Echinamide - The best choice in Echinacea

January 3, 2005

Introduction

http://www.doctormurray.com/articles/Echinamide.htm

In every native culture around the globe it seems that one medicinal

plant in particular would be held in the highest reverence. Many of

these plants are now household names. Everyone has at least heard of

these herbs such as ginseng, kava, saw palmetto, and, of course,

Echinacea. In North America the medicinal plant that garnered the

greatest respect among Native Americans is Echinacea - the

coneflower.

Modern research has shown Echinacea to exert significant effects on

immune function in over 300 scientific investigations. However, not

all of the clinical studies have been positive. Several classes of

compounds are responsible for these effects. Mixed results from

clinical studies with Echinacea are most likely due to lack of or

insufficient quantity of active compounds. The best assurance for

consumers to get the full benefit of Echinacea is to use a product

that guarantees the level of active ingredients.

What Echinacea product do you recommend?

I recommend Echinamide, a patented, super-extracted Echinacea

product developed and marketed by Natural Factors. Many experts now

consider Echinamide to be the ultimate Echinacea product on the

market. Echinamide is unique in that it not only has standardized

levels of active compounds; they are in ratios that have been shown

to produce the greatest effect. It is not enough to be high in any

one particular component of Echinacea, for maximum benefit it is

very important that the product contain all of the active components

in their natural and most effective ratios. And, that is exactly

what makes Echinamide different from all other Echinacea products.

Dr. Rudolf Bauer of the Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf,

Germany, has conducted and published more research on Echinacea than

any other person. His research has been critical not only to the

understanding of Echinacea but also to its growing acceptance as an

immune enhancing agent. According to Dr. Bauer " Echinamide is unique

in that it has certain standardized levels of polysaccharides,

cichoric acid, and alkylamides. " And, on the research conducted with

Echinamide, Dr. Bauer said, " This new data which has produced

pharmacological results cannot be transferred to other products. "

There are over 300 Echinacea products sold in the world, but there

is only one with the unique chemical profile of Echinamide. Here is

a brief summary of the advances made by the scientists at Natural

Factors:

Improved analytical techniques

Developed the appropriate techniques in chemical analysis to isolate

and measure the substances within Echinacea purpurea that are

responsible for its immune enhancing effects.

Better Growing Conditions

Natural Factors has determined the optimal growing conditions using

100% organic growing standards for Echinacea purpurea to yield the

highest levels of active compounds.

More Precise Harvesting

By determining the level of active compounds through the growing

cycle, Natural Factors harvests the plant at the most ideal time -

when it is highest in active compounds.

Use of Fresh Herb

Natural Factors uses fresh Echinacea because up to 30% of the active

compounds are lost in the drying process.

Advanced Extraction Techniques

Many key compounds in Echinacea are typically lost during the

extraction phase or are left behind due to inappropriate extraction.

Natural Factors has developed a patented extraction technique that

results in a product with the highest levels and broadest range of

active compounds available.

Improved Experimental Models

Natural Factors worked with leaders in pharmacology to develop the

experimental models designed to better understand and measure the

immune enhancing effects of Echinacea.

Proper Clinical Evaluation

The encouraging results from preliminary studies with Echinamide are

being followed by detailed clinical studies at major Universities.

What are some of these immune enhancing compounds in Echinacea?

The most important constituents of Echinacea can be divided into six

major categories: (1) polysaccharides; (2) cichoric acid and other

caffeic acid derivatives (3) alkylamides; (4) flavonoids; (5)

essential oils; and (6) glycoproteins.

Since Echinacea contains a wide assortment of chemical constituents

with confirmed immune enhancing effects, it is important for

manufacturers to insure sufficient levels of all these active

compounds.

Unfortunately, most Echinacea products on the market do not specify

the levels of active compounds because they have not been analyzed

for them. And, when manufacturers do state the level of a particular

marker compound most consumers fail to realize that concentrating

only for one particular active compound of Echinacea results in loss

of other constituents and, as a result, all of the synergistic

effects. For example, some manufacturers standardize for " total

phenolic content " or the compound echinacoside. However, although

these sort of Echinacea extracts were found to have some antioxidant

properties recent studies have found them to have no effect on

enhancing immune function in experimental animal studies.1

What do you mean by synergistic effect?

