Phytocidal provides a blend of potent botanicals to promote healthy microbial balance and immune support for those with high spirochete load. Spirochetes are bacteria that have evolved a unique spiral shape and rotational motility that is highly effective at moving through tissue barriers. They use their unique chemotactic sensors to locate nutrients and employ toxin avoidance behaviors. Spirochetes are often spread by tick bites and accompanied by associated microbes that can make recovery especially challenging. Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extract Andrographis paniculata is a plant that has been used in Asian medicine for centuries for its broad range of health-promoting properties. Traditionally, the plant has been used as an infusion, decoction or powder, either alone or in combination with other herbs. Recent studies have shown that, when compared to other phenolic compounds, Andrographis induced the highest activation of Nrf2, which helps reduce oxidative stress, quench free radicals, maintain endothelial health and support mitochondrial function. In another study, Andrographis demonstrated strong activity against spirochetes. Cat’s Claw Cat's claw is an herbal medicine derived from the bark of the Uncaria tomentosa vine, and is used for its inflammatory support and immune-balancing effects. It has demonstrated support for fever and fatigue by suppressing TNF-alpha synthesis and raising CD57 counts. In other studies, cat’s claw has shown strong activity against spirochetes. Japanese Knotweed Resveratrol, the most well-researched stilbene, is an antioxidant found in many plants and red wines. Studies of resveratrol have found it to enhance the potential of antioxidant and detoxification activity through Nrf2 activation. Other studies have linked resveratrol to improving blood sugar balance, maintaining normal inflammatory balance and reducing oxidative stress. In other studies, Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) demonstrated strong activity against spirochetes as well as other associated microbes. Sweet Wormwood Artemisia annua, or sweet wormwood, is a fern-like plant commonly found throughout Asia, and artemisinin is its active constituent. Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone shown to have strong microbial-balancing properties. It is known to interfere with microbial metabolism by causing structural changes to unfriendly organisms that prevent them from maturing in the body. In other studies, artemisinin demonstrated potent activity against spirochetes and associated microbes.
