Artemis Kids Virogone | 200ml

Artemis Kids Virogone

What is Kids Virogone?

Kids ViroGone is a liquid tonic containing natural herbal ingredients that support a healthy immune system. The easy to use liquid formula is based on ancient herbs that were used to treat symptoms of colds and flu, and can be used today to help your kids little bodies fight infection naturally.

Why use Kids Virogone?

Supporting a healthy immune system is important for kids, especially in winter when they are more susceptible to nasty bugs that cause ills and chills and can make kids feel unwell and miserable. Kids ViroGone contains a range of natural herbal ingredients that support a healthy immune system and some of the herbs used in Kids ViroGone have been used as a remedy for colds and flu for thousands of years. Kids ViroGone liquid provides a natural broad-spectrum immune shield against infection to enable their little body’s natural defences to work at their best, as well as soothe symptoms like a sore throat.

What are the Key Benefits of Kids Virogone?

• Traditional medicinal plant formula 
• Provides natural support for a healthy immune system
• Helps prevent winter illnesses in kids
• Suitable for babies and young children
• Contains herbs that are antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant
• Natural sweet flavouring that is palatable for kids
• All ingredients are GE free and vegan
• Does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Does not contain added colours, flavours, preservatives, gluten, wheat or dairy

What is an immunomodulator?

The immune system is the body’s natural defence against invasion by environmental pathogens, like bacteria, viruses and parasites, and is a complex process that involves many cell types that produce an array of chemical mediators like cytokines and interferon; also antibodies. The various components of the immune system work together with the aim of recognising foreign invaders from self and destroying the invader. An immunomodulator is a substance (chemical or herbal) that affects the way the immune system works either by stimulating it (immunostimulant) or suppressing it (Immunosuppressant). Several plants have been found to contain chemicals with immunomodulatory properties and they may have a role to play in fighting infection^{1, 2.}

What is an expectorant?

Thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and passages of the airways (phlegm) causes irritation and is difficult to cough up. An expectorant helps thin and loosen this phlegm, which makes it easier to cough up and clear the airways.

What are the Ingredients of Kids ViroGone?

The herbal ingredients of Kids ViroGone oral liquid contain a natural vegetable glycerin base, which also contains ethanol and apple cider vinegar.

Key Ingredients:

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea):

Echinacea is a flowing plant belonging to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family native to North America and used as a traditional medicine by Native Americans for many ailments including toothache, upper respiratory infections and bowel pain; also to treat insect and snake bites. Clinical studies have supported some of these traditional uses for Echinacea demonstrating immunomodulatory properties as an immunostimulant, for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections^3. Animal and in vitro studies have shown that Echinacea extracts demonstrate antiviral and immunomodulatory activity and stimulate cytokine (chemical messengers involved in the immune response) and antibody production by specific cells of the immune system™ Chemicals that contribute to the immunomodulatory activity of Echinacea extracts include alkamides, glycoproteins, polysaccharides and caffeic acid derivatives7. Several studies have demonstrated that alkamides are involved in the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea extracts in vitro and in vivo^{4, 5.} Reviews of a large number of clinical studies have indicated a trend toward a beneficial effect of Echinacea in preventing and treating the common cold due to rhinovirus infections7 and suggested a decrease in the incidence and duration of the common cold^{8, 9.}

Elderflower blossom (Sambucus nigra):

Elder is a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family that is a native of Europe and North America, and also known as Black Elder. The Elder tree has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times for treating colds, flu and fever and other respiratory problems. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. In contemporary medicine Elderberry extract is used as an alternative treatment for the common cold, influenza and Herpes virus infections^10. Various extracts of elderflower and elder berries were tested for their antimicrobial activity against a range of pathogens and found to be effective against several bacteria including Streptococcus and Branhamella catarrhalis, which cause infections of the upper respiratory tract; also methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA^{10, 11, 12.} In a clinical study extract of the Elder plant was found to improve symptoms in volunteers with early stages of flu^13. The flower and berry of the Elder is rich in polyphenols particularly flavonoids that have potent antiinflamatory and antioxidant properties and boost the immune system^14.

Lemon Oil (Citrus limon oleum):

Lemon oil is a volatile oil that is obtained from the peel of lemons, the fruit of the small tree belonging to the Rutaceae family that is native to India but now cultivated in many countries bordering the Mediterranean and further afield. Citrus fruits have been used for centuries as antidotes for poisons and venoms. They are rich in dietary fibre, vitamin C, phenols, and flavonoids, and their essential oil is used for insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications^15. Essential oils of citrus fruits contain several bioactive compounds particularly the monoterpene limonene as well as others like pinene and terpinene^{16, 17.} Animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties associated with limonene16. Monoterpenes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating (stimulates the immune system) and antinociceptive (pain blocking) properties. The ability to block the sensation of pain may explain the soothing use of lemon oil for a sore throat^18.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra):

Licorice is derived from the root of the herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Legume family. It is native to Parts of Europe and Asia and the dried roots of the Licorice have been used in traditional medicine for many ailments particularly peptic ulcers and liver disease^19.
Licorice contains the sweet saponin glycyrrhizic acid that has a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities including anti-inflammatory properties, and it is thought to contribute to protecting the stomach fromirritation and spasm and relieving indigestion^20.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):

Thyme is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae and is cultivated in most European countries and grown the world over for its medicinal properties. Thyme has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times as a decongestant, for the treatment of respiratory disorders like breathing difficulty and coughing, mouth infections and intestinal problems. In contemporary herbal medicine Thyme is used for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which support resistance to infection and help maintain healthy mucus membranes. The essential oils extracted from Thyme, mainly thymol, and its other bioactive components, which include monoterpenes, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids, contribute to it many medicinal properties^{21, 22, 23.}

What are the Contraindications/Interactions of Kids ViroGone?

