In immunology, Björklund Pharma offers Aller-San, an herbal tablet for allergy relief, and Immunita Forte, a potent immune-supporting supplement with medicinal mushroom extracts. The company is also investigating thymosin beta 4 for inflammatory conditions.
Product Candidates
Aller-San
Aller-San is an herbal tablet with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. It can help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and other common allergy symptoms. The pill contains butterbur, quercetin, bromelain, and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects.
The ingredients in Aller-San may work together to provide greater relief from allergy symptoms than what they have when used separately. When used together, quercetin and butterbur extract synergistically reduce allergy symptoms, and bromelain improves the absorption of quercetin.
Aller-San has some potential contraindications. Butterbur extract can cause gastrointestinal effects such as upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea. Quercetin can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs. Bromelain can cause side effects in some people, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Ginger can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.
Immunita Forte
Immunita Forte is a potent immune-supporting supplement formulated with a synergistic blend of extracts from medicinal mushrooms known for their immunomodulatory properties. These mushrooms include reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), maitake (Grifola frondosa), cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps militaris), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor).
Each of these mushrooms contains bioactive compounds recognized for their ability to modulate immune function. Reishi, for instance, is rich in beta-glucans and triterpenes that stimulate immune cell activity and regulate cytokine production, thereby enhancing immune responses. Similarly, shiitake and maitake mushrooms are abundant in beta-glucans and polysaccharides, which bolster immune function and contribute to overall health. Cordyceps contains cordycepin and adenosine, compounds that may enhance immune modulation and improve immune responses. Meanwhile, turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharopeptides known for their immune-enhancing effects, which support immune function and promote overall well-being.
The synergistic interactions between these ingredients amplify their individual immune effects. Research suggests that combining medicinal mushroom extracts can enhance immune function through complementary mechanisms of action. For example, beta-glucans from one mushroom species may synergize with polysaccharides from another, resulting in enhanced activation of immune cells and regulation of immune responses. Moreover, certain compounds in one mushroom extract may increase the bioavailability or activity of bioactive constituents from other mushrooms in the blend, further potentiating their immune-modulating effects.
Immunita Forte is recommended for immune support to address various health challenges. It serves as an adjunctive therapy in conditions characterized by weakened immunity, such as recurrent infections, immune-related disorders, and general immune system maintenance for overall well-being.
The appropriate dosage of Immunita Forte should be tailored to individual needs and health status. The supplement is available in convenient forms such as capsules or liquid extracts, and dosage regimens should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional.
While generally well-tolerated, individuals with known allergies to mushrooms or any of the ingredients in Immunita Forte should avoid its use. Pregnant or lactating women and individuals with underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating the product into their regimen.
Thymosin Beta 4 in Inflammatory Conditions
Björklund Pharma AS focuses on thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring and highly conserved molecule with potent anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties (1). Tβ4 stimulates dermal wound healing, suppresses pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and gene expression profiles, ameliorates end-organ tissue damage, and promotes repair.
Tβ4 is clinically relevant in a wide array of systemic inflammatory conditions. It inhibits the activation and nuclear translocation of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), a major regulator of the inflammatory response.
References
1. Bjørklund G, Dadar M, Aaseth J, Chirumbolo S. Thymosin β4: a multi-faceted tissue repair stimulating protein in heart injury. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27(37): 6294-6305.