One of the most interesting phenomena in nature is synergy. In the

case of Echinacea, it appears that while individual immune enhancing

compounds produce significant effects when they are combined in

meaningful amounts there is an additive effect. The immune enhancing

components of Echinacea work together in a harmonious fashion to

produce the phenomena of synergy. In other words, 1 + 1 + 1 = 6. In

order to appreciate this synergy, let's take a look at Echinacea's

effect on white blood cells known as macrophages ( " big eaters " ).

These cells filter the lymph and blood by engulfing and destroying

bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells through a process known as

phagocytosis.

One of the key manners in which Echinacea enhances immune function

is via enhancing the ability of macrophages to engulf and destroy

particulate matter.1-4 By enhancing the activity of these " garbage

collectors " of the body; in essence the blood is purified. The

specific components of Echinacea responsible for this effect are the

polysaccharides, alkylamides, and cichoric acid. While each of these

components is effective alone, the greatest degree of enhancement

noted in research by Dr. Tapan Basu at the University of Alberta

when the three active components are used in combination in the form

of Echinamide.5 What Dr. Basu demonstrated was the phenomena of

synergy along with a clear dose dependent effect. In other words,

Dr. Basu demonstrated that the effects with the three actives was

greater than any individual active and that the higher the dosage of

Echinamide the greater the effect on enhancing macrophage function.

Dr. Basu and others have also demonstrated that in addition to

enhancing the ability of the macrophages to engulf and destroy

foreign molecules, the active components of Echinacea also increase

the ability of the macrophage to detect the presence of foreign

matter in the blood and signal the other components of the immune

system to mount an attack. This signal is in the form of chemical

messengers. Over a dozen different factors have been identified.

Interestingly, some of these messengers have been developed as drugs

via the process of genetic engineering including interleukin-1 (IL-

1) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF). While these

purified agents are showing promise in boosting immune function,

especially in cancer patients, they are extremely expensive at this

time.

Does Echinacea affect other types of white blood cells?

Yes, particularly interesting is its action on another type of white

blood cell known as natural killer cells.6,7 Natural killer (NK)

cells got their name because they can destroy cells that have become

cancerous or infected with viruses. Typically NK cell levels or

activity will be reduced in individuals suffering from either

chronic viral illness (such as chronic hepatitis or chronic fatigue

syndrome) or cancer. Also, a decline in NK cell number or activity

is also a common feature of aging. A recent study revealed that

Echinacea had the capacity to increase NK cell numbers, in aging

mice, reflecting increased new NK cell production in the bone

marrow, leading to an increase in the absolute numbers of NK cells

in the spleen, their primary destiny.6 These results indicate that

Echinacea may be proven to help boost NK cells in aging humans as

well. In addition, other studies have shown enhanced NK activity and

function.7

Hasn't there been research conducted on other Echinacea products?

Yes, but there is a serious problem when you look closely at

Echinacea research - the lack of quality control in defining the

Echinacea product used has led to inconsistent results. While some

studies have been positive, others have not. results are difficult

to interpret because of the lack of quality control in the

preparations used.8-11 The reason for the mixed results is most

likely to the lack of consistency in the product being used. If the

product, by chance, had sufficient levels of active compounds it

would be effective. If not, then it would likely be no more

effective than a placebo. What determines the effectiveness of any

herbal product is its ability to deliver an effective dosage of

active compounds.

Chemical analysis of commercial Echinacea preparations has

demonstrated tremendous variation in the levels of key compounds

even within the same product from batch to batch. For example, when

Dr. Bauer analyzed various commercial Echinacea products he found

that there was tremendous variation in the level of cichoric acid

with most products containing either none or very little.12

Why is there such tremendous variation in the chemical profile of

these other Echinacea preparations?

