Immune system
Ukrainian botanical immunomodulator that supercharges tuberculosis treatment and restores immune function in HIV patients.
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Immunoxel, also called Dzherelo, is a Ukrainian herbal preparation — a concentrated extract of multiple medicinal plants — taken as drops or lozenges to support immune function. In clinical studies it improved the results of standard tuberculosis treatment and helped restore immune cell counts in people with HIV. It is a research compound, not an FDA-approved medicine.
Immunoxel is a blend of concentrated plant extracts — including aloe, echinacea, yarrow, and St. John's wort — taken as drops or lozenges. Rather than simply boosting the immune system, it rebalances it: studies suggest it raises the chemical signals that help immune cells kill bacteria and viruses hiding inside cells, while turning down the signals that drive harmful inflammation. Taken under the tongue, it absorbs about as well as when swallowed.
Immunoxel has been used to help rebuild immune function in people whose immune systems are weakened — whether by immune-deficiency conditions, long-running infections, or chemotherapy.
Immunoxel (Dzherelo) is a water-alcohol plant concentrate (a phytoconcentrate) made from extracts of several medicinal plants: Aloe, Yarrow (Achillea), Echinacea (Purple coneflower), St. John's Wort (Hypericum), Common knotgrass (Polygonum), elecampane (Inula), fennel (Foeniculum), and juniper (Juniperus). It adjusts the immune system through several routes that change cytokines (immune messenger chemicals). It turns up IL-2 and IFN-gamma (messengers that drive Th1 cellular immunity, the immune cell branch that is critical for clearing germs that live inside cells), while turning down the inflammation messengers TNF-alpha and IL-6. This rebalancing restores effective cell-mediated immunity (defense carried out by immune cells themselves) in people with weak immune systems. In people infected with both HIV and TB, Immunoxel promotes expansion of CD4+ T cells (key immune cells that HIV destroys), improves the CD4/CD8 ratio (a measure of immune balance), and reduces HIV viral load (the amount of virus in the blood). This is likely through stronger innate immune activation (the body's fast first-line defense) and restored adaptive immunity (the targeted defense). The plant compounds work together through multiple routes, giving broader immune adjustment than single-compound approaches. Sublingual delivery (under the tongue) gives the same level in the body as swallowing it (bioequivalence), and skips first-pass hepatic metabolism (breakdown in the liver before it reaches the bloodstream).
Evidence check
Some human studies
It has been tested in people, but only in small or early-stage studies. Promising, but not yet proven the way an approved medicine is.
Every numbered marker on this page links to one of the 5 sources at the bottom.
TB Treatment Enhancement
Dramatically improves tuberculosis sputum conversion and lung healing when combined with standard anti-TB drugs
Immune Restoration
Boosts CD4+ T-cells (key immune cells), improves the balance between immune cell types, and restores balanced immune messenger signals in people with weakened immune systems
Infection Prevention
Reduces opportunistic infections by 75% and boosts natural immune defenses against secondary diseases
The most-asked question
The research-reported range is 30–50 drops, multiple times daily. Studies used different doses for different situations — find yours:
Adjunct to anti-TB therapy, Immune support
30-50 drops (approx. 1-2 mL) of liquid concentrate
Dose used as adjunct immunotherapy with standard anti-tuberculosis treatment in clinical trials 3; meta-analysis supports adjunctive benefit 1.
Adjunct to anti-TB therapy, Convenience dosing
1 lozenge/pastille (equivalent to the twice-daily oral liquid dose)
Sublingual formulation clinically validated as equivalent to twice-daily oral liquid in TB patients 2.
The ceiling: 50 drops twice daily; clinical trials did not test higher doses
Reconstitution, in plain words
Peptides usually arrive as a freeze-dried powder in a small vial. “Reconstitution” just means adding sterile water back in so you can measure a dose. Here's how it works for Immunoxel (Dzherelo):
For a 50-drop dose: Using the dropper provided, count 50 drops into a small amount of water or place directly under the tongue. Each drop is approximately 25-30 μl, so 50 drops equals roughly 1.25-1.5 mL of liquid.
Liquid: Count drops using the provided dropper — 50 drops twice daily for standard dose. Sublingual: 1 lozenge once daily dissolving completely under the tongue. No reconstitution needed — product is ready to use.
Three quick questions — your vial, your water, your dose — and it tells you the exact syringe mark. “Find dose amount” is preloaded with Immunoxel (Dzherelo)'s recorded schedule.
