Which popular herb is used for its possible benefit on the immune system?

A. Oprelvekin (Neumega): Oprelvekin is a recombinant human interleukin-11 (IL-11) used to stimulate the production of platelets, not red blood cells. It is primarily indicated for patients with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) due to chemotherapy.

B. Epoetin alfa (Procrit): Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is commonly used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease, chemotherapy, or HIV therapy. Therefore, it is administered to increase the number of circulating red blood cells.

C. Clopidogrel (Plavix): Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. It does not directly stimulate the production of red blood cells.

D. Filgrastim (Neupogen): Filgrastim is a recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) that stimulates the production of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, in the bone marrow. It is used to treat neutropenia (low white blood cell count) caused by chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, or certain diseases. It does not directly stimulate the production of red blood cells.

A. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act): This act sets the groundwork for food and drug regulations, but it's not the specific legislation governing dietary supplements. While FD&C Act applies to some aspects of supplements, DSHEA has more specific regulations.

B. Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO): This organization focuses on accrediting healthcare facilities, not regulating supplements.

C. Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS is a broad department encompassing various healthcare agencies, but DSHEA is the specific act within HHS that governs supplements.

D. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA): This 1994 act specifically addresses dietary supplements, outlining regulations for labeling, manufacturing, and marketing. It places the responsibility for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of supplements on the manufacturers, unlike prescription drugs approved by the FDA.