Common Cold

The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. People afflicted with a cold often cough and sneeze, are fatigued, and have runnying noses, sore throats, congestion and a low-grade fever. Although there is no specific drug that treats the common cold, there are steps that can be taken at the very first signs of symptoms that may help ward off infection. The key is to be aggressive: treat a potential infection as a full-blown illness, taking every precaution possible, including nutrients, hormones and sometimes drugs, along with getting as much sleep as possible. The virus most often responsible for the common cold is the rhinovirus. There are more than 110 different types of rhinovirus, making it impractical to figure out which one is causing any given infection. A healthy immune system is the body's main defense against viral infection. During infection with a cold, the virus comes into contact with mucous membranes in the nose or eyes. There, the virus attaches to receptors on epithelial cells. In response to infection, the immune system triggers a cascade of events, including release of inflammatory cytokines, fluid exudation, local swelling, increased mucous production and stimulation of sneeze and cough reflexes (Pitkaranta et al 1998).

One study demonstrated that nasal symptoms began 2 hours after exposure, while cough and sore throat symptoms began 10 to 12 hours after inoculation. In the early stages, the viral count is still low and by taking rapid action, it may be possible to help our body mount an effective immune response that prevents cold from worsening. Many of the symptoms of the common cold are caused by production of cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messengers that allow cells to communicate with one another. Rhinovirus infection can increase interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Subauste et al 1995). Elevated levels of these stimulatory cytokines attract white blood cells to the infected area and have direct effects on underlying tissues, producing commonly experienced symptoms like mucosal swelling, irritation and increased mucous production. Circulating cytokines also produce systemic signs and symptoms like fever, muscle aches, diminished appetite and fatigue.

Role of Noni

After infection, viruses causing the common cold multiply rapidly. Noni boosts the immune system and also has direct antiviral activity. Noni offers additional help by interfering with the inflammatory cascade.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) :

Noni contains rich amount of vitamin C. Multiple studies found that high doses of vitamin C alleviate common cold and flu symptoms, indicating that the vitamin does indeed have physiological effects on colds.

Zinc : Rhinoviruses attach to specific cell receptor sites in sinus and throat tissues, become lodged in the nose and throat and then replicate out of control. By binding to the same cell receptor sites as do cold viruses, zinc inhibits ability of rhinoviruses to take hold in body. Noni contains all trace minerals including zinc. Noni raises glutathione levels, a potent internal antioxidant.

DHEA and Melatonin :

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its metabolites demonstrated powerful immune-enhancing and antiviral effects. Phytosterols are the precursors of animal sterol. DHEA is one of the main animal sterols. Noni contains all the phytosterols that help in synthesis of human sterol DHEA.

Noni also stimulates the pineal body to secreat more melatonin in the blood. Melatonin has broad-spectrum immune-enhancing effects and specifically decreases viral load and prevents death in mice infected with certain viruses.

Recommended Dosage

Divine Noni Fruit Juice Concentrate

5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then

10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then

15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.