Composition of beta-glucan and ashwagandha
Compositions including combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera for increasing the immune activity of certain target cytokines and phagocytosis, and reducing cortisol or corticosterone. Methods of improving immunity activity under periods of stress including chronic stress with a combination of β-glucan and Withania somnifera are also described. Particular combinations of β-glucan and Withania somnifera synergistically increases the immune activity of the cytokines IL-12 and IL-6 over expected values.
1. A method of improving immune activity within a animal body comprising administering to an animal a therapeutic composition consisting essentially of a therapeutically effective combination of Withania somnifera and β-glucan such that the therapeutic composition improves cytokine production and reduces cortisol within the animal.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the Withania somnifera and the β-glucan are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:99 β-glucan to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 50:50 β-glucan to Withania somnifera.
3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the Withania somnifera and the β-glucan are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 1:99 β-glucan to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 15:85 β-glucan to Withania somnifera.
4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein said Withania somnifera and said β-glucan are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 10.7:89.3 β-glucan to Withania somnifera.
5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the Withania somnifera and the β-glucan are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 5:95 β-glucan to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 6:94 β-glucan to Withania somnifera.
6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the cytokines are selected from the group consisting of IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ, and any combinations thereof.
7. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the composition increase phagocytosis.
8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective combination includes less than 500 mg/day of β-glucan.
9. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective combination includes about 0.2 mg/kg of an animal's body weight per day to about 7 mg/kg of the animal's body weight per day of β-glucan.
10. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the administering synergistically improves the amount of IL-6 and IL-12.
11. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the administering synergistically improves the amount of IL-12.