|
|
 |
|
Reply
| | | From: Rene (Original Message) | Sent: 10/7/2005 2:57 PM |
Early intervention with a standardized echinacea product reduces cold symptom severity. Science is working constantly to help us understand the role vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other natural compounds play in promoting health and healing. Many noteworthy clinical studies with natural products were published in 2004. Here are the 10 most significant findings.
Echinacea does work if you use an effective product
In 2004, four double-blind studies evaluated echinacea preparations in the treatment of the common cold. In three of these studies, the echinacea products used were shown to be no more effective than placebos. However, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmaceutical Therapy demonstrated quite clearly that echinacea could be of significant value in reducing the severity and duration of a cold. The difference in results from these clinical studies with echinacea is most likely due to a lack of or insufficient quantity of active compounds in the negative studies.
The single most important aspect in getting results from an echinacea product is to make sure that it is guaranteed to provide sufficient levels of all three classes of all three key categories of active compounds in their proper ratio. For example, in the study demonstrating positive results, the commercially available echinacea product contained standardized levels of alkamides, cichoric acid, and polysaccharides at concentrations of 0.25, 2.5, and 25 milligrams per millilitres respectively.
Prepared from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea plants, the standardized product showed just how impressive results can be when a high quality product is used. In the double-blind study, the echinacea preparation or placebo was given to 282 subjects aged 18 to 65 years with a history of two or more colds in the previous year. Subjects were instructed to start the echinacea or placebo at the onset of the first symptom related to a cold, consuming 10 doses the first day and four doses per day on subsequent days for seven days. The total daily symptom scores were found to be 23.1 percent lower in the echinacea group than in placebo. The researcher concluded that early intervention with this standardized echinacea product results in reduced symptom severity in subjects with upper respiratory tract infection. Cold symptoms in some people cleared up to three times faster than the placebo group. Michael T. Murray, ND, is the author of over 20 books, including his latest How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine (Riverhead, 2003) AlivePublishing.com Feb/2005 |
|
 First
Previous
2-4 of 4
Next
Last
|
|
Reply
| |
Echinacea
Rubuttal By Michael T. Murray, N.D.
A recent article in New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reports that no significant differences in cold-related measures were observed in a doubleblind study in which volunteers who were artificially infected with rhinovirus received either placebo or one of three specially prepared extracts of Echinacea angustifolia root.1 While the media will, once again, jump all over this article as “proof�?that echinacea does not work, it is once again important to keep things in perspective.
Important caveat
What determines the effectiveness of any herbal product is its ability to deliver an effective dosage of active compounds. The specific components of echinacea responsible for the immune enhancing effects of echinacea are the polysaccharides, alkylamides, and cichoric acid. While each is effective alone, the greatest degree of enhancement occurs when the three active components are at a specific ratio. Researchers involved in the development of Echinamide, a clinically proven, highly effective echinacea product, discovered that there are several critical steps in making an effective echinacea preparation. First, the plant (Echinacea purpurea) mustbe grown under ideal conditions and harvested at the exact ti me for maximal levels of all active compounds. It is also imperative that the echinacea be treated properly after harvesting. Studies indicate that it is best to use extracts made from fresh plant material. However, if the fresh plant material is not processed immediately, the content of several key components, especially cichoric acid and alkylamides, will be low (as much as 80% will be lost). It is also essential that the extraction be carried out under ideal circumstances and that all three active components be available in an ideal ratio. Echinacea anugustifolia vs. purpurea
In the recent NEJM study, there were several methodological problems. First of all, the three Echinacea preparations were manufactured for the study from a single lot of dried root. All were made at a concentration ratio of 1 kilogram of root to 5 liters of extract (1:5 tincture) and were extracted with supercritical CO2, 60% ethanol, and 20% ethanol, respectively, to yield different percentages of alkylamides. The dosage for each of the extracts was 1.5 milliliters, three times daily, representing 300 milligrams per dose or 900 milligrams per day of Echinacea angustifolia root; hardly an effective dosage. What this means is that the product studied was not the same as the clinically proven Echinamide (standardized extract of Echinacea purpurea). And, the dosage used was less than that required for clinical effect. I like the comment from American Herbal Product’s Michael McGuffin about the insufficient dosage, �?. . . it is not unlike taking one-third or less of the dose of cough syrup and wondering why you are still coughing. The standard dosage for dried Echinacea angustifolia root used at the onset of a cold is well established at three grams per day or more, and this study used less than one gram.�?/FONT> Another problem with this study may be the experimental model. It involves artificially exposing subjects to a very high dosage of rhinovirus inoculated directly in the nasal passages. While considered the gold standard in common cold research, it is unlikely that the nonspecific nature of echinacea would result in significant protection against this viral assault, even if an appropriate preparation and dosage was used. What to look for in an Echinacea product
It has been clearly shown that the single most important aspect in getting results from an echinacea
product is to make sure that it is guaranteed to provide sufficient levels of all three classes of all three key categories of active compounds in their proper ratio. The benefits of such a preparation have been clinically verified. For example, recently published studies with a commercially available echinacea product (Echinilin,® also available as Clinical Strength Echinamide) containing standardized levels of alkamides, cichoric acid, and polysaccharides prepared from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea plants showed just how impressive results can be when a high quality product is used. In one double-blind study, Echinilin® or placebo was given to 282 subjects, aged 18-65 years, with a history of two or more colds in the previous year. Subjects were instructed to start the echinacea or placebo at the onset of the first symptom related to a cold, consuming ten doses the first day and four doses per day on subsequent seven days. The total daily symptom scores were found to be 23.1% lower in the echinacea group than in the placebo group. The researcher concluded that early intervention with Echinilin® results in reduced symptom severity in subjects with upper respiratory tract infection. Some people cleared their cold symptoms up to three times faster than the placebo group. There are over 300 Echinacea products sold in the world, but there is only one with the unique chemical profile and proven clinical efficacy of Clinical Strength 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 Determined the optimal growing conditions using 100% organic growing standards for Echinacea purpurea to yield the highest levels of active compounds. More Precise Harvesting Determines the level of active compounds through the growing cycle and harvests the plant at the most ideal time–when it is highest in active compounds. Use of Fresh Herb Uses fresh Echinacea purpurea because typically up to 30% of the active compounds are lost in the drying process. Advanced Extraction Techniques Developed a patented extraction technique that results in a product with the highest levels and broadest range of active compounds available. (Many key compounds in echinacea are typically lost during the extraction phase or are left behind due to inappropriate extraction.) Improved Experimental Models 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 were followed by detailed, doubleblind clinical studies at major Universities. References
1. Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, Hulsey TC, Gangemi DJ. An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia preparations in experimental rhinovirus infections. N Engl J Med 2005;353:341-348.
