Bioforce AG’s researchers Andy Suter and Roland Schoop presented new results on echinacea at the 55th International Congress & Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant Research in Austria. The research team discussed in vivo trial results demonstrating the mechanism of Echinacea purpurea alkylamides in protecting against the cold virus, specifically, the alkylamides’ ability to latch on to immune cells’ endocannabinoid receptors, thereby activating the immune system. Several of the studies presented used the freshly-harvested E. purpurea preparation made by Bioforce. Studies included a meta-analysis of echinacea’s efficacy against cold viruses, tests suggesting the herb has anti-bacterial effects, and its lack of impact on the P450 enzymes that aid the body’s detoxification.
“The Echinacea presentation at the 55th International Congress & Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant Research completely validates the consumer use of Echinacea as an effective immune support supplement during cold season,” said Eileen Sheets, managing director of Bioforce USA. “This is good news for the dietary supplement industry as it successfully ‘recovers’ from the toxic shot in the arm of the negative study published in 2005.”
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