br />
Herbs and herbal products demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity. This activity<br />
is mainly influenced <strong>by</strong> the phenolic and polyphenolic substances, which also act as strong<br />
antiviral, antibacteiial and antifungalagents (7, l3); Terperroids also dernonstrde
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and protozoaic activity. Similarly it is with alkaloids,<br />
lectins, polypeptides and other substances (7, 13, and l8). Some ingredients in ALVEO such<br />
as licorice are important besause they induce interferon activity, increase the activity <strong>of</strong><br />
natural killer (or NK) cells and display antiviral activity including against HIV. Glyconhizin<br />
has anti-inflanrmatory and anti-allergic properties (7, 8, 15, andlS). Some ingredients<br />
contained in the formulation not only demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity but they<br />
also have the ability to modulate the immune system. These traits have been confirmed in a<br />
series <strong>of</strong> clinical trials, mainly in individuals inflicted with respiratory illnesses (2' 20).<br />
Additional benefits <strong>of</strong> the formula are many. There is evidence <strong>of</strong> favorable impact on skin<br />
infections, immune dysfunctions, and fatigue syndrome (29). The use <strong>of</strong> the formula as a<br />
preventative stems from, not only its effects on the modulation <strong>of</strong> the immune system, but<br />
also from its effects against stress and fatigue as well as many its other benefits (21,22).<br />
In addition to observing the clinical behaviors or reactions <strong>of</strong> an individual to an<br />
ALVEO regime, we also decided to measure the parameters <strong>of</strong> salivary immunity and IgA,<br />
from which we further calculated the ration <strong>of</strong> Albumin to IgA. The reason for this was to<br />
check if our results were corrdct. We evaluated the diagnoses <strong>of</strong> the children prior to the study<br />
and after its completion. The collection <strong>of</strong> saliva was carried out id a standard manner and<br />
always at the same time <strong>of</strong> day (23,25). There is little possibility <strong>of</strong> comparing the<br />
immunological findings after the phytotherapy with those <strong>of</strong> other studies because <strong>of</strong> the lack<br />
<strong>of</strong> literature available on this subject. Only isolated studies study the effects <strong>of</strong> ginseng on the<br />
levels <strong>of</strong> IgA (9, 11). The measuring <strong>of</strong> IgA in saliva alone is fairly inaccurate because it is<br />
way too easily affected <strong>by</strong> the presence <strong>of</strong> inflammation or damage to the mucous lining <strong>of</strong><br />
the oral cavity. This is why we decided to also measure the amounts <strong>of</strong> albumin in the saliva.<br />
The presence <strong>of</strong> which signifies the presence <strong>of</strong> an inflammation, irritation or infection (3, 16,<br />
17,20,23,25,28). We also cannot omit the effects <strong>of</strong> tonsillectomy on the amounts <strong>of</strong> both<br />
observed components. as in our study on body fat (5, l2). Circadian and seasonal rhythmicity<br />
can also significantly influence the findings <strong>of</strong> certain proteins in saliva (25). This is why it is<br />
so important to strictly adhere to a collection schedule. The influence <strong>of</strong> physical strain on<br />
salivary immunity is also worth a mention (5).<br />
In closing, we can state that we observed the benefits <strong>of</strong> regular application <strong>of</strong> the<br />
ALVEO formulation in children. The conclusions we reached suggest a limitation caused <strong>by</strong><br />
tbe short application p€riod We believe tbat a oourse <strong>of</strong> snrdy over the period <strong>of</strong> three montbs
would be optimal. Furthermore, new studies show that the inclusion <strong>of</strong> new indicators in<br />
saliva would be appropriate for the purpose <strong>of</strong> nutritional immunology (l l).<br />
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Appendix:<br />
Albumin in saliva <strong>of</strong> children before (1) and after (2)<br />
application <strong>of</strong> Alveo and placebo<br />
140<br />
o 130<br />
E tzo<br />
@<br />
5 110<br />
E 100<br />
E90<br />
c<br />
E80<br />
Ero
-\<br />
i SlgA in saliva <strong>of</strong> children befor€ (1) and afier (2)<br />
I application <strong>of</strong> Alveo and placebo<br />
i<br />
o<br />
25t)<br />
fr zoo<br />
o<br />
b rso<br />
CD<br />
E roo<br />
8so<br />
0<br />
i SlgAl I SlgA2 , SlgAl SlgA2<br />
Controlgrdp<br />
Case grouP<br />
it<br />
Josef Richter, <strong>MD</strong>, PhD, \Dpt <strong>of</strong> Immunology, Regional Public Helth Instute, Usti nad<br />
Labem, Czech republic.<br />
Josef.richter@ zuusti.cz<br />
(W fi'"'e-L{'u'