Please, as of the reading, this only a possibility and not a recognized cure
(Please note this is not medical advice, but anecdotal information only)
(pm me if any questions)
Swine flu, Type A H1/N1
It is also known as Radix isatidis.
Woad (or glastum) is the common name of the flowering plant Isatis tinctoria in the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly called dyer's woad, and sometimes incorrectly listed as Isatis indigotica (a newer and invalid name for the same plant). It is occasionally known as Asp of Jerusalem. Woad is also the name of a blue dye produced from the plant. Woad is pronounced /ˈwoʊd/, to rhyme with road.
Recently, scientists have discovered woad might be used to prevent cancer, having more than 20 times the amount of glucobrassicin contained in broccoli.[4] Young leaves when damaged can produce more glucobrassicin, up to 65 times as much.[5]
Indigowoad Root (Chinese: 板藍根; pinyin: bǎn lán gēn) is a traditional Chinese medicine herb that comes from the roots of woad, but often incorrectly listed under the synonymic name, Isatis indigotica. It is also known as Radix isatidis. The herb is cultivated in various regions of northern China, namely Hebei, Beijing, Heilongjiang, Henan, Jiangsu, and Gansu. The roots are harvested during the autumn and dried. The dried root is then processed into granules, which are most commonly consumed dissolved in hot water or tea. The product, called Banlangen Keli, is very popular throughout China, and used to remove toxic heat, soothe sore throat and to treat influenza, measles, mumps, syphilis, or scarlet fever. It is also used for pharyngitis, laryngitis, erysipelas, and carbuncle, and to prevent hepatitis A, epidemic meningitis, cancer and inflammation. Possible minor side effects include allergic reactions and dizziness; only large dosages or long term usage can be toxic to the kidneys. These treatments have not generally been evaluated clinically.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woad
Banlangen (Radix Isatidis)
Origin and Preparation
Banlangen(Radix Isatidis ) is the dried root of Isatis indigotica Fort.. It is made by extracting, removing impurity, spraying and drying through modern scientific technology. 1g powder is equal to 2.6g crude herb.
Pharmacological Action
1. Function of anti-bacterium and anti-viral: In vitro experiment, 100% decoction of Radix Isatidis (banlangen) has inhibiting effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis. 1:100 Radix Isatidis (banlangen) has distinct killing effect on hemorrhagic fever virus in nephrotic syndrome. Radix Isatidis (banlangen) extraction can inhibit viral invasion and proliferation.
2. Anti-endotoxin function: Experiment proves that Radix isatidis (banlangen) has function of anti-Bacillus coli O111B4 endotoxin.
3. Function of immune-regulation: Radix Isatidis (banlangen) polysaccharide 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg abdominal cavity injection can distinctly strengthen rat¡¯ s delayed allergy on DNCB and induce in vivo lymphocyte transformation as well as strengthen ssplenocyte¡¯s natural killing activity. Radix Isatidis (banlangen) polysaccharide abdominal cavity injection 50mg/kg can distinctly promote rat¡¯s immune function.
4. Anticancer function: when being cultured in vitro, 50% Radix Isatidis (banlangen) injection has direct strong killing effect on rat Friend erythroleukemia 3CL-8 cell, and the lowest effective dosage can amount to 1:80. At the place of 3CL-8 cell injection, have rat injected 50% Radix Isatidis (banlangen) 0.2ml, once a day, for successive 7 days, it has therapeutic effect on solid tumor.
Clinical applications
Radix Isatidis (banlangen) is used to treat epidemic encephalitis B, infantile viral infection of upper respiratory tract, chronic pharyngitis, hepatitis, gout, and so on.
Person in charge of the experiment: Shenghua Yang
Experiments conducted by: Sichaun Enwei TCM Institute
Staff of experiment: Fengguo Hu, Yongjian Deng, Dengzhi Chen, Lingyin Zhou, Yin Zhou
Corresponder: Fengguo Hu
Tel: £¨028£©5181370-8496
Source:
http://www.enwei.com.cn/b2b_en/page.asp?title=banlangen
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the isatis plant, which is a source of indigo dye. This botanical has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in combination with other herbs to treat the common cold, sore throat, mumps, respiratory aliments, other febrile diseases and malignant tumors (1) (2). The leaves of this plant are one of the eight ingredients used in PC-SPES, an herbal formula used to treat prostate cancer. This herb is also used in Danggui Longhui Wan, a formula used to treat chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in China (8).
Studies indicate that isatis plant has antimicrobial, antiviral (1) (9) and immunostimulatory effects (8). Recent anecdotal reports indicate that isatis root can be used to ward off Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (4). Scientific study to verify such effect is lacking as SARS is a newly discovered disease. The connection is made mainly because isatis root has antiviral activities and has been used for other respiratory diseases. A classic Chinese medicine textbook points out that isatis root is not indicated in feeble patients (1). There are no known side effects or toxicities reported relating to the consumption of isatis root.
Purported uses
· Bronchitis
· Cancer treatment
· Chest congestion
· Common cold
· Fever
· Infections
· Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
· Viral infections
Constituents
· Indirubin
· Indoxyl-beta-glucoside
· Beta-sitosterol
· Isatin
· Amino acids: Arginine, glutamine, proline, tyrosine.
(1) (2)
Mechanism of Action
Isatis root extract has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antinociceptive effects on animals.(3) Extracts obtained from the dried leaves of isatis have cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory effects.(5) Isatis root also has immunostimulatory effects by enhancing reticuloendothelial system function. Indirubin, an active component of isatis, is a potent inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). It inhibits the proliferation of cells by arresting the cells in the G2/M phase.(8) Other alkaloids isolated from isatis can inhibit leukocyte function and reduce inflammatory response.(6) Some studies show that isatis also has antiendotoxic and antiviral activities.(9)
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of this substance has not been evaluated.
Warnings
The effect of isatis or Ban Lan Gen on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is not known. Patients are warned that reliance solely on herbal supplements as prevention or treatment may induce a false sense of security from this deadly disease. Patients with suspected SARS should limit interactions outside the home. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing and wearing a surgical mask should be used to prevent the spread of SARS.(10)
Adverse Reactions
None reported
Literature Summary and Critique
No clinical trials have been performed with this botanical.
References
1. Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Ed. Seattle: Eastland Press; 1993.
2. Hocking G. A Dictionary of Natural Products. Medford (NJ): Plexus Publishing Inc; 1997.
3. ** Y, Chang Y. Studies on the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti pyretic effects of Isatis indigotica root. Phytomedicine 2002;9:419-24.
4. Saulny S. In Chinatown, An Outbreak of Fear. The New York Times 2003;April 4

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5. Danz H, et al. Identification and isolation of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory principle in Isatis tinctoria. Planta Med 2001;67:411-6.
6. Molina P, et al. Inhibition of leukocyte functions by the alkaloid isaindigotone from Isatis indigotica and some new synthetic derivatives. J Nat Prod 2001;64:1297-300.
7. Xu YM, Lu PC. Experimental studies on immunostimulatory effects of the Isatis indigotica polysaccharide. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1991;11:357-9, 325-6.
8. Hoessel R, et al. Indirubin, the active constituent of a Chinese antileukaemia medicine, inhibits cyclin-dependent kinases. Nat Cell Biol 1999;1:60-7.
9. Wang T, et al. Evaluation on antiendotoxic action and antiviral action in vitro of tetraploid Isatis indigotica. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2000;25:327-9.
10. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Interim Guidance on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic-closecontacts.htm [Accessed April 10, 2003]
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69268.cfm
So, if you can not get Tamiflu, perhaps you should get your hands on this Chinese herb and brew some tea!!