Echinacea 2 fl. oz.

Suggested Use: One dropper (approximately 1 ml.) twice daily. One dropper is the equivalent to 60 mg. (dry) of 50:1 standardized ginkgo biloba leaf extract.

It is not uncommon to hear committed athletes say that they are tired, more prone to infections and colds. What is the reason for that? Should it not be that those who exercise regularly and intensely should be immune from bouts of infections and colds? After all, that is one of the objectives in being in good physical and mental shape to fend off an errant infection and to maintain good health over the long haul. While that is intuitively understandable, research shows that the stress of intense and sustained exercise affects the immune system by reducing the efficiency of white blood cells and other immune cells. Exercise also depletes the body of important nutrients that are necessary for the immune system to function. The result is impaired ability of the body to heal itself and decreased robustness to fight against opportunistic infections. Both these factors contribute to decreased ability to peak performance during training and athletic competition.

Whereas moderate exercise on a regular basis has beneficial effects on the immune system, many different approaches have been proposed to counteract the negative effect of heavy exertion on the immune systems. These approaches include administration of anti-inflammatory agents, intake of anti-oxidants and vitamins and other nutrients. The approach gaining greater visibility and frequency is to use immunostimulants. Echinacea (Ecinacea purpurea) is an immunostimulant that has traditionally been used as a preventive measure to manage infections of the respiratory tract. Echinacea is being used increasingly by athletes to stimulate function of the immune system.

Several different types of compounds in Echinacea enhance the immune system. Among the most important are large sugars, such as inulin, which activate the body's defense mechanisms and increase the production of biomolecules that activate macrophages, the body's first line of defense against infections and environmental stress.

Echinacea is not just for athletes on a sustained rigorous exercise and training program; it also strengthens the immune system in healthy individuals as well. In fact, clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of Echinacea in healthy volunteers to boost their immune system. Whereas the beneficial effects of Echinacea in common cold are well known, its effectiveness in stress-related and age-associated depression in the immune system has begun to be understood fully now.

Ultimate Nutrition's Echinacea is especially manufactured to retain its active ingredients in exactly the correct amounts to be beneficial to everyone. It contains thus herb's wholesomeness to the fullest to boost the immune system to function at its maximum potential.

SELECTED REFERENCES

1) Berg, A., Northoff, H., Koenig, D., Weinstock, C., Grathwohl, D., Parnham, M., Stuhlfauth, I. and Keul, J., "Influence of Echinacin Treatment on the Exercise-Induced Immune Response in Athletes," J. Clin. Res.: 1, 367, 1998

2) Drenth, J., van Uum, S., van Deuren, M., Pesman, G. and van der Ven Jongekrijg, "Endurance Run Increases Circulating IL-6 and IL-1-R-a but Downregulates ex vivo TNF-a and IL-1b Production," J. Appl. Physiol.: 79, 1497, 1995

3) Hoheisel, O., Sandberg, M., Bertram, S. Bulitta, M and Schaeffer, M., "Echingard Treatment Shortens the Course of the Common Cold: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial," Eur. J. Clin. Res.: 9, 261, 1997

4) Kayashima, S., Ohno, H., Fujioka, T., Taniguchi, N. and Nagata, N., "Leucocytosis as a Marker of Organ Damage Induced by Chronic Strenuous Physical Exercise," Eur. J. Appl. Physiol.: 70, 413, 1995

5) Niemann, D., "Exercise Immunology: Practical Applications," Int. J. Sports Med.: 18[Suppl. 1]: 91, 1997

6) Parnham, M., "Benefit-Risk Assessment of Squeezed Sap of the Cornflower (Echinacea purpurea) for Long-Term Oral Immunostimulation," Phytomed.: 3, 95, 1996

7) Brinkeborn, R., Shah, D. and Degenring, F., "Echinaforce and Other Echinacea Fresh Plant Preparations in the Treatment of the Common Cold: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial," ibid., 6, 1, 1999

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) How Does Echinacea Help Prevent Opportunistic Infections?

Echinacea is known to exert direct effect on various pathogens that cause opportunistic infections. It inhibits the bacterial growth by interfering with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. Secreted by infecting bacteria this enzyme breaks through the body's defense, which is comprised of protective membranes such as the skin or mucous membranes, so that the organism can enter the body.

2) What is the Average Daily Dosage?

The daily dosage varies between 450 milligram to 900 milligram of Echinacea extract. It can be tailored to individual needs and requirements. If the cold has already set in, it might be best to consult a healthcare professional before starting Echinacea regimen.

3) How Frequently Should Echinacea Be Taken?

If the purpose is to ingest Echinacea as a preventive agent, it could be taken twice a day, preferably with a nutritious fluid. In cases of the onset of the cold, it could be increased to three times a day.

4) Is Echinacea Reasonably Tolerated?

Echinacea is very well tolerated in the human body. Several clinical studies have provided solid evidence that it is a low-risk, effective alternative to standard drugs for symptomatic alleviation of the common cold.

5) Does Echinacea Interact with Antibiotics?

While there are no reports suggesting interaction between Echinacea and antibiotics, it is strongly recommended that the prescribing physician be informed and their clinical advice solicited.

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Monday December 10, 2007