Timing
Morning and evening doses, spaced approximately 12 hours apart
Can be taken with or without food; sublingual lozenges dissolve under the tongue regardless of meals
Take alongside standard TB medications as prescribed; no timing conflicts with anti-TB drugs reported in clinical trials
The honest list
These show up most often. They usually fade as your body adjusts.
Clinical trials consistently report that most patients experience no significant adverse effects from Immunoxel when taken as directed alongside standard medications.
What to do Simply follow the prescribed dosing schedule and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Some patients report mild stomach upset, bloating, or nausea, especially when starting the liquid formulation. This is likely due to the alcohol-based extract.
What to do Take with food or a small glass of water. Symptoms usually resolve within the first few days. Switch to sublingual formulation if GI issues persist.
Worth knowing about, but most people never see these.
The sublingual formulations may leave a herbal or slightly bitter taste in the mouth that some patients find unpleasant.
What to do Rinse mouth with water after the lozenge fully dissolves. The honey-based lozenge formulation was specifically developed to improve taste.
Rare cases of mild skin rash or itching, likely related to sensitivity to one or more of the botanical ingredients in the formulation.
What to do Discontinue use and consult your doctor. An antihistamine may help with symptoms. Identify the specific allergen if possible before restarting.
Occasional mild headache reported by some patients, typically in the first few days of treatment.
What to do Stay hydrated, rest, and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Headaches usually resolve as the body adjusts to the herbal compounds.
Rare, but if any of these happen, stop and contact a medical professional.
Immunoxel contains multiple herbal ingredients including St. John's Wort, which is known to interact with certain medications by affecting liver enzyme activity (CYP3A4).
What to do Always inform your doctor of all medications you take before starting Immunoxel. Monitor for changes in medication effectiveness, especially antivirals, blood thinners, and hormonal medications.
Week by week
Is it right for you?
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping Immunoxel. This product should only be used as an adjunct to standard medical treatment, never as a replacement. It is not FDA approved and is primarily available in Ukraine.
Safe and beneficial combination — this is the primary intended use; all clinical trials used this combination
Clinical trials showed favorable results combining Immunoxel with ART (antiretroviral therapy, HIV medicines); however, St. John's Wort content may affect blood levels of some HIV drugs; discuss with your doctor
May work against immunosuppressive effects; avoid combining without specialist guidance
Some plant components may affect blood clotting; monitor INR (a blood clotting test) closely
St. John's Wort in the formulation may reduce effectiveness of hormonal birth control
Different mechanism (thymic peptide vs plant extract); no known conflict; in theory they add to each other's immune support
Both support immune function through different pathways; no interaction data available
Both are immunomodulators; combining may have additive effects; consult healthcare provider
Complementary immune support; both beneficial in TB treatment; safe combination
Both support immune function; no known interactions; safe together
Specifically studied in combination with Immunoxel; works together to adjust immune messengers (cytokines (immune signaling molecules))
Both support immune health; may help with any GI side effects from the herbal extract
Immunoxel's strongest evidence is as an add-on to standard TB drugs. A meta-analysis of 6 clinical trials found patients receiving Immunoxel were 3.19 times more likely to become sputum-negative compared to TB drugs alone. In one study, 84.1% of patients converted within 1 month versus only 19% on placebo.
For patients battling both HIV and TB at once, Immunoxel offers remarkable immune benefits. Clinical trials showed CD4+ T-cell counts (a count of key immune cells) increased by 71.2% in just 2 months, viral load (the amount of virus in the blood) decreased significantly, and infections that take advantage of a weak immune system dropped from 12 episodes to just 3 compared to standard therapy alone.
Immunoxel has been studied in multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) patients where standard treatments often struggle. Its immune-boosting effects help the body fight TB even when the bacteria resist front-line drugs.
Immunoxel has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across multiple clinical trials involving hundreds of patients with TB and TB/HIV coinfection. No serious adverse events have been reported in published studies. It is approved by Ukraine's Ministry of Health and has been used clinically since the late 1980s. Side effects are generally mild and gastrointestinal in nature.
Safety data comes from Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials conducted primarily in Ukraine, along with a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 clinical trials. While evidence is encouraging, most studies are open-label and larger double-blind randomized trials are still needed to fully establish safety in diverse populations.
Keeping it good
Store sealed bottles and packages at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep in original packaging.
N/A — Immunoxel does not require reconstitution. Once opened, keep bottle tightly sealed and use within the shelf life printed on the label.
Not our opinion — the published record
2021
When researchers combined data from 6 TB studies involving nearly 500 patients, Immunoxel boosted the power of standard TB drugs by more than threefold, making patients three times more likely to clear the infection. The herbal supplement also dramatically reduced fevers while helping the body fight back against the bacteria.
