Vitamin C, provided here as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that humans must obtain from the diet. It acts as a potent antioxidant and an essential cofactor for several enzymes involved in collagen formation, hormone synthesis, and neurotransmitter production.[7] In immune cells, vitamin C is highly concentrated and supports functions such as natural killer cell activity, phagocytosis, and the regulation of inflammatory mediators.[10] Clinical and mechanistic studies suggest that adequate vitamin C status can help the body respond to respiratory challenges and may influence the severity and duration of some upper respiratory tract infections, especially when baseline intake is low or physiological demands are high.[2,3,10]

This formula, featuring mullein, olive leaf, turmeric, NAC-containing blends, a “lung herbal blend,” and an “antioxidant & immune blend,” is clearly focused on respiratory comfort, antioxidant protection, and immune support. Within this context, vitamin C serves as a foundational antioxidant and immune-support nutrient. It helps maintain redox balance in airway and immune cells while supporting normal epithelial and barrier integrity in the respiratory tract.[6,7,10] Together with vitamin D and zinc, vitamin C anchors the formula’s core “immune resilience” pillar, complementing botanicals and NAC that target mucus clearance, lung comfort, and broader oxidative stress pathways.

References

• [2] Beneficial therapeutic effects of vitamin C on recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: preliminary data
• [3] Vitamin C supplementation and respiratory infections: a systematic review
• [10] Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions

Vitamin D3, provided as cholecalciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body can produce when skin is exposed to sunlight. Once ingested or formed in the skin, it is converted to active hormone-like forms that help regulate calcium and phosphorus balance and support normal bone and muscle function.[0] Vitamin D receptors are also present in many immune cells and airway tissues, where vitamin D helps modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, including the production of antimicrobial peptides and inflammatory mediators.[0,6]

This product, which combines mullein leaf, olive leaf–containing blends, turmeric, NAC, and additional botanicals and nutrients, is clearly designed to support respiratory comfort, antioxidant defenses, and immune resilience. Within this context, vitamin D3 serves as a core immune-support nutrient working alongside vitamin C and zinc. By helping maintain adequate vitamin D status, it supports normal barrier function in airway epithelium and balanced immune signaling when the respiratory tract is challenged.[0,2,6] Rather than acting as a fast-acting herb, vitamin D3 underpins the formula’s foundational “immune readiness” pillar, complementing lung-focused botanicals, NAC, and antioxidant blends that address mucus dynamics, oxidative stress, and overall respiratory well-being.

References

• [0] Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Healthy Adults: The VIDARIS Randomized Controlled Trial
• [2] Vitamin D3 supplementation in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections: a randomised and double-blind intervention study
• [6] Double-blind randomised controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of acute respiratory infection in older adults and their carers (ViDiFlu)

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions and is especially important for normal immune function, antioxidant defenses, and tissue repair. It supports the development and activity of key immune cells, including neutrophils, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes, and helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucosal barriers.[0,10,11] In both children and adults, inadequate zinc status has been associated with higher susceptibility to infections, while supplementation can improve markers of immune competence and reduce the incidence of some respiratory illnesses, particularly where deficiency is common.[3,4]

In this formula—built around mullein leaf, a dedicated lung herbal blend, an antioxidant and immune blend, NAC-containing botanicals, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and black pepper—zinc (here as zinc citrate) serves as a central mineral cofactor for immune resilience. While herbs and NAC focus on respiratory comfort, mucus dynamics, and oxidative stress, zinc underpins the immune system’s ability to respond effectively to respiratory challenges.[0,3,4] Together with vitamins C and D3, it anchors the product’s “core immune defense” pillar, helping maintain robust barrier function in the airways and balanced immune signaling, so the more targeted botanicals and antioxidants can work within a well-supported immune landscape.

References

• [0] Use of zinc supplements to reduce upper respiratory infections in United States Air Force Academy cadets
• [3] Zinc supplementation for the prevention of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 59 months
• [4] Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a traditional European and North American herb whose leaves and flowers have long been used in folk formulas for the chest and airways. Modern analyses show that mullein leaves contain a range of bioactive constituents, including polyphenols, flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides and mucilaginous compounds.[3,7,11] These plant compounds contribute to antioxidant activity and help modulate inflammatory signaling in cell and tissue models, where mullein extracts have been shown to reduce markers such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes involved in inflammatory cascades.[3,7]

This product, which combines mullein leaf with a dedicated lung herbal blend, an antioxidant and immune blend, NAC-containing botanicals, plus vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc and black pepper, is clearly focused on respiratory comfort, immune support and protection against oxidative stress. As a 30:1 extract, the mullein leaf serves as a key botanical pillar of the lung-support side of the formula. Its soothing plant compounds and antioxidant polyphenols complement NAC and other herbs that target mucus dynamics and airway comfort, while vitamins and zinc provide foundational immune resilience.[3,4,11] In this way, mullein leaf extract anchors the “respiratory tract and mucosal balance” pillar, helping to support a calm, comfortable chest environment alongside systemic antioxidant and immune-support nutrients.

