Immune support  detailed ingredient information and supporting studies:
It's important to know what each ingredient does and why we chose them.


L-Lysine HCL : L-Lysine is an essential amino acid that helps your pet's body produce antibodies, hormones, and enzymes that boost the immune system. It also helps with calcium absorption (for strong bones) and collagen production (for healthy skin). Dogs and cats with chronic viral infections have responded extremely well to L-Lysine, particularly cats who have FIV or feline herpes virus. 

Vitamin E (succinate): Many supplements include Vitamin E alpha-tocopheryl acetate, but we use Vitamin E succinate, the only form of Vitamin E that has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis (natural cell death) of cancer cells. It also appears to decrease the toxicity of normal, non-cancerous cells. Vitamin E succinate helps cancer cells revert back to their normal state and induces cancer cell death. It is also more easily accumulated in cancer cells. 

Omega-3 fatty acids : MMP enzymes make pets more susceptible to cancer by assisting in cell wall division. Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit those enzymes as well as reducing secretion of several cytokines that promote tumor growth, including tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a), interleukin 1B (IL-1B), IL-1a and IL-2. Omega-3 fatty acids are also much more difficult for cancer cells to use for energy. Animal studies suggest that Omega-3s may prevent or reduce cancer-related weight loss, appetite loss, and muscle wasting (collectively known as cachexia). In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended for pets with heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, and skin allergies. 

Maitake mushroom: Medicinal mushrooms have been used successfully for thousands of years. They contain beta-glucans which provide powerful polysaccharide compounds that have anti-viral and anti-tumor properties. Studies show that of all medicinal mushrooms, Maitake appears to be the most effective of all the medicinal mushrooms for pets with cancer. And it just so happens that most pets love the way  they taste.

Green tea extract (decaffeinated)A powerful antioxidant, green tea contains Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to help with autoimmune diseases, cancer, and regulating viral load. Though there are many studies showing the beneficial effects of green tea on humans, feeding GTE to pets is considered optimal, as heating the leaves may completely eliminate their autoimmune disease- and cancer-fighting properties.

Raspberry seed extract: Raspberry seed extract contains ellagic acid, which is a micro-nutrient contained in the seeds. Research shows that cancer cells exposed to ellagic acid do not survive and undergo a natural cell death. Each of our tablets contains 5 mg of ellagitannins, making this ingredient an extremely powerful cancer-fighting addition. Raspberry seed extract also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Olligomeric Proanthocyanidins: Proanthocyanidins found only in grape seeds and pine bark enhance T-helper cells (T-lymphocytes), which are essential to fighting autoimmune diseases as well as cancer. T-helper cells destroy virally infected cells as well as tumor cells. OPC's also contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, and is beneficial for your pet's circulation. While not all GSE and PBE are equally potent, we guarantee 95% OPC concentration.

IMPORTANT: While it is never recommended to feed dogs grapes, it is the skin and pulp of grapes (or anything in the currant family) which must be avoided, not the seeds. Grapeseed extract is safe and extremely beneficial for both dogs and cats!  

N-Acetyl-Cysteine:Cysteine is rapidly metabolized to glutathione, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and detoxifier in the body. Glutathione does not work well through direct supplementation; however, when it is metabolized from cysteine it is very effective in detoxifying harmful chemicals in the body. Recent studies have shown that cysteine stimulates the production of T4 white blood cells, which protect the immune system and are essential to fighting cancer and other autoimmune diseases.  

Coenzyme Q1: CO-Q10 is a potent antioxidant and is often included in supplements, but unfortunately we have rarely found it offered in the correct therapeutic levels in tandem with other essential immune system-supporting ingredients. It helps prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells and is tremendously helpful for immune stimulation. It is also excellent for periodontal (gum) care and essential for overall energy. 


  • Who is it good for?

It's been good for our pets, our clients' pets, even our veterinarian's pets.  It's been good for pets who have heart disease, allergies, and chronic infections. It's been particularly good for pets who have cancer, FIV, or feline herpes virus - our vet was amazed by the results and so were our clients when they saw how good Immune Support is at reducing the symptoms of these diseases and slowing the cancer process.