Hariyanto TI et al.
2012
TB patients who let Immunoxel dissolve under their tongue cleared their lungs at a rate of 84% in just one month, versus only 19% in patients taking placebo. Remarkably, the herbal helper worked equally well regardless of age, weight, gender, or whether the TB was drug-resistant or combined with HIV.
Efremenko YV, Arjanova OV, Prihoda ND et al.
2009
In patients suffering from both TB and HIV, adding Immunoxel to standard TB drugs quadrupled their chances of clearing the infection (from 16% to 67%) and cut secondary infections from 12 down to 3. Patients also gained nearly 6 pounds, reversing the severe weight loss typical of dual infection.
Arjanova OV, Prihoda ND, Yurchenko LV et al.
2009
The herbal extract Immunoxel alone—without any antiretroviral drugs—expanded patients' HIV-fighting CD4 cells by 71%, jumping from 174 to 283 cells in just 2 months and reducing HIV copies in 70% of those treated. This suggests the botanical blend awakens the immune system's dormant power.
Nikolaeva LG, Maystat TV, Masyuk LA et al.
2008
Immunoxel works by balancing the immune system. It raises the protective signals IL-2 and interferon-gamma (immune messengers) by 61% and quiets the inflammation messenger TNF-alpha. This rebalancing lets the body mount an effective counterattack against tuberculosis.
Nikolaeva LG, Maystat TV, Pylypchuk VS et al.
If this isn't the right fit
Your questions
Immunoxel (also called Dzherelo) is a concentrated extract made from a blend of medicinal plants. It's NOT a peptide or synthetic drug — it's a botanical immunomodulator that helps your immune system work better. It was developed in Ukraine in 1980 and has been used there for decades as an add-on therapy for tuberculosis, HIV, and other infectious diseases.
Immunoxel doesn't kill TB bacteria directly. Instead, it supercharges your immune system so it can fight TB more effectively alongside your regular TB medications. Clinical trials show patients taking Immunoxel with standard TB drugs are over 3 times more likely to clear TB from their sputum compared to drugs alone. It also helps heal lung damage faster and promotes weight gain.
No, Immunoxel is NOT a peptide. It's a botanical (herbal) extract made from multiple medicinal plants including Aloe, Echinacea, Yarrow, St. John's Wort, and others. It's included in immune modulator databases because of its powerful effects on immune function, particularly in TB and HIV treatment.
Immunoxel comes in two main forms: a liquid (taken as drops with water or directly under the tongue, typically 50 drops twice daily) and sublingual lozenges (placed under the tongue once daily and allowed to dissolve). The lozenges come in several varieties: sugar dragées, sugar-coated pills, gelatin pastilles, and dried-honey lozenges. Clinical studies show the once-daily sublingual lozenge is as effective as the twice-daily liquid.
Immunoxel is not FDA approved and is not widely available through standard US healthcare channels. It is approved and available in Ukraine, where it has been used clinically since the late 1980s. A Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT01061593) with 269 patients has been completed, but FDA approval has not been pursued.
Absolutely NOT. Immunoxel is strictly an ADJUNCT therapy — meaning it's only effective when used alongside standard TB drugs or antiretroviral therapy. It boosts how well those drugs work by strengthening your immune system, but it cannot fight the infections on its own. Never stop or replace your prescribed medications with Immunoxel.
Immunoxel is very well-tolerated. The most common issue is mild gastrointestinal discomfort (stomach upset) from the alcohol-based liquid, which usually resolves in a few days. Sublingual formulations tend to cause fewer GI effects. Serious side effects are rare, but because it contains St. John's Wort, it can potentially interact with certain medications.
There's a growing body of evidence including a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 clinical trials, a completed Phase 3 trial, and multiple Phase 2 studies. The meta-analysis of 488 patients showed statistically significant benefits (3.19x sputum conversion rate). However, most studies were open-label and conducted in Ukraine, so more double-blind, randomized trials are needed for broader acceptance.
5 sources
Every numbered marker on this page points to one of these. Same sources, same numbering as the Immunoxel (Dzherelo) research profile on Peptide Initiative.
Want the deep science?
Every claim on this page traces back to the research database behind Peptide Initiative — studies, citations, clinical trial data, and the technical detail we deliberately left out here.
Open the research profileThis guide is education, not medical advice. Immunoxel (Dzherelo) is a research compound that is not FDA-approved for human use. Talk to a clinician before taking anything.
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