References

• [3] Correlation between polyphenol content and anti-inflammatory activity of Verbascum phlomoides (mullein)
• [7] Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoarthritic bioactive potential of Verbascum thapsus leaf extract
• [11] Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research

The Lung Herbal Blend is a composite botanical complex built from olive leaf, marshmallow root, oregano leaf, echinacea, thyme herb, peppermint, holy basil and plantain leaf, along with deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Together, these herbs supply a spectrum of plant compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, mucilaginous polysaccharides and bitters. While each plant has its own history of traditional use, as a group they provide soothing mucilage, aromatic oils and antioxidant phytochemicals that help support the normal function and comfort of the upper and lower airways.

This formula is clearly designed for respiratory comfort, antioxidant protection and immune support, combining mullein leaf, an Antioxidant & Immune Blend, vitamin C, vitamin D3, zinc and black pepper. Within that architecture, the Lung Herbal Blend serves as the targeted “airway environment” pillar. The soothing, mucilage-rich herbs (like marshmallow, plantain and DGL) complement aromatic herbs (like thyme, peppermint, oregano and holy basil) that help maintain a clear, comfortable chest, while olive leaf and echinacea contribute broad immune- and antioxidant-supporting phytochemicals. Together, this blend works in parallel with core nutrients and NAC-containing components, focusing specifically on the throat and bronchial tissues while vitamins and minerals underpin systemic immune defenses.

The Antioxidant & Immune Blend is a focused complex built around N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a turmeric curcumin–phospholipid complex, activated quercetin and the proteolytic enzyme bromelain. NAC is a precursor to the amino acid cysteine and reduced glutathione, a central intracellular antioxidant that helps neutralize reactive oxygen species and supports detoxification and redox balance.[0,4,9] Curcumin and quercetin are polyphenolic compounds with well-described antioxidant and cell-signaling effects, while bromelain, derived from pineapple, provides protease activity that can influence tissue permeability and inflammatory mediator balance.

In this product—clearly designed to support respiratory comfort, antioxidant protection and immune function through mullein leaf, a lung herbal blend, vitamins C and D3, zinc and black pepper—the Antioxidant & Immune Blend forms a key systemic defense pillar. NAC helps replenish glutathione and support mucolytic activity in the airways, complementing lung-directed herbs.[0,2,9] Curcumin–phospholipid and quercetin contribute broad-spectrum reactive oxygen species scavenging and modulation of inflammatory pathways, while bromelain may enhance tissue penetration of co-administered compounds and support healthy inflammatory responses in mucosal surfaces. Together, this blend underpins the formula’s deeper cellular and immune resilience, allowing the more targeted respiratory botanicals to work within a well-supported antioxidant and redox environment.

References

• [0] N-acetylcysteine--a safe antidote for cysteine/glutathione deficiency
• [2] N-acetylcysteine - a mucolytic agent in chronic respiratory illnesses
• [9] Clinical applications of N-acetylcysteine

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit extract is a concentrated form of the familiar culinary spice, standardized to provide higher levels of its active alkaloid piperine. Beyond flavor, piperine has been studied for its ability to influence digestive function and the way the body handles certain nutrients and plant compounds. Research indicates that piperine can modulate intestinal enzymes and transporters, which may alter the absorption and metabolism of co‑ingested substances.[1,2] It also shows antioxidant activity and can affect cell-signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress.[1]

This formula is clearly built around respiratory comfort, immune support and antioxidant defense, combining mullein leaf, a Lung Herbal Blend, an Antioxidant & Immune Blend (with NAC, turmeric, quercetin and bromelain), plus vitamins C and D3 and zinc. Within this multi-pathway design, black pepper extract serves primarily as a bioavailability and optimization aid. By influencing gastrointestinal and metabolic handling of certain botanicals and curcumin-like polyphenols, piperine helps the body make better use of the active compounds in the lung and antioxidant blends rather than acting as a direct respiratory herb itself.[1–3] This places it in the “delivery and enhancement” pillar of the product, supporting the overall potency and consistency of the formula’s immune and airway benefits.

References

• [1] Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper: actions on drug metabolizing enzymes
• [2] Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of nutrients and drugs
• [3] Piperine as a bioenhancer in clinical practice: a review