Many manufacturers are not employing the necessary quality control

tests required to insure that the Echinacea is being grown properly

and is harvested at the exact time for maximal levels of all active

compounds. It is also imperative that the Echinacea be treated

properly after harvesting. First of all, it is absolutely essential

to use fresh plant material versus the dried plant or roots that

most manufacturers use. Studies indicate that a significant amount

of the active ingredients are destroyed in the drying process.12-15

Processing time is also very important. If the fresh plant material

is not processed immediately, the content of several key components -

especially cichoric acid, alkylamides,- will be low (as much as 80%

will be lost). It is also essential that the extraction be carried

out under ideal circumstances. Natural Factors committed to finding

the best conditions for extraction of Echinacea to yield the highest

level of active components. They determined the best portion of the

plant to use as well as the right temperature, length of time for

extraction, and right concentrations for alcohol and water. And,

since the active components have different solubility

characteristics (some are more soluble in water, others are more

soluble in alcohol), they conduct different extractions to

concentrate the different active compounds and then blend the

extracts together to produce Echinamide.

Should Echinacea be taken on a daily basis?

The question whether Echinacea should be used on a long-term or

continual basis has not been adequately answered. The usual

recommendation with long-term use is 8 weeks on followed by one week

off. As research implies the people most likely to benefit from

using Echinacea as a preventive measure are those with weaker immune

systems who are more prone to infection, I do not recommend

Echinacea as a preventative measure for people with healthy immune

function unless they are under circumstances of increased exposure

to viruses or stress.

Is Echinacea safe?

When used at the recommended doses even for indefinite periods,

there is no danger of toxicity as no studies have reported acute or

chronic toxicity reactions due to Echinacea extracts.16 Echinacea

use is usually without side effect, however, allergic reactions have

been reported in people who are allergic to other members of plants

in the daisy family (daisy, ragweed, marigolds, etc.).

Are there any people who should not use Echinacea?

Many experts recommend that Echinacea should not be used by people

with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or human-

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Theoretically, Echinacea use

may lead to stimulation of viral replication of the virus as well.

Although somewhat controversial, until more research is done, I

think it wise to avoid Echinacea use if you are infected with HIV.

Since Echinacea can enhance immune function, it must not be used in

people who have had organ transplants or who are taking drugs to

purposely suppress the immune system like cyclophosphamide. This

recommendation is based on the theoretical premise that Echinacea

may interfere with these drugs that are purposely used to suppress

the immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ.

Can pregnant women use Echinacea?

Echinacea appears to be safe even for pregnant or lactating women

based upon both animal studies and evaluation studies in women using

Echinacea during pregnancy showing no harmful effects.17

What about children?

The general consensus among experts is that Echinacea appears to be

very safe even in very young children. For children under the age of

six years, it is usually given at one-half the adult dosage.

Can people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis take

Echinacea?

My recommendation is that people with autoimmune diseases such as

rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis avoid long-term

use of Echinacea.

Taking Echinacea for short periods of time is not likely to be a

problem.

The concern with Echinacea in these conditions is that since they

are characterized by an autoimmune reaction (a process in which

antibodies formed by the immune system attack the body's own

tissue), enhancing immune function may be harmful.

My own opinion is that this may not be an issue as Echinacea is more

of an immune system modulator (normalizer) than stimulator.

In fact, Echinacea may ultimately be shown to be helpful for

autoimmune diseases as uncontrolled studies have actually found it

to be useful in rheumatoid arthritis.

Can Echinacea be used in patients with cancer?

At this time the answer appears to be yes although more research is

definitely needed.

In animal studies, Echinacea extracts have been shown to inhibit

the growth of various cancers in experimental animal studies.

In preliminary human studies, a stimulatory effects on white blood

cell counts or function in patients receiving radiation or

chemotherapy for cancer has been noted.18,19

References

Rininger JA, Kickner S, Chigurupati P, et al.: Immunopharmacological

activity of Echinacea preparations following simulated digestion on

murine macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Leukoc Biol 2000;68:503-10.

Vomel V: Influence of a non-specific immune stimulant on

phagocytosis of erythrocytes and ink by the reticuloendothelial

system of isolated perfused rat livers of different ages. Arzneim

Forsch 1984;34:691-5.

