Echinacea extract

Echinacea is the name of a genus of native North American plants, commonly known as the purple coneflower. Among the different species belonging to the Echinacea family, largely used in traditional medicine, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia have been investigated. These different species, due to their difficult identification, were commonly confused in the past and probably used indifferently for the same therapeutic purposes. In fact, the three species have in common some pharmacological activities based on the presence of active compounds that act additively and synergistically. Nevertheless, the composition of each species has slight variation in the amount of each active component.

Echinacea Extract, 510 mg
Planetary Formulas

Echinacea is the a relied upon botanical in North America for supporting immune functions. Planetary Formulas Echinacea Extract combines a concentrated Echinacea angustifolia root extract (standard to 4% echinacosides) with the roots of Echinacea pallida. This captures the full spectrum of echinacea compounds.

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Standardized echinacea extract
Because the active component of the echinacea plant has not been fully identified, commercial echinacea products are not typically standardized to any particular component.

Echinacea extract how it works
Echinacea plant extract is widely used for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Echinacea has been the subject of hundreds of studies, however, the active components in the herb, their optimal dosages and their in vivo effects are still not fully identified. The actions of echinacea are thought to be due to a number of polysaccharides called fructofuranosides, such as heteroxylan and arabinogalactan, and also to a group of lower molecular-weight polysaccharides, including alkylamides and echinacosides.
   Many of the compounds in echinacea stimulate various aspects of the immune system including macrophage and lymphocyte function. Natural killer cell activity is increased and there may be an increase in interferon production and phagocytosis.
       
 Echinacea extract Summary
Echinacea herb has an influence on the immune system. The scientific evidence regarding echinacea's effectiveness in limiting common cold severity and duration is inconsistent. The research literature on echinacea is difficult to evaluate because of the differences in products used in various studies.
   In a recent study with children, Echinacea purpurea was not effective in treating upper respiratory infection symptoms in patients 2 to 11 years old, and its use was associated with an increased risk of rash.
   A June, 2004 study found taking 300 milligrams per day of Echinacea at the first sign of a cold appears to do little to reduce symptoms or speed recovery.
   At this point we do not recommend the use of echinacea to treat or prevent the common cold. We believe zinc lozenges are more effective and vitamin C taken early in the onset of a cold has potential.

American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Releases Quality Control Standard and Therapeutic Compendium for Dietary Supplements 2007-01-26.
Scotts Valley, CA - The American Herbal Pharmacopoeiaź (AHP), a California-based non-profit research organization, announced the release of its quality control standard and therapeutic compendium for the botanical dietary supplement Echinacea purpurea Aerial Parts (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench). The information will assist manufacturers in preparing for good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Echinacea purpurea has traditionally been used to help prevent colds, flu and other infections. The Echinacea purpurea monograph establishes national standards for assuring authenticity, purity, and quality control of the botanical. "There are quality issues surrounding Echinacea that make manufacturing, choosing or researching a quality product very complicated," said AHP executive director Roy Upton. "For example, confusion between species, the presence of adulterants, instability of potentially active compounds and analytical difficulties create a great challenge for anyone working with Echinacea. The Echinacea purpurea Aerial Parts (Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench) monograph and the Echinacea purpurea Root monograph, published in 2004, create a comprehensive species profile that will help simplify these issues." The monographs for Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida are also in development. Each monograph provides a thorough review of the herb. These monographs are essential references for manufacturers who must comply with GMPs, and they are beneficial for academic researchers, regulators and health professionals using herbal medicines as a part of their practice. They also provide important information regarding the true therapeutic potential and safety of herbs so that consumers and health professionals can make educated decisions about their use. Monographs are available at http://www.herbal-ahp.org/documents/forms/order.pdf.
   About AHP: AHP (www.herbal-ahp.org), founded in Santa Cruz, California, began developing qualitative and therapeutic monographs in 1994. The Mission of the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) is to promote the responsible use of herbal medicines and insure they are used with the highest degree of safety and efficacy as is achievable. Their primary way to accomplish this is through the development of standards of identity, purity, and analysis for botanicals, as well as to critically review traditional and scientific data regarding their efficacy and safety.

Echinacea extract questions
Q. Is AHCC helpful for the immune system like echinacea herb extract?
   A. See AHCC information. They are very different in how they work.

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