A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold

Abstract

In a previous paper, it was reported that Echinilin (Factors R & D Technologies, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada) a formulation prepared from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea plants and standardized on the basis of three known active components (alkamides, cichoric acid and polysaccharides) is effective for the treatment of a naturally acquired common cold. However, the mechanism by which this effect is achieved remains unknown. In the present study, Echinilin or placebo were administered to volunteers at the onset of their cold for a period of 7 days, with eight doses (5 mL/dose) on day 1 and three doses on subsequent days. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and during their colds. The decrease in total daily symptomatic score was more evident in the echinacea group than in the placebo group. These effects of echinacea were associated with a significant and sustained increase in the number of circulating total white blood cells, monocytes, neutrophils and NK cells. In the later part of the cold, the echinacea treatment suppressed the cold-related increase in superoxide production by the neutrophils. These results suggest that Echinilin, by enhancing the non-specific immune response and eliciting free radical scavenging properties, may have led to a faster resolution of the cold symptoms.

Phenetic Comparison of Seven Echinacea Species Based on Immunomodulatory Characteristics

“…This observation is consistent with previous findings from our lab, as well as findings from other investigators (Goel et al 2005;Randolph et al 2003).…”

“…However, data are in conflict regarding its efficacy, with some studies supporting effectiveness (Goel et al 2005;Lindenmuth and Lindenmuth 2000;Schulten et al 2001) and others discounting it (Barrett et al 2002;Turner et al 2005;Yale and Liu 2004).…”

The industrial potential of herbs and spices – a mini review

“…For these illnesses, mostly drugs with secretolytic and secretomotor actions, containing samonins and essential oils, are used (Wichtl, 2004). Echinacea is commonly used as it enhances the immune system and supports cold treatments (Giles et al, 2000;Goel et al, 2004;Goel et al, 2005 …”

Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Cystic Fibrosis

“…Daily supplementation with large doses of vitamin C does not seem to prevent common colds, however there seems to be a modest (8 to 9%) reduction in the number of symptom days in individuals with established cold symptoms, with larger doses having greater effect (Douglas, Chalker et al 2000). In vitro studies have shown that Echinacea can activate macrophages, increase phagocytosis, enhance cytokine production (Sharma, Arnason et al 2006), and natural killer cell activity, and improve lymphocyte and monocyte cell counts (Goel, Lovlin et al 2005). Current data is available in the adult population and has reported positive findings both in the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infection.…”