Peptide profile · Immune
Immunoxel (Dzherelo)
Ukrainian botanical immunomodulator that supercharges tuberculosis treatment and restores immune function in HIV patients
Written & reviewed by Michael Carroll · Research, Peptide Initiative
Typical dose
30-50 drops (approx. 1-2 mL) of liquid concentrate
Half-life
Not precisely characterized; immunomodulatory effects develop over days to weeks of consistent dosing
Bioavailability
Good oral and sublingual bioavailability; sublingual lozenges shown equivalent to twice-daily oral liquid
Molecular weight
N/A — complex botanical mixture of multiple plant compounds
Evidence level
Moderate human trials
01 · Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Molecular formula
N/A — multi-component herbal phytoconcentrate
Primary benefits
Dramatically improves tuberculosis sputum conversion and lung healing when combined with standard anti-TB drugs
Expands CD4+ T-cells, improves immune ratios, and restores balanced cytokine production in immunocompromised patients
Reduces opportunistic infections by 75% and boosts natural immune defenses against secondary diseases
Ekomed LLC, Ukraine
Amino acid sequence
N/A — Immunoxel is a botanical extract, not a peptide; contains concentrated water-alcohol extract of medicinal plants02 · Dosing
How much do I take?
30-50 drops (approx. 1-2 mL) of liquid concentrate · twice daily
Oral: Taken by mouth as a capsule, tablet, or liquid.
Bioavailability Varies by compound — many peptides are largely broken down in the gut, so little reaches the blood intact; some small molecules absorb well.
Best time to take
Morning and evening doses, spaced approximately 12 hours apart
With food?
Can be taken with or without food; sublingual lozenges dissolve under the tongue regardless of meals
If stacking
Take alongside standard TB medications as prescribed; no timing conflicts with anti-TB drugs reported in clinical trials
＋ Increase if
- +Well-tolerated at starting dose after 1-2 weeks with no GI issues
- +Sputum conversion has not occurred after 4 weeks of standard therapy
- +Healthcare provider recommends advancing to combination protocol with Anemin
－ Decrease if
- −Experiencing persistent gastrointestinal discomfort
- −Mild allergic symptoms appear (skin rash, itching)
- −Nausea that doesn't resolve within the first few days
✓ Signs of right dose
- ✓Sputum smear conversion to negative within 1-2 months
- ✓Weight gain and improved appetite
- ✓Reduced fever and improved energy levels
- ✓Rising CD4+ T-cell counts on blood tests (in HIV patients)
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03 · Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for adjunct immunotherapy alongside tuberculosis treatment & immune restoration in hiv/tb coinfected patients
Best for
Tuberculosis Adjunct Treatment
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.
HIV/TB Coinfection Immune Support
For patients battling both HIV and TB simultaneously, Immunoxel offers remarkable immune benefits. Clinical trials showed CD4+ T-cell counts increased by 71.2% in just 2 months, viral load decreased significantly, and opportunistic infections dropped from 12 episodes to just 3 compared to standard therapy alone.
Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Support
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.
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare Immunoxel (Dzherelo) with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
04 · Administration
How do I use it?
Oral (liquid drops) · Sublingual (lozenges, pastilles, dragées)
Reconstitution — what you need
Example
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.
Route
N/A — Immunoxel is taken orally or sublingually, NOT by injection
Best sites
Technique
- 01For liquid: Count prescribed drops into a small glass of water, or place drops directly under the tongue
- 02For sublingual lozenges: Place one lozenge under your tongue and let it dissolve completely — do not chew or swallow whole
- 03Take at approximately the same times each day for best results
- 04Continue taking alongside all prescribed TB/HIV medications as directed by your doctor
Storage · before reconstitution
Store sealed bottles and packages at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Keep in original packaging.
Storage · after reconstitution
N/A — Immunoxel does not require reconstitution. Once opened, keep bottle tightly sealed and use within the shelf life printed on the label.
Signs of degradation
Sample daily schedule
05 · Safety
Is it safe?
2 common side effects · 2 serious
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.
Common side effects · experienced by some users
Less common
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and seek help if
- ×Signs of allergic reaction (widespread rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- ×Persistent gastrointestinal problems that don't resolve within a week
- ×Your doctor advises discontinuation due to medication interactions
- ×Completion of your TB treatment course (Immunoxel is typically used for the duration of TB therapy)
- ×Worsening of symptoms despite continued use (consult your medical team)
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.
With other peptides
- ✓Thymalin — Different mechanism (thymic peptide vs botanical); no known conflict; theoretically complementary immune support
- ✓Thymosin Alpha 1 — Both support immune function through different pathways; no interaction data available
- ✓Imunofan — Both are immunomodulators; combining may have additive effects; consult healthcare provider
With medications
- ✓Anti-TB drugs (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) — Safe and beneficial combination — this is the primary intended use; all clinical trials used this combination
- ✓Antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) — Clinical trials showed favorable results combining Immunoxel with ART; however, St. John's Wort content may affect some ARV levels — discuss with doctor
- !Immunosuppressants — May counteract immunosuppressive effects; avoid combining without specialist guidance
- !Warfarin and blood thinners — Some herbal components may affect coagulation; monitor INR closely
- !Oral contraceptives — St. John's Wort in the formulation may reduce effectiveness of hormonal birth control
With supplements
- ✓Vitamin D — Complementary immune support; both beneficial in TB treatment; safe combination
- ✓Zinc — Both support immune function; no known interactions; safe together
- ✓Anemin (herbal phytoconcentrate) — Specifically studied in combination with Immunoxel; synergistic cytokine modulation
- ✓Probiotics — Both support immune health; may help with any GI side effects from the herbal extract
06 · Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Moderate human trials · first signs week 1-2 (starting phase)
Evidence level
Moderate human trials
(Phase 1-2)
How it works
Immunoxel is a thymic polypeptide preparation that strengthens immune function by supporting T cell development and function. It helps restore immunity in people with weakened immune systems from infection, chemotherapy, or aging by promoting the maturation of immune cells.
