A New Generation Herbal Therapeutic for Blocking Viruses - The Blockade™† Story
By Taryn Forrelli, ND
Viruses have always been a bit of an enigma. Scientists hesitate to call them living since they cannot replicate without the aid of a host cell, yet they seem to exhibit an intelligence that suggests otherwise. Drugs to stop them have been difficult to develop, and given their strong ability to mutate in unpredictable ways, vaccinations do not always guarantee protection. We do not even know their precise origins. What we do know, however, is that viruses pose a serious threat to our health and our national security, and that safe and effective therapies are in high demand. So, when New Chapter, Inc., the fastest growing manufacturer of natural herbals and herbal therapeutics heard that a team of scientists developed an all-natural herbal extract that blocks up to 100% of viral replication in laboratory studies, they jumped at the opportunity to partner with them to bring Blockade™ to the market.*
The dark black berries from the elder shrub have been used as a healthy and therapeutic food since 5 BC. There is record of the ancient Greeks and Romans using elderberry to shorten the severity and duration of respiratory distress, and in Europe, where the tree is native, it is consumed throughout the winter season to promote immune health. Clinical trials conducted within the past twelve years have supported the traditional use of elderberry, but it remained unclear how elderberry might work in human health.
With this question in mind, a team of virologists began screening different extracts of elderberry for virus-blocking activity. The samples were all extracted without solvents like hexane, instead using carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, a method considered to be far superior to traditional solvent extraction since it removes and preserves more of the phytochemicals found in the whole herb without exposing it to damaging heat, oxygen or chemicals. To their amazement, the researchers found an extract that could inhibit up to 100% replication of enveloped viruses (like influenza).* They named the extract ViraBloc®and proceeded to determine its chemical profile or “fingerprint” using a state-of-the-art analytical tool called DART (Direct Analysis in Real Time) mass spectrometry. Their goal was to identify which of the 1000+ constituents in ViraBloc™ were responsible for the virus blocking activity (i.e. bioactives) and to be able to enrich the extract in the key bioactives and ensure that every extract possessed the desired phytochemical profile. In doing so, the researchers could guarantee that every serving of the product would be consistent, whether it is from the same bottle or one purchased years prior. Until now, this type of dose-to-dose reliability was only available from pharmaceutical companies, via isolated synthetic chemicals, not whole herbal extracts.
Success! Further testing revealed that the bioactives in Blockade with ViraBloc® belong to a class of phytochemicals known as flavonoids, phytochemicals which are also responsible for the powerful antioxidant and cell protective properties of many fruits and vegetables. It was determined that the bioactives bind to specific proteins present on the surface of envelope viruses that are required for attachment and entry into host cells (human cells). By literally coating the virus, Blockade blocks virus entry and hence blocks replication of the virus, which must occur inside the cell.* Blockade is a major breakthrough for herbal medicine; one that delivers for the first time the full potential therapeutic intelligence of elderberry.
Since viruses waste no time replicating once they enter the body, delivering the immune enhancing properties of Blockade™,in the form of a blueberry-flavored lozenge, allows for extremely rapid absorption of the bioactives into the bloodstream. In fact, a study has confirmed that the bioactives in Blockade™ lozenges are absorbed into the bloodstream and are available to start blocking viruses within minutes of consumption.
With scientifically demonstrated reliability and effectiveness on its side, New Chapter’s Blockade™, with ViraBloc® promises to be a popular ally for its immune and respiratory health benefits throughout the winter months.* It can be used prophylactically or acutely to shorten the severity and duration of seasonal stressors, and it is safe for children and pregnant women too!*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
†In accordance with US regulations, this product is not intended to treat cold or flu. Human results may differ from laboratory studies.
