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Vita Echinacea
DESCRIPTION
Echinacea , used traditionally by Native Americans
for a wide variety of ailments, is now recognized
for its potent immune enhancing properties. Vita
Echinacea vegetarian capsules, provided by
Vitasecrets, contain 250 mg of two Echinacea
extracts, Echinacea angustifolia extract,
standardized to 4% echinacosides and Echinacea
purpurea extract, standardized to 4%
4-sesquiterpeneesters.
FUNCTIONS
Native Americans traditionally used echinacea to
treat a variety of disorders, primarily infections
and other conditions where enhancement of the immune
system was needed. Echinacea’s therapeutic efficacy
was recognized by Western medical science in the
late 19th century. Today, echinacea is best known as
a non-specific, immuno-supporting botanical.
Echinacea has no direct effects on infective agents
themselves. Instead, echinacea works by supporting
the body’s own natural defense mechanisms.
Polysaccharides, caffeic acid and its derivatives (chicoric
acid), and alkamides are principal substances
thought to be responsible for echinacea’s immuno-supporting
properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that
Echinacea significantly increases the numbers of
monocytes and natural-killer (NK) cells in both the
spleen and bone marrow within weeks after dietary
supplementation. Similarly, in healthy and chronic
fatigue syndrome individuals echinacea extract
enhances not only NK cell function, but also
antibody-dependent cell toxicity against herpes
virus 6 cells. Laboratory studies have shown that
echinacea activates macrophages, stimulating
production of the cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6,
and IL-10. The polysaccharide fraction of echinacea,
including heteroxylan and arabinogalactan, is
thought to be partially responsible for its ability
to activate macrophages and increase their
production of TNFalpha. This polysaccharide
component of Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory
activity. Scientific studies also suggest that
echinacea may enhance immune function by increasing
antigenspecific immunoglobulin production.
Echinaceatreated animals show a significant
enhancement of their IgG response to antigen.
Echinacea's enhanced production of the immune system
cells on the first line of defense against invading
pathogens suggests an important prophylactic role
for this botanical.
INDICATIONS
Vita Echinacea vegetarian capsules may be a
beneficial nutritional supplement for individuals
who wish to obtain the natural immuno-stimulating
properties of this standardized botanical extract.
Each Vcaps™ Vegetarian Capsule Contains:
Echinacea.....................................................250
mg
Standardized to 4% echinacosides (E.angustifolia)
and 4% 4-Sesquiterpeneesters (E.purpurea) (U.S.,
cultivated in Europe)
In a 100 mg base of non-standardized Echinacea
angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea.
SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 capsule, 1 to 4 times daily between
meals or as directed by physician.
SIDE EFFECTS
Echinacea should not be used continuously for more
than eight weeks at a time. Pregnant and lactating
women should consult their physician if considering
taking echinacea. Individuals with tuberculosis,
multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection, or
autoimmune diseases should not take echinacea. It is
also recommended that people with known allergies to
the daisy family of plants not take echinacea.
HOW SUPPLIED
Supplied in bottles of 60 capsules.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
Keep out of reach of children.
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