EnduraPet Immune Support is unique among immune support supplements because it’s recommended both for healthy pets and for pets whose immune system is somehow compromised. It is effective for both cats and dogs in the correct dosage (1/2 to 1 tablet for cats and small dogs, and 1 to 3 tablets for large dogs). 

It's good for your peace of mind, because you know exactly what you're giving your pet and how the ingredients are working together to build a stronger, more enduring immune system that's prepared to put up a strong fight against immune-related diseases. 

It's good for just about any pet, but most importantly - it's just plain good. Our supplements are made with the highest quality, tested  and re-tested ingredients. We always know that every ingredient we put into our supplement is of the highest quality and from a trusted source. We treat our pets with as much care and devotion as we would treat our children – and we know you feel the same. 

  • How Immune Support can help specific conditions:

Cancer: (osteosarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell, mamary carcinoma etc) Immune Support cannot cure or stop cancer – sadly, no one has managed to find a cure for this disease that claims so many beloved pets. However, Immune Support can help your pet build a stronger immune system, which can help slow the progression of cancer and alleviate many of the symptoms that may be causing your pet pain or distress. Our clients have found that their pets remain alert and enthusiastic about eating, walking, and snuggling with you for much longer than their vets’ diagnoses about the progression of the cancer. It also offers important cardioprotective support for pets undergoing radiation therapy. 

Heart Disease : Heart disease in pets is generally caused by a weakening of the heart muscle, which means it cannot properly fill or empty the ventricles. Immune Support helps relax the heart muscle and improve heart function overall with CO-Q10. The boost of antioxidants from green tea extract, raspberry seed extract, and grapeseed extract improve circulation and absorption to ease heart problems. 

FIV and Feline Herpes (in cats): Protecting the immune system is absolutely crucial for cats with feline immunodeficiency virus or feline herpes. Immune Support is designed to enhance every aspect of the immune system and give it outside assistance when it is compromised. Cats with weak immune systems tend to be more susceptible to outbreaks of feline herpes, and the ingredients in our Immune Support can reduce the outbreaks drastically or even eliminate them entirely. 

Skin and Coat Problems: While the first culprit of skin and coat problems is generally diet, a compromised immune system can also contribute significantly. A dull coat and flaky skin are usually signs that your pet’s immune system is imbalanced, and Immune Support can help by improving the overall strength of the immune system and helping it to regulate properly. 

As good as our Immune Support is, we must remind you that it is of utmost importance that you tell your vet everything you are giving your pet. Even if your vet does not believe in natural supplements, you must make sure everything your pet is taking is disclosed.  Most vets do keep up with the benefits of the ingredients in our products, and we have several vets who carry and recommend Immune Support to their clients, so it is likely that your vet will be glad you have added this powerful aid to your pets diet.

 In addition, please remember that while we have years of experience and can offer some suggestions and support, we are not vets and we do not have your pet’s entire health history at our disposal, so it is important to consult with your vet on all matters. 

Supporting Research on the Active Ingredients in Mobility Plus:

L-Lyseine

American Journal of Veterinary Research 64:1, 37-42 : David J. Maggs , Mark P. Nasisse , Philip H. Kass . (2003) Efficacy of oral supplementation with L-lysine in cats latently infected with feline herpesvirus.

American Journal of Veterinary Research 70:11, 1391-1400 (2009) : Tracy L. Drazenovich, Andrea J. Fascetti, Hans D. Westermeyer, Jane E. Sykes, Mike J. Bannasch, Philip H. Kass, Kate F. Hurley, David J. Maggs. Effects of dietary lysine supplementation on upper respiratory and ocular disease and detection of infectious organisms in cats within an animal shelter.

American Journal of Veterinary Research,2002;63;99-103 Jean Stiles, DVM,MS; Wendy Townsend DVM;Quinton M. Rogers, PhD; Sheryl G. Krohne,DVM,MS: Effect of Oral administration of L-Lysine on conjunctivitiscaused by feline herpesvirus in cats

Vitamin E Succinate:

Clinical Cancer Research, journal for the American Association for Cancer Research 2002 Mar;8(3):863-9:Weber T, Lu M, Andera L, Lahm H, Gellert N, Fariss MW, Korinek V, Sattler W, Ucker DS, Terman A, Schröder A, Erl W, Brunk UT, Coffey RJ, Weber C, Neuzil J: Vitamin E succinate is a potent novel antineoplastic agent with high selectivity and cooperativity with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2 ligand) in vivo.

