Vita Echinacea
Price: $50.99 (USA Only)
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.