There are no documented herb-drug interactions within the recommended dosage. However, you should always check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you develop any irritation or allergy while taking Kids ViroGone. Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.

What are the Directions for using Kids ViroGone?

Dosage:

For immediate support:

Give the following doses to your child up to five times daily.
0-12 months:  0.5-1ml
1-2 years:   1-2.5mls
2-6 years:  2.5-6mls

For preventative use:

Give the following doses to your child once daily
0-12 months:  0.5-1ml
1-2 years:   1-2.5mls
2-6 years:  2.5-6mls

Special instructions

• Shake well before use. 
• Store out of direct sunlight and in a cool place.

Product Size

200ml

References

The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:

1. Singh N, Tailang M and Mehta SC: A Review on Herbal Plants as Immunomodulators. Int J Pharm Sci Res 2016; 7(9): 3602-10.doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.7(9).3602-10
2. Jantan I, Waqas Ahmad W, Bukhari SNA. Plant-derived immunomodulators: an insight on their preclinical evaluation and clinical trials. Front Plant Sci 2015; 6: 655.
3. Barnes J, Anderson LA, Gibbons S, Phillipson JD. Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt.,Echinaceapurpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. J Pharm Pharmacol.2005 Aug;57(8):929-54.
4. Bodinet C, Lindequist U, Teuscher E, Freudenstein J. Effect of an orally applied herbal immunomodulator on cytokine induction and antibody response in normal and immunosuppressed mice. Phytomedicine 2002, vol 9 issue 7, 606-613.
5. Manayi A, Vazirian M, Saeidnia S. Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods. Pharmacogn Rev 2015 Jan-Jun;9(17):63-72. 
6. Woelkart K, Bauer R. The role of alkamides as an active principle of echinacea. Planta Med. 2007 Jun;73(7):615-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17538868
7. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 Feb 20;(2):CD000530. 
8. Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, Rinaldi M, Coleman CI. Evaluation of Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007 Jul;7(7):473-80.
9. Ross SM. Echinaceapurpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold. Holist Nurs Pract 2016 Jan-Feb;30(1):54-7. 
10. Zakay-Rones Z, Thom E, Wollan T, Wadstein J. Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. J Int Med Res. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(2):132-40.
11. Hearst C, McCollum G, Nelson D, Ballard LM, Millar BC, et al. Antibacterial activity of elder (sambucus nigra l.) flower or berry against hospital pathogens. Journal of medicinal plants research 2010; 4(17): 1805–1809.
12. Krawitz C, Mraheil MA, Stein M, Imirzalioglu C, Domann E, Pleschka S, Hain T. Inhibitory activity of a standardized elderberry liquid extract against clinically-relevant human respiratory bacterial pathogens and influenza A and B viruses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Feb 25;11:16. 
13. King H.F., Pilot clinical study on a proprietary elderberry extract: efficacy in addressing influenza symptoms, Online Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics, 2009; 5: 32-43
14. Sidor A., Gramza-Michałowska A. Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food—A review. J. Funct. Foods. 2014;18B:941–958.
15. Ariasa BA, Ramon-Lacab L. Pharmacological properties of citrus and their ancient and medieval uses in the Mediterranean region. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005; 97: 89–95.
16. Amorim JL, Simas DLR, Pinheiro MMG, Moreno DSA, Alviano CS, da Silva AJR, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Chemical Characterization of the Essential Oils of Four Citrus Species. PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0153643 April 18, 2016
17. Lota ML, Serra DR, Tomi FL, Jacquemond C, Casanova J. Volatile components of peel and leaf oils of lemon and lime species. J Agric Food Chem. 2002; 50: 796–805.
18. de Cássia da Silveira e Sá R, Andrade LN, de Sousa DP. A Review on Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Monoterpenes. Molecules 2013, 18, 1227-1254.
19. Li J-y, Cao H-y, Liu P, Cheng G-h, Sun M-y. Glycyrrhizic Acid in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Literature Review. BioMed Research International, Volume 2014, Article ID 872139, 15 pages
20. Schröfelbauer B, Raffetseder J, Hauner M, Wolkerstorfer A, Ernst W, Szolar OH. Glycyrrhizin, the main active compound in liquorice, attenuates pro-inflammatory responses by interfering with membrane-dependent receptor signalling. Biochem J. 2009 Jul 15;421(3):473-82. 
21. Reddy P, Kandisa RV, Varsha PV, Satyam S. Review on Thymus vulgaris Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Properties. Med Aromat Plants 2014, 3:3
22. Dauqan EMA, Abdullah A. Medicinal and Functional Values of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Herb. Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology Vol. 5 (02), pp. 017-022, March-April, 2017 
23. Hosseinzadeh S, Kukhdan AJ, Hosseini A, Armand R. The Application of Thymus vulgaris in Traditional and Modern Medicine: A Review. Global Journal of Pharmacology 9 (3): 260-266, 2015.