.
The influenza vaccine is given by injection to help prevent influenza (flu), particularly in people with compromised immune systems. The vaccine is altered yearly to correspond to mutations in the flu virus.
Interactions with Herbs
Asian ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
In a randomized, double-blind study, 227 people received influenza vaccine plus 100 mg of
standardized extract of Asian ginseng or placebo two times per day for four weeks before and
eight weeks after influenza vaccination.1 Compared with placebo, Asian ginseng
extract was reported to prevent colds and flu,
improve immune cell activity, and increase antibody levels after vaccination.
Eleuthero
Some Russian studies suggest that eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) may reduce the risk of
postvaccination reactions.2
Summary of Interactions for Influenza Vaccine
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | Eleuthero* |
| Supportive interaction | Asian ginseng* |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
References:
1. Scaglione F, Cattaneo G, Alessandria M, Cogo R. Efficacy and safety of the standardized ginseng extract G 115 for potentiating vaccination against common cold and/or influenza syndrome. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1996;22:65–72.
2. Zykov MP, Protasova SF. Prospects of immunostimulating vaccination against influenza including the use of Eleutherococcus and other preparations of plants. In New Data on Eleutherococcus: Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Eleutherococcus, Moscow, 1984, 164–9.
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