PLT Health Solutions has launched a novel ingredient to support immune health called Spectramune Immune Defense Complex. The ingredient is a patented combination of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
 
Clinical study data looking at immune biomarkers showed significant changes across a broad range of immune cells, with activity targeting innate, cell-mediated and humoral immunity, according to the company.
 
The markers are linked to the first line of immune defense (innate), support for the slower immune response that the body mounts in response to unfamiliar pathogens (cell-mediated) and support for the remembered/antibody response from exposure to new pathogens and vaccinations (humoral).
 
Spectramune is mild tasting and 70-80% water-soluble, suitable for a variety of product forms including tablets, capsules, soft gels, and functional foods and beverages formulated for immune support.
 
According to Seth Flowerman, president & CEO of PLT Health Solutions, the new ingredient was developed to meet industry and consumer interest for novel immune support ingredients.
 
“While the immune health support category has grown dramatically in the last few years, many of the ingredient solutions on the market have been with us for decades, if not longer. Working with our innovation partner Laila Nutraceuticals, the development for Spectramune process had, as a goal, the creation of a new approach to immune health support. An advanced screening process narrowed down the selection to 40 plants with potential for immune modulation. An optimal formulation was identified by systematic testing of potential combinations,” he said.
 
“The clinical work done in support of Spectramune shows an advanced ingredient that brings something new and exciting to the immune health space. Formulators of immune health products can use Spectramune as a foundational ingredient or in combination with existing formulas to address a wide range of a consumer’s immune health needs,” Flowerman continued.
 
Clinical Findings
 
In a four-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, healthy male and female subjects between 35 and 60 years old who self-identified with low perceived immune status consumed 500 mg/d of Spectramune versus a placebo. The study assessed both biomarkers and perceived immune status. 
 
Spectramune supplementation significantly increased serum IgG levels from baseline and compared to placebo, which suggests a humoral immune response. Spectramune also impacted key markers of cell-mediated immunity, including significant increases in total T cell population, CD4+ T cells, and improved balance of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, compared to placebo. 
 
Spectramune increased IFN-γ and improved Perceived Immune Function.  IFN-γ level were significantly increased both from baseline and compared to the placebo group. NK cells increased significantly from baseline, however, the difference was not significant compared to the placebo group.
 
Perceived immune status improved from baseline in both groups, however the improvement in the Spectramune group was significantly greater than that of placebo by 28 days.
 
According to Jennifer Murphy, director of innovation and clinical development for PLT, the results of this study offer intriguing potential for immune health product developers.
 
“So many immunity ingredients on the market – including those that are polysaccharides or other fibers from fungal sources – support the immune system in similar ways. Spectramune is a new, unique option that offers comprehensive immune support that is the result of a synergistic blend of phytochemicals distinct from the usual suspects. Studying subjects with a low perceived immune status allowed us to demonstrate the immune modulating benefits in healthy subjects, who reported feeling significantly better at the completion of the study,” she said.
 
“This is an ingredient that people can take every day in a broad range of delivery systems and know they are getting the support they need.”