Form & Function

Typically, when you think of supporting your immune system, thoughts of fresh fruits and  vegetables, adequate sleep or consumption of additional oral supplements like vitamin C, zinc, or probiotics are common. But there are other ways to support your immune system. 

Soft tissue in your mouth that composes the inside of your lips and cheeks is known as buccal tissue. Research has shown that it is a vital component of overall immunity.The buccal mucosal immune system defends against a vast array of pathogens, as it is the gateway to both the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts (11). Commensal microbiota in the oral cavity have been shown to play crucial roles in the development and conditioning of local immunity at barrier sites, with specific microbes playing significant roles in tailoring immune cell function (11,12). Our mucosal immune system must prevent pathogen entry while maintaining immune homeostasis, which is achieved via a range of mechanisms also used by the gastrointestinal immune system (11). More broadly, specific adaptations in the immune cell populations reflect the specialized tissue-specific cues operating in the oral environment (12).

Applied Research & Clinical Studies

While this is still an active research interest, there are several studies supporting enhancing the oral mucosa to support immune health. The oral mucosa, in particular the sublingual and buccal regions, are attractive sites for the delivery of antigens due to their accessibility, non-invasive nature, and  immunological advantages over other routes. Vaccine administration via sublingual activation is an effective way to stimulate immunity (5). 

Saliva is an easily accessible biological fluid that can stimulate the immune response. Saliva contains 2 important immunoglobulins: secretory IgA (SIgA) and IgG. Salivary IgG is derived from the bloodstream through leakage from the gingival epithelium, although some may be locally produced in the gingiva or salivary glands. Despite the common practice, enteric immunostimulation may not be the best way to activate the production of salivary IgA antibodies. Parotid sIgA, on the other hand, can be induced in the tonsils (human NALT) and cervical lymph nodes (6).

B. subtilis improves intestinal homeostasis and enhances innate immune response as well as disease resistance, By inducing B-defensins (4).Supplementation with 2 billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis HU58 reduces IL-6 by 45% and TNF-α by 55%, is well tolerated and safe for consumption in humans (3).

Human clinical trials conducted with Biocidin® show that this botanical mixture can support the immune system. Biocidin botanical throat spray can increase SIgA post-exercise (2). One of Biocidin’s main ingredients, Echinacea purpurea has long been known to improve symptoms, duration and prevention of common cold compared to placebo (9). Echinacea supplementation led to high T cell proliferation in spleen, increased percentages of CD49+ and CD19+ lymphocytes in spleen, increased natural killer cell cytotoxicity, increased interferon-alpha, and reduced TNFa and IL-1B (8). Echinacea also reduces mucin secretions, protects lung tissue by preserving cell viability and cilia, and reduces production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. May improve natural killer cell activity and phagocytic activity of macrophages. In vitro studies show that echinacea exerts bactericidal activity against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Propionibacterium acnes, Clostridium difficile, and Candida albicans (10). 200mg of Echinacea purpurea per day promotes HPV viral clearance and reduces relapse of genital condylomatosis (7).

The number of studies completed on each individual herb in Biocidin®, joined with overwhelming support from the scientific community, provides abundant evidence for the use of these herbs in supporting the body’s immune system. Combined with the immune-supporting functions of Bacillus subtilis HU58 and Bacillus coagulans SC-208, MegaCidin™ is a preferred, oral probiotic product for healthy immune function.