2006 Apr Journal of Biological Chemistry Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center:  Chung-Wai Shiau, Jui-Wen Huang, Da-Sheng Wang, Chih-Cheng Yang, Chia-Hui Lin and Chenglong Li: Vitamin E succinate, or alpha tocopheryl succinate kills cancer cells by causing them to undergo apoptosis by blocking a protein called Bcl-xL

Maitake Mushroom Powder (Grifola frondosa)

Food Reviews International, 11(1), 135-149 (1995): T Mizuno and C Zhuang: Maitake, Grifola Frondosa: Pharmacological Effects.
 Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2002;237129-237136: Talpur NA, Echard BW, Fan AY, Antihypertensive and metabolic effects of whole Maitake mushroom powder and its fractions in two rat strains.

Journal of Immunology. 2004;173:797-806:Hong F, Yan J, Baran JT, et al. Mechanism by which orally administered beta-1,3-glucans enhance the tumoricidal activity of antitumor monoclonal antibodies in murine tumor models.
 Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2006 Oct 4;54(20):7564-9.Lin JT, Liu WH: omicron-Orsellinaldehyde from the Submerged Culture of the Edible Mushroom Grifola frondosa Exhibits Selective Cytotoxic Effect Against Hep 3B Cells Through Apoptosis..

American Journal ofChinese Medicine.[#2008-02]  2008;36(2):265-85. Lo HC, Hsu TH, Chen CY: Submerged culture mycelium and broth of Grifola frondosa improve glycemic responses in diabetic rats.

Omega 3 fatty acids:

  • Cardiovascular benefits:

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine: 2006 Sep-Oct;20(5):1116-26.Freeman LM, Rush JE, Markwell PJ. Effects of dietary modification in dogs with early chronic valvular disease.

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology (Canada), 1997, 75/3 (234-239):Simopoulos A.P:omega3 fatty acids in the prevention-management of cardiovascular disease

Circulation. 1999 May 11;99(18):2452-7:  Billman GE, Kang JX, Leaf A: Prevention of sudden cardiac death by dietary pure omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs.

  • Immune benefits:

Veterinary Therapeutics 2005 Spring;6(1):29-42 :Filburn CR, Griffin D: Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: characterization and potential benefits.

American Journal of Veterinary Research 1998; 59:859-863:Mooney MA, Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Powers RD, Wright JC, Hoffman CE, Swaim SF, Baker HJ: Evaluation of the effects of n-3 fatty acid-containing diets on the inflammatory stage of wound healing in dogs.

Journal of Nutrition 1997;127:1198-1205:Wander RC, Hall JA, Gradin JL, Du S-H, Jewell DE: The ratio of dietary (n-6) to (n-3) fatty acids influences immune system function, eicosanoid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and vitamin E status in aged dogs.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology1999 Aug 2;69(2-4):165-83:Kearns RJ, Hayek MG, Turek JJ, Meydani M, Burr JR, Greene RJ, Marshall CA, Adams SM, Borgert RC, Reinhart GA: Effect of age, breed and dietary omega-6 (n-6): omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid ratio on immune function, eicosanoid production, and lipid peroxidation in young and aged dogs.

  • Dermatalogical Support (also see immune benefits)

American Journal of Veterinary Research 1998; 59:859-863:Mooney MA, Vaughn DM, Reinhart GA, Powers RD, Wright JC, Hoffman CE, Swaim SF, Baker HJ: Evaluation of the effects of n-3 fatty acid-containing diets on the inflammatory stage of wound healing in dogs.

Vet Rec. 1999 Apr 10;144(15):405-7: Harvey RG. A blinded, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of borage seed oil and fish oil in the management of canine atopy.



Green Tea Extract (GTE) :

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000; 71(6 Suppl):1698S–1702S Mukhtar H, Ahmad N. Tea polyphenols: Prevention of cancer and optimizing health. 

