Radix isatidis, also known as Ban-Lan-Gen, is a Chinese herb traditionally used to treat influenza, viral pneumonia, mumps, pharyngitis and hepatitis.
When we talk about traditional Chinese medicine, we usually think of the numerous benefits of ginger, the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric and cinnamon and perhaps – if we think hard enough – of the energising properties of ginseng. But traditional Chinese medicine has much greater potential and many undiscovered secrets. Chinese physicians are familiar with over 3,200 species of medicinal plants. One of these plants is Radix Isatidis.
Radix Isatidis is a plant with small yellow flowers that grows in China, North Korea and South Korea. Its clinical medical history spans several thousand years. The herb is known for its powerful antiviral properties. In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on Radix Isatidis and its application in pharmaceutical products.
Viruses have always been our companions. And given the pandemic and Covid-19, it is worth finding out more about the wonderful antiviral properties of this herb.
Here are the five things you need to know about Radix Isatidis.
- Radix Isatidis literally blocks viruses.
Radix Isatidis has the ability to protect us from infection by preventing viruses from entering human cells and binding to their receptors. [1]. And if a cell is already infected, the active ingredients in Radix Isatidis block the virus’s genetic material, preventing it from replicating. [3]
Radix Isatidis has a direct effect against a wide range of viruses, including influenza A and B viruses, various respiratory viruses, herpes simplex viruses, etc.
Laboratory tests have proven the efficacy of Radix Isatidis against viruses of the coronavirus family, and its effect against SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of the global pandemic) is still being studied.
- The root of isatis acts as an immunomodulator.
Stress, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and a number of other factors weaken our immune system, and sometimes we need to take additional measures to stimulate it. This is where so-called immunomodulators come in.
Immunomodulators are active substances that affect the immune system and balance its function. Their use can improve protection against bacteria and viruses. Numerous studies[7] and scientific reports claim that the efficacy of Radix Isatidis is complex and that the herb acts in two ways: it blocks viruses and bacteria and acts as an immunomodulator.
For this reason, in recent years, Radix Isatidis extract has often been included in products such as Stamatin, which are intended to modulate the immune system and aid recovery from viral and bacterial infections. Stamatin‘s complex formula is particularly suitable for strengthening the body during the autumn and winter months. Supplemented with zinc and vitamin C, which have immunostimulant and antioxidant effects, it helps to boost the body’s defences and speeds up recovery.
- The root of isatis soothes the symptoms and speeds up recovery.
The root of isatis is beneficial for the circulatory and respiratory systems and reduces body temperature. It also has the property of reducing swelling, which is particularly useful in respiratory infections. Swelling of the tissues in the upper respiratory tract causes discomfort and leads to difficulty breathing, and Radix Isatidis can alleviate these symptoms.
It has been shown that the herb helps the body to rid itself of viruses and bacteria more quickly, thereby speeding up recovery.
- Radix Isatidis prevents superinfections
Has this ever happened to you – you thought you’d recovered, only to feel worse again the next day? Usually, the reason for this “relapse” is the so-called superinfection. A typical example of a superinfection is a bacterial secondary infection that develops after viral bronchitis. As an additional complication, bronchitis can develop into pneumonia and seriously jeopardise your health.
The root of isatis has the ability to destroy bacterial membranes, preventing them from reproducing, thereby reducing the likelihood of a secondary infection.
- Radix Isatidis is a natural product with a low risk of side effects.
Viral and bacterial infections are common companions in people’s lives, and their treatment requires taking various medications. Therefore, it is important to use the most natural and non-toxic products that treat and alleviate symptoms without causing harm.
Research shows that Chinese herbal medicines are relatively non-toxic and do not cause significant side effects compared with drugs derived from microorganisms and chemical synthesis. The Stamatine formula is entirely natural and has a maximally purified composition, making it a natural choice not only for the acute phases of infection but also for prevention.
There are many arguments in favour of Chinese herbal medicine, which has been practised continuously from the 3rd century BC to the present day. Chinese herbs are considered more balanced than medicines based on isolated active ingredients, cause side effects much less frequently and are more effective in treating chronic diseases. Chinese herbal medicine is also considered a more natural form of treatment, as it is based on the principle of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