2. Goel V, Lovlin R, Barton R, et al. Efficacy of a standardized echinacea preparation (Echinilin) for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2004 Feb;29(1):75-83. Michael T. Murray, N.D., regarded as one of the leading authorities on natural medicine, is a graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington, and the author of over 20 books, including his latest How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine. He is also Director of Product Development for Natural Factors Nutritional Products.
http://www.lifegrocery.com
|
|
Reply
| | | From: Rene | Sent: 1/16/2008 5:47 PM |
Embracing Echinacea
by author Diane Kent, RH Long used by Native Americans, echinacea is a relative newcomer to Western herbal medicine. This beautiful member of the aster family grows wild in North America’s prairie regions and is easily cultivated in gardens. Echinacea purpurea is the most commonly grown variety and is the one most frequently used in clinical trials. Echinacea first attracted attention in the 1880s as a remedy for blood poisoning and septic infections. It was listed as an official drug in the National Formulary of the US from 1916 to 1950. Numerous studies have established the herb as an immune modulator, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healer. Hard-Working Herb Echinacea increases phagocyte production in bone marrow and stimulates macrophage and monocyte production and activity throughout the body. These immune system cells are responsible for destroying bacteria and viruses. Echinacea also helps to prevent pathogens from breaking down tissue barriers and supports the regeneration of damaged tissue. Recent interest in echinacea has centred on its ability to prevent and reduce the effects of colds and influenza. A 2007 meta-analysis of clinical trials reported in The Lancet (July 2007) showed significant reductions in both the chances of catching the common cold (a 58 percent reduction) and the duration of a cold once caught (an average of 1.4 days�?reduction). Immune Booster To boost the immune system and reduce the chance of catching colds and flu, a minimum dose of 900 mg of dried root per day is recommended. Simmer 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of dried root in 1 cup (250 mL) of water for 10 minutes three times a day, or take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2 to 5 mL) of tincture (1:5 ratio of dried herb to 45 percent alcohol extract) three times a day without food. If using a commercial product, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as preparations vary in strength. Echinacea is traditionally considered less effective when taken continuously. During cold season, use the herb for 10 to 14 days, and then break for three days. While echinacea is a very safe herb, it may affect the way certain drugs are broken down by the liver. Seek medical advice if you experience an unusual side effect while taking it. Also, avoid this herb if you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking immune-suppressing drugs. There is no evidence that echinacea negatively affects autoimmune conditions, but some natural medicine experts recommend that people with these conditions avoid using the herb. Consult your natural health professional to find out if this beautiful herb could be beneficial for you. Diane Kent, MNIMH, RH, is a medical herbalist and president of the Ontario Herbalists Association. She teaches, offers workshops, and operates a private practice in Toronto. dianeherbalist.ca Source: alive #302, December 2007; [http://alive.com/6427a15a2.php] |
|
Reply
| | | From: Rene | Sent: 2/21/2008 10:19 PM |
Echinacea Works, As We've Been Saying All Along And now, once again, we come full circle. A recent analysis of echinacea studies has concluded that this popular botanical medicine significantly reduces the risk you'll catch a cold and also can cut a cold's duration. This is good news as we're still in the midst of the cold and flu season, and it adds more evidence to what we've always believed about this natural purple coneflower remedy here at Daily Health News. Yet it wasn't long ago that a New England Journal of Medicine study (July 28, 2005) stated just the opposite, calling the effects of echinacea not clinically significant in fighting colds. So which report should you trust? According to Craig I. Coleman, PharmD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Connecticut, who helped conduct this latest echinacea research, there are many possible reasons why one individual study might have found this treatment ineffective. For example, there are different types of echinacea, different dosages, different frequencies of dosage, etc. In the case of the New England Journal of Medicine study, Dr. Coleman points out that a less effective species of echinacea was used (Echinacea angustifolia rather than Echinacea purpurea), and at a dosage that was only a third what was recommended. Moreover, only one of the more than 200 viruses that cause cold symptoms was tested. THE POTENT PURPLE CONEFLOWER To learn the truth about echinacea, Dr. Coleman and his colleagues combined data from 14 previous clinical trials involving nearly 3,000 people. Since many studies include less than 100 participants, he notes that the much larger meta-analysis packs more statistical power and is also likely to uncover effects of a treatment that might not have shown up in smaller studies. For the greatest accuracy, researchers also chose only randomized, placebo-controlled and peer reviewed trials -- the ones most likely to yield reliable results. The results were impressive. Researchers found that