This oral formula of Cistanche tubulosa extract and Reishi mushroom offers tri-mechanism immune support. Cistanche plant extract stimulates the development of naive T-cells for defending against new invaders. Reishi mushroom boosts the function of the innate immune cells, the immune system’s first line defenders. Pu-erh tea is rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds to promote bone marrow health, which in turn supports healthy cellular immune function. Taken together, these natural extracts provide a robust, youthful immune response. Benefits at a Glance Dual-action formula restores a robust, youthful immune response Cistanche and Reishi mushroom extracts help rejuvenate an aging immune system Strengthen the immune systems response to new invaders Restore a healthy immune cell helper-to-suppressor ratio Rejuvenate the Aging Immune System As we age, our once-vigorous immune system begins to decline, a process known as immune senescence. A vital immune system is composed of a healthy balance of naive T-cells that attack new invaders and memory T-cells that attack previously known invaders. However, after a naive T-cell attacks a new threat, it becomes a memory T-cell, which will only go after a threat that it remembers. The result is that the delicate immune balance tips and we have a surplus of memory T-cells and a deficit of naive T-cells. With this imbalance, our body is less able to defend itself against new invasions. This produces a less-vigilant immune system — or immune senescence. Life Extension researchers have developed an innovative, tri-mechanism formula designed to combat immune senescence. Immune Senescence Protection Formula is composed of three botanical compounds that work in a complementary fashion to rejuvenate an aging immune system through unique mechanisms. Cistanche Rejuvenates Aging Immune System Scientists have discovered that the echinacoside compound found in the Cistanche plant extract stimulates the development of naive T-cells and leads to a lower number of memory T cells, thereby creating a more balanced immune response. Cistanche also increases natural killer (NK) cell activity — resulting in a 15% life span increase in animal research. A 12-week human study of a dietary supplement containing standardized Cistanche resulted in impressive improvements in the immune profile after supplementation. Subjects had significant improvements, including an 11.7% increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity and a 20.2% improvement in the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells. An increased CD4/CD8 ratio is indicative of healthy, youthful immune function. Reishi Mushroom Combats Immune Senescence The numerous bioactive components of the Reishi mushroom exert powerful effects that may reverse many of the factors of immune senescence.8 Primarily, Reishi extracts boost the function of innate immune cells, the immune system’s first line of defense. It has long been known that Reishi’s unique polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other constituents11,12 enhance the body’s hematopoietic stem cells, T-cells, and other crucial immune factors. Animal research shows Reishi supports multiple aspects of immune function and longevity. Pu-erh Tea Extract Supports Immune Balance Immune Senescence Protection Formula now includes Pu-erh tea extract—providing additional and unique protection. The cultivation of Pu-erh tea began over 2,000 years ago and was historically consumed by emperors to provide them with longevity. Pu-erh tea is rich in polyphenols and other bioactive molecules, including theabrownins, a unique group of compounds developed during the post-fermentation process. Modern science has shown that Pu-erh tea extract may support healthy bone marrow function, which helps to rebuild the peripheral immune cellular components.18 An animal study demonstrated that Pu-erh tea extract supports immune balance by decreasing interleukin-6 (IL-6) by a remarkable 43%, as well as increasing natural killer (NK) cells by 7% and naïve T cells by 10%. Potent, Dual-Extract Formulation Now, Cistanche, Reishi and Pu-erh Tea are all available in one powerful, dual-extract formulation, specifically created for year-round support of the aging immune system.