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry  2004;52(11):3661-5.Vinson JA, Teufel K, Wu N: Green and black teas inhibit atherosclerosis by lipid, antioxidant, and fibrinolytic mechanisms.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2004; 80(6):1558–1564:  SM, Niu Y, Lee NH, et al. Bioavailability and antioxidant activity of tea flavanols after consumption of green tea, black tea, or a green tea extract supplement

Journal of Nutrition 2003; 133(10):3262S–3267SLambert JD, Yang CS. Mechanisms of cancer prevention by tea constituents.
Leukemia(journal) 2000;14:1477-1482:  Bertolini F, Fusetti L, Rabascio C et al. Inhibition of angiogenesis and induction of endothelial and tumor cell apoptosis by green tea in animal models of human high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  

Experimental Gerontology 2008 Mar;43(3):176-83. Epub 2007 Nov 7: Senthil Kumaran V, Arulmathi K, Srividhya R, Kalaiselvi P: Repletion of antioxidant status by EGCG and retardation of oxidative damage induced macromolecular anomalies in aged rats.

International Heart Journal: 2007 Nov;48(6):725-32: Inami S, Takano M, Yamamoto M, Murakami D, Tajika K, Yodogawa K, Yokoyama S, Ohno N, Ohba T, Sano J, Ibuki C, Seino Y, Mizuno K.Tea catechin consumption reduces circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein.

Raspberry Seed Extract:

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~sfgnet/ellagic.html

Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA. 1998 Sep;42(9):2245-53: Low concentrations of quercetin and ellagic acid synergistically influence proliferation, cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MOLT-4 human leukemia cells.

Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) Letters  2003 Jun 5;544(1-3):252-7: Atalay M, Gordillo G, Roy S, Rovin B, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Sen CK: Anti-angiogenic property of edible berry in a model of hemangioma.

Carcinogenesis 4:1651-1653, 1983.Lesca, P: Protective effects of ellagic acid and other plant phenols on benzo(a)pyrene-induced neoplasia in mice.

Japan Journal of Cancer Research (Gann) 79:1297-1303, 1988.: Tanaka, T; Iwata, H; Niwa, K; Mori, Y; Mori, H: Inhibitory effect of ellagic acid on N-2-fluoenylacetamide-induced liver carcinogenesis in male AC1/N rats.

Carcinogenesis 6:1127-1133, 1985: Chang, RL, Hùang, MT; Wood, AW; Wong, CQ; Newmark, HL; Yagi H; Sayer, JM; Conney, AH: Effect of ellagic acid and hydroxylated flavonoids on the tumorigenicity of benzo(a)pyrene and (")-78ß,8a-dihydroxy-9a,10a-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene on mouse skin and in the newborn mouse.

Anticancer Research (journal of)  2001 Nov-Dec;21(6A):3903-8. Festa F, Aglitti T, Duranti G, Ricordy R, Perticone P, Cozzi R. Strong antioxidant activity of ellagic acid in mammalian cells in vitro revealed by the comet assay.
Nutrition and Cancer 1992;18:181-9: Boukharta M, Jalbert G, Castonguay A. Biodistribution of ellagic acid and dose-related inhibition of lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice.

Xenobiotica 1980;10:247-56 Doyle B, Griffiths LA. The metabolism of ellagic acid in the rat.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (GSE and Pine Bark Extract)

  • Antioxidant benefits:

Plant Med Phytother 1989; 4:267-74: Meunier M, Duroux E, Bastide P. Free-radical scavenger activity of procyanidolic oligomers and anthocyanosides with respect to superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation.

Biotechnol Ther 1994; 5:117-26:Rong Y, Li L, Shah V, Lau BH. Pycnogenol protects vascular endothelial cells from t-butyl hydroperoxide induced oxidant injury.

Redox Report 1997; 3:219-24:Wei Z, Peng Q, Lau B. Pycnogenol enhances endothelial cell antioxidant defenses.


FEBS Lett 1998; 431:315-8: Virgili F, Kim D, Packer L. Procyanidins extracted from pine bark protect alphatocopherol in ECV 304 endothelial cells challenged by activated RAW 264.7 macrophages: role of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.


