Woad Supreme™ is the powdered root of Isatis tinctoria. Isatis has a history of use in China for 2,000+ years. Isatis, commonly known as woad, has the following indications:

1) It is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. We find it most effective as an antiviral for both acute (including severe respiratory conditions) and chronic problems (1). Many studies have shown it to be effective against influenza (the flu) (2). It has also been shown to have antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects, including against leptospirosis (3). It is also immune-stimulatory (4). In China, woad is used to treat such conditions as pneumonia, UTI, sinusitis, tonsillitis, influenza, and even acute hepatitis (5, 6). They also brew it into a tea to use topically on rosacea, herpes, shingles, and impetigo.

2) Woad is strongly inhibitory against the COX-2 enzyme thus exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory activity (7). In addition to inhibiting COX-2 and 5-LOX, Isatis reduced allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness by inhibiting the production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5, and RANTES (8).

3) In China it has been found to be useful in helping some cancer patients, especially those with leukemia (it is obviously not a stand-alone cancer treatment) (9).

4) Animal studies suggest it has protective effects against certain forms of radiation, especially mucosal damage, and may be a good detoxifier in general (10).

Supreme Nutrition attempts to supply the physician with a large array of broad-spectrum antimicrobials with a long history of use in different cultures. Isatis is an excellent addition to this list and should be considered in any patient with a subclinical or overt infection. It should especially be considered in patients with viral/flu symptoms.