Immunoxel (Dzherelo) is a water-alcohol phytoconcentrate containing concentrated extracts from multiple medicinal plants including Aloe, Yarrow (Achillea), Echinacea (Purple coneflower), St. John's Wort (Hypericum), Common knotgrass (Polygonum), elecampane (Inula), fennel (Foeniculum), and juniper (Juniperus). Its immunomodulatory mechanism involves multi-pathway cytokine modulation: upregulation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma (promoting Th1 cellular immunity critical for intracellular pathogen clearance), while suppressing pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha and IL-6. This cytokine rebalancing restores effective cell-mediated immunity in immunocompromised patients. In HIV/TB coinfection, Immunoxel promotes CD4+ T-cell expansion, improves CD4/CD8 ratios, and reduces HIV viral load — likely through enhanced innate immune activation and restored adaptive immunity. The botanical compounds act synergistically through multiple phytochemical pathways, providing broader immunomodulation than single-compound approaches. Sublingual delivery achieves bioequivalence with oral administration, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism.
What to expect
Week 1-2 (Starting Phase)
What you might notice
- •Mild herbal taste from the formulation
- •Possible brief GI adjustment (mild nausea or bloating)
- •Some patients notice improved appetite within the first week
What's normal
- •Mild gastrointestinal effects as your body adjusts to the botanical compounds
- •No dramatic changes yet — immune modulation takes time to build
- •The herbal taste of the liquid or sublingual formulation
What's next
- →Continue taking as prescribed alongside your TB/HIV medications
- →If GI issues persist, try taking with food or switching to sublingual lozenges
- →Move from starting dose to standard dose if well-tolerated
Week 2-4 (Early Response Phase)
What you might notice
- •Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue
- •Beginning of fever reduction in TB patients
- •Early signs of weight stabilization or gain
- •Some TB patients may begin sputum conversion
What's normal
- •Gradual improvement — not overnight transformation
- •Continued need for all standard medications
- •Some fluctuation in symptoms day-to-day
What's next
- →Continue the full course — most benefits emerge over 1-4 months
- →Your doctor will monitor sputum smears and blood work
- →Report any new symptoms to your healthcare team
Month 1-4 (Peak Response Phase)
What you might notice
- •Significant sputum conversion (84% within 1 month in sublingual trial)
- •Measurable weight gain and improved nutrition status
- •Rising CD4+ T-cell counts in HIV patients (71% increase in studies)
- •Reduced frequency of opportunistic infections
- •Healing of lung cavitations visible on chest X-ray
- •Reduced inflammatory markers (lower leukocyte counts, ESR)
What's normal
- •Major clinical improvements should be evident by month 2-4
- •Some patients respond faster than others depending on disease severity
- •Continued need for all standard medications throughout treatment
What's next
- →Complete the full treatment course as prescribed (typically 2-6 months)
- →Your doctor will determine when treatment can be safely stopped
- →Regular monitoring of TB culture, CD4 counts, and viral load continues
Signs it's working · TB Treatment Response
- ✓Sputum smear conversion to negative
- ✓Resolution of lung cavitations on chest X-ray
- ✓Fever reduction and defervescence
- ✓Weight gain and improved appetite
- ✓Reduced inflammatory markers (leukocytes, ESR)
Signs it's working · Immune Function Improvement
- ✓Rising CD4+ T-cell counts on blood tests
- ✓Improved CD4/CD8 ratio
- ✓Decreased viral load in HIV patients
- ✓Fewer opportunistic infections
- ✓Better overall energy and sense of well-being
Not seeing results? Common reasons
- •Not taking consistently — Immunoxel works best with regular twice-daily dosing; missed doses reduce effectiveness
- •Using without standard TB/HIV medications — Immunoxel is an ADJUNCT therapy, not a standalone treatment
- •GI issues causing poor absorption — try sublingual formulation instead of oral liquid for better tolerance
- •Expired product — check expiration date; botanical extracts lose potency over time
- •Expecting too-rapid results — clinical improvements typically emerge over 2-4 weeks of consistent use
- •Drug interactions — St. John's Wort content may affect levels of certain medications; consult your doctor
Key research
07 · Questions
Frequently asked
What exactly is Immunoxel?+
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.
How does Immunoxel help with tuberculosis?+
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.
Is Immunoxel a peptide?+
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.
How do I take Immunoxel?+
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.
Is Immunoxel available in the United States?+
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.
Can Immunoxel replace my TB or HIV medications?+
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.
What are the main side effects?+
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.
How strong is the scientific evidence?+
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.
08 · Further reading
History & related research
History · since 1980
A Ukrainian botanical powerhouse that awakened dormant immune defenses against tuberculosis and HIV.
Immunoxel, branded as Dzherelo in Ukraine, is a concentrated water-alcohol extract of 27 medicinal plants. Formulated in 1980 and approved by Ukraine's Ministry of Health in 1997, this botanical immunomodulator has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in treating tuberculosis, HIV, and autoimmune diseases.
Read the full history of Immunoxel (Dzherelo)