Bauer R, Jurcic K, Puhlmann J, Wagner H: Immunological in vivo and

in vitro examinations of Echinacea extracts. Arzneim Forsch

1988;38:276-81.

Burger RA, Torres AR, Warren RP, et al.: Echinacea-induced cytokine

production by human macrophages. Int J Immunopharmacol 1997;19:371-

9.

Goel, V, Chang C, Slama JV, et al.: Dose related effects of

Echinacea on macrophage stimulation in lungs and in spleens of

normal rats. In press.

Perry NB, van Klink JW, Burgess EJ, Parmenter GA: Alkamide levels in

Echinacea purpurea: effects of processing, drying and storage.

Planta Med 2000;66:54-6.

Kim HO, Durance TD, Scaman CH, Kitts DD: Retention of caffeic acid

derivatives in dried echinacea purpurea. J Agric Food Chem

2000;48:4182-6.

Giles JT, Palat CT, Chien SH, et al.: Evaluation of echinacea for

treatment of the common cold. Pharmacotherapy. 2000;20:690-7.

Percival SS: Use of echinacea in medicine. Biochem Pharmacol

2000;60:155-8.

Melchart D, Linde K, Fischer P; Kaesmayr J: Echinacea for preventing

and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;

(2):CD000530.

Barrett B, Vohmann M, Calabrese C: Echinacea for upper respiratory

infection. J Fam Pract 1999;48(8):628-35.

Bauer R: Standardization of Echinacea pupurea expressed juice with

reference to cichoric acid and alkamides. J Herbs Spices Medicinal

Plants 1999;6:51-61.

Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al.: Macrophage activation

by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell

cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Nat Cancer Inst 1989;81:669-75.

Bauer R and Wagner H: Echinacea species as potential

immunostimulatory drugs. Econ Med Plant Res 1991;5:253-321.

Wagner V, Proksch A, Riess-Maurer I, et al.: Immunostimulating

polysaccharides (heteroglycans) of higher plants. Arzneim Forsch

1985;35:1069-75.

Stimpel M: Proksch A, Wagner H, Lohmann-Matthes ML: Macrophage

activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified

polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea.

Infection Immunity 1984;46:845-9.

Currier NL, Miller SC: Natural killer cells from aging mice treated

with extracts from echinacea purpurea are quantitatively and

functionally rejuvenated. Exp Gerontol 2000;35:627-39.

See DM, Broumand N, Sahl L, Tilles JG: In vitro effects of echinacea

and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell

cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Immunopharmacology

1997;35:229-35.

Mose J: Effect of echinacin on phagocytosis and natural killer

cells. Med Welt 1983;34:1463-7.

Mengs U, Clare CB, Poiley JA: Toxicity of Echinacea purpurea.

Arzneim Forsch 1991;41:1076-81.

Gallo M, Sarkar M, Au W, et al.: Pregnancy outcome following

gestational exposure to echinacea: A prospective controlled study.

Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:3141-3.

Lersch C, Zeuner M, Bauer A, et al. Nonspecific immunostimulation

with low doses of cyclophosphamide (LDCY), thymostimulin, and

Echinacea purpurea extracts (echinacin) in patients with far

advanced colorectal cancers: preliminary results. Cancer Invest.

1992;10:343-8.

Lersch C, Zeuner M, Bauer A, et al.: Stimulation of the immune

response in outpatients with hepatocellular carcinomas by low doses

of cyclophosphamide (LDCY), echinacea purpurea extracts (Echinacin)

and thymostimulin. Arch Geschwulstforsch. 1990;60:379-83.

January 3, 2005

JMJ

Thanks for that article. That makes a lot of sense and eases my mind about

using echinacea short term to fight colds and flu symptoms even though I have

Lupus.

Ruth in California

Wife to Carl and Mom to Colton(11)Tyler(9)Helen(2)Hannah(1)

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JoAnn Guest<angelprincessjo

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Sunday, January 02, 2005 11:34 PM

Echinamide - The best choice in

Echinacea

Echinamide - The best choice in Echinacea

Introduction

http://www.doctormurray.com/articles/Echinamide.htm<http://www.doctormurray.com/\

articles/Echinamide.htm>