Drug Devel Industr Pharm 1998; 24:139-44Nelson A, Lau B, IDe N, Rong Y. Pycnogenol inhibits macrophage oxidative burst, lipoprotein oxidation, and hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage.

    Increases resistance to joint degradation:
Path Biol 1990; 38:601-7: Robert A, Groult N, Six C, Robert L. Study of the effect of procyanidolic oligomers on mesenchymal cells in culture. II Attachment of elastic fibers to the cells.

Path 1990; Biol:6. Robert L, Godeau G, Gavignet-Jeannin C, Groult N, Six C, Robert A. Action of procyanidolic oligomers on vascular permeability. A study by quantitative morphology.

  • Immune benefits:

Life Science 1996; 58:87-96: Cheshier JE, Ardestani-Kaboudanian S, Liang B, et al. Immunomodulation by pycnogenol in retrovirus-infected or ethanol-fed mice.

Free Radical Biological Medicine 2000;28:219-27: Bito T, Roy S, Sen CK, Packer L. Pine bark extract pycnogenol downregulates IFN-gamma-induced adhesion of T cells to human keratinocytes by inhibiting inducible ICAM-1 expression.

Cellular Molecular Life Sci 1998;54:1168-72Liu FJ, Zhang YX, Lau BH. Pycnogenol enhances immune and haemopoietic functions in senescence-accelerated mice.


Cysteine
 
FASEB J. 11:1077-1089: Droge and Holm (1997)Cysteine and glutathione in catabolic conditions and immunological dysfunction.

Alt Med Rev 1998;3(2):114-127: Gregory S. Kelly, N.D. Clinical Applications of N-acetylcysteine

International Immuninology. (United Kingdom), 1993, 5/1 (97-101): N-Acetylcysteine enhances T cell functions and T cell growth in culture

FASEB (UNITED STATES) Apr 1 1994, 8 (6) p448-51 Effect of glutathione depletion and oral N-acetyl-cysteine treatment on CD4+ and CD8+ cells.

Clinical Immunology Immunopathology (UNITED STATES) Jun 1994, 71 (3) p333-7 Inhibition with N-acetylcysteine of enhanced production of tumor necrosis factor in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Coenzyme Q-10:

  • Neurological benefits:

Proceedings of the NAtional Academy of Sciences (USA:MA Gen and Hrvad med schools)1998 Jul 21;95(15):8892-7: Matthews RT, Yang L, Browne S, Baik M, Beal MF: Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects.

Free Radic Res. 2002 Apr;36(4):455-60: Coenzyme Q10 as a possible treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Immune benefits:

Journal of Refractive Surgery. 2002 Mar-Apr;18(2):135-9: Brancato R, Fiore T, Papucci L, Schiavone N, Formigli L, Orlandini SZ, Gobbi PG, Carones F, Donnini M, Lapucci A, Capaccioli S. Concomitant effect of topical ubiquinone Q10 and vitamin E to prevent keratocyte apoptosis after excimer laser photoablation in rabbits

Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention (APJCP) 7 (4): 599–603: Sakano, K; Takahashi, M; Kitano, M; Sugimura, T; Wakabayashi, K (2006). Suppression of azoxymethane-induced colonic premalignant lesion formation by coenzyme Q10 in rats

  • Cardiovacular benefits:

Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Jul;21(7):797-806: Tran MT, Mitchell TM, Kennedy DT, Giles JT. Role of coenzyme Q10 in chronic heart failure, angina, and hypertension.

Journal of Association of Physicians India. 1998 Mar;46(3):299-306: Singh RB, Niaz MA, Rastogi V, Rastogi SS. Coenzyme Q in cardiovascular disease.

  • Periodontal benefits:

Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology 14 (4): 715–9 Wilkinson, EG; Arnold, RM; Folkers, K (1976):  Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. VI. adjunctive treatment of periodontal disease with coenzyme Q10

Journal of Dental Health (1993): McRee JT, Hanioka T, Shizukuishi S, Folkers K  Therapy with coenzyme Q10 for patients with periodontal disease