Recordings of ATMS Webinar Series: Plants for the Immune System

This is a 3-part webinar series

Where: Online

CPE: 6 CPE points

Access: Webinar recordings can be watched at any time.

Plants as Effective Mediators, Novel Antiviral and Therapeutic Agent in the Immune System

Phytotherapy may be effective mediators in the immune system with novel antiviral potential against persistent pathogenic viral strains.

2020/21 have been unusual and challenging years in healthcare, particularly when addressing how we build up our clients to strengthen their immune systems, over three parts, we examine the evidence that shows the effects phytochemistry may have on the complement system, our innate, adaptive and acquired immunity.  

This is an evidence-based topic, focusing on plant chemistry as therapeutic agents in supporting immune function and medicinal plants that may have an antiviral effect by potentially inhibiting the formation of viral DNA or RNA.

Part I: Phytochemistry:  Constituents as immune mediators & anti-viral potential.

The whys and wherefores (scientifically speaking!) of constituents that have positive effects on immune function; with a specific focus on:  Polyphenols; anthocyanins, flavonols.   Beta-glucans.  Akaloids: quinine, indole derivatives, terpenoids, lignans; sesquiterpenes

Part II: Plants & Fungii their role in Inflammatory & Immune response

The immune response is mainly in two parts.  a) the preliminary, non-specific, innate response and b) the specific, adaptive response involving T cells, B cells, and antibodies that follows.

Into the eye of a cytokine storm

The cytokine storm describes an excessive level of pro-inflammatory cytokines that initiate widespread tissue damage via inflammation.   The cytokine storm produces an excessive inflammatory and immune response, especially in the lungs, leading to acute respiratory distress (ARDS).  There are many plants that we can consider with potential to act as an “amphoteric” to the cytokine response.

Nigella sativa, Sambucus nigra, Theobroma cacao; Echinacea spp, Piper methysticum, Cannabis spp., Astragalus membranaceous, Andrographis paniculate, selected mushrooms and marine plants.

Part III Cannabinoids or cannabinoid-like compounds and β-caryophyllene

One of the most promising therapeutic targets for the modulation of immune-inflammatory responses is the endocannabinoid system, particularly the activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), a G-protein coupled receptor which mediates the anti-inflammatory properties by modulating numerous signalling pathways. To pharmacologically activate the CB2 receptors, a naturally occurring cannabinoid ligand, beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a primary sesquiterpene, is being studied extensively due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties.   This ligand is found in a number of other plants outside of the Cannabis spp.

Piper nigrum, Syzygium aromatic, Humulus lupulus, Rosemarinus off, Ocimum basilicum

Presenter: Maxine White

A Nutritionist, Herbalist & Mental Health Care trainer/practitioner, with more than 17 years of clinical experience on Sydney’s northern beaches, blending traditional medicine and an evidence based medical model of science & research within the philosophy and application of Complementary Health Care.

With an extensive background in the training sector Maxine has worked with companies such as Leo Burnet Advertising (UK), UBS Phillips & Drew (UK) and the National Association Pension Funds (UK).

Previously Department Head of Faculty for Herbal Medicine, a clinic supervisor and lecturer in Naturopathic Diagnosis; Herbal Medicine and Marketing your Business at Nature Care College in St Leonards. 

She runs small local courses advocating the use of Kitchen Medicine, as well as Mental Health First Aid training; from her Apothecary and Health Food store in Balgowlah Heights and is currently on faculty for soft skills training at the Northern Beaches & Mosman Community College.