to cause disease. The immune system is
made up of two components: the innate
and adaptive immune system. The
microbiome is a critical component of
innate immunity. Innate immunity refers
the immune system responses that are
present from birth versus adaptive
immunity. Adaptive immunity is
learned/acquired through exposure to
various microorganisms during life.
The microbiome is a very important
component of innate immune system
defense. Microflora in the body affect a
number of things including immune
response maturation, protection against
pathogenic invasion and overgrowth, and
modulation between inflammation and
homeostasis. For example beneficial
bacteria found on the skin produce an
antimicrobial peptide that protects us
from growth of a pathogenic bacteria,
Staphylococcus aureus. If this beneficial
bacteria becomes deficient it can be a
main cause of atopic dermatitis (a
common type of eczema) (12). It is also
thought that alterations in the diversity,
composition, and/or metabolites of the
microbiome may play a role in the
development of various diseases and
conditions including asthma, atopic
dermatitis, food allergies, inflammatory
bowel disease, cardiovascular disease,
and other systemic inflammatory diseases
(13-16).
Role of the Intestines and the Human
Microbiome
Besides harboring the largest number of
microflora the intestines play a key role
in the human microbiome. Numerous
factors influence gut microflora including
drugs, exercise, food, and pathogenic
infections. These same factors influence
the fetus in utero and during infancy. In
addition to the role of diet on the
composition of gut microflora, the
example fecal transplantat as an
emerging treatment for antibiotic-
resistant infection underscores the role of
microflora and the delicate balance that
must be maintained in the human body.
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a
pathogenic bacteria that most commonly
causes antibiotic-associated diarrhea
(AAD). C. diff was identified in 1978 as
the most common causative organism of
AAD (17). Between 1989 and 1992 a
strain of C.diff became highly resistant to
the antibiotic clindamycin and C. diff was
implicated as the cause of a large
outbreak of diarrhea in four large
hospitals in the United States (18, 19).
Following this outbreak a new strain of C.
diff continued to be a significant
pathogen and resulted in numerous
occurrences of antibiotic-associated
diarrhea throughout the North America
and Europe. This time the class of
antibiotics, flurorquinolones, were
implicated (20). After this, increasing
reports of C. diff outbreaks occurred
throughout Canada, the Unites States,
and Europe and were then realized to be
a main contributor of gastroenteritis-
associated deaths (21). In 2011 an
estimated 453,00 cases of C. diff
occurred in the United Sates accounting
for approximately 29,200 deaths (22).
C. diff infection occurs by colonization
of the intestinal tract by C. diff which
disrupts the normal intestinal flora
following antimicrobial therapy. C.diff
binds to intestinal cells, which causes
inflammation within the intestines and
subsequent diarrhea. C. diff is
transmitted via a fecal-oral route via
ingestion of spores. It is highly
transmissible in the hospital environment
but it has also been shown that non-
hospitalized people can be carriers and
subject to C. diff infection (19).
In relation to this article, the role of
antibiotic usage in the pathogenesis of C.
diff infection, the mechanisms and
subsequent treatments are the teaching
point. Antibiotics are shown to disrupt
the epithelial barrier function of normal
flora in the colon. This provides an
optimal environment for C. diff to thrive
and multiply. The other major factor
that contributes to its virulence is the
development of C.diff strains that are
resistant to antibiotics. The mutation of
bacteria strains and antibiotic resistance
Page 53
Since 1911
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Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals
To place an order, go to
or call (800) 633-1106
The mucilage in Fenugreek seeds helps soothe the
gastrointestinal tract by coating the lining of the stomach and
intestines. This makes it helpful for a variety of digestive
disorders including indigestion, constipation, and gastritis
(inflammation of the stomach).
According to Nutrition Focus, “Fenugreek seeds contain
alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein high in lysine and
L-tryptophan. Its steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin,
tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber are
thought to account for many of the beneficial effects of
fenugreek. The steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit
cholesterol absorption and synthesis, while the fiber may help
lower blood sugar levels. One human study found that
fenugreek can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
in people with moderate atherosclerosis and non-insulin-
dependent (type 2) diabetes. Preliminary and double-blind
trials have found that fenugreek helps improve blood sugar
control in patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) and non-
insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. Double-blind trials have
shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol and
triglyceride levels in the blood, This has also been found in a
controlled clinical trial with diabetic patients with elevated
cholesterol. Generally, fenugreek does not lower HDL
(“good”) cholesterol levels.
Fenugreek is commonly used as a food, spice and source of
dietary fiber throughout the world.
Dosage:
For the liquid extract, 30 drops up to three times per day, in
water or juice, or as directed. For the veggie cap, take one
capsule, 1 or 2 times daily, or as directed..
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Possible interaction
with blood-thinning medications. Take 2 hours before of after
taking medications. Keep out of the reach of children.
Complimentary Formulas & Single Herbs:
• Thyroid Complex (Product Code: 67455, Formula for low
thyroid)
• B-Complex Vitamins and/or Vitamin B-12
• Antiox Phyto Blend (Additional antioxidant support)
• Antiox Phyto Complex II
Fertility Complex
Support for a healthy and successful pregnancy
1 fl oz - Product Code: 57000
Who can benefit from this supplement?
• Women who are trying to become pregnant and those
who are already pregnant; especially those with a history of
difficult pregnancies.
Ingredients:
Phyto-Tech™ Fertility Complex, Alcohol Free, contains the
following herbs: Red Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover Blossoms,
Nettles Leaf, Yellow Dock Root.
Feverfew 1:2
Traditionally, an antipyretic (reducing fever); now,
best know for the prevention of migraine
headache.
1 fl oz - Product Code: 57065
Who can benefit from this supplement?
• Those who suffer from chronic migraine headaches. It is
also indicated for fever, pain, and conditions involving
inflammation, such as arthritis.
According to traditional herbalists, “Feverfew is the pre-
eminent headache remedy. It is for both regular headaches
and migrained headaches. It is anti-inflammatory and reduces
pain. Feverfew inhibits platelet aggregation and therefore
thins blood. The parthenolide compound that does this in
Feverfew also reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Feverfew works best at the initial onset of a headache. Take
hourly if one suspects a migraine is coming on the help ward
it off. It may help arthritis and inflammed joints as well.
Feverfew cools the body and is indicated for those who run
warm to hot. It can help reduce a fever.” (Coven, Herbal
Handbook)
Ingredients:
Phyto-Tech™ Feverfew 1:2 contains Certified Organic
Feverfew herb (Chrysanthemum parthenium or Tanacetum
parthenium), grain alsohol, purified water. 30 drops contain
500 mg.
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
Dosage:
Acute Headache: 30-60 drops, every hour, in juice or water
until headache subsides; Long Term Use: 30-90 drops, 2-3
times per day in juice or water.
FibroGesic
Soothing to muscle and nerve discomfort, while
supporting joint and connective tissue integrity.
1 fl oz - Product Code: 57031
Who can benefit from this supplement?
• Those with chronic body, muscle and joint pain
(fibromyalgia). The herbs in this formula have been shown to
decrease muscle pain and inflammation, and to increase
circulation into the muscle tissue. It is most effective when
used long-term.
This formula was designed specifically for those with
fibromyalgia. It contains herbs known to help decrease
muscle pain and inflammation, and to increase circulation
into the muscles. It can be used not only by those with
fibromyalgia, but also by those with injuries, muscle soreness,
etc, as well as general body pain. Obviously, Phyto-Tech™
FibroGesic is not as strong as prescription pain medications,
but it is nontoxic, safe and non-addictive. Fibromyalgia
requires a mult-faceted approach to management, and
FibroGesic is designed to be a part of that regimen.
. . . continued on page 54
Important Notice: The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health, and the proper use of dietary supplements. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, nor a substitute for any treatment
that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you have a medical problem, you should seek medical help. Products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate disease.
Product Reference Guide: Willner Chemists Phyto-Tech™ Herbal Supplements
The Human Microbiome (continued)
Note:
Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Any and all information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other
healthcare provider. Viewpoints expressed are attributed to Jillian Capodice & WellJillian subsidiaries only and do not represent any viewpoints or opinions of the Mount Sinai Health System,
Icahn School of Medicine or any affiliated Departments of the Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York, USA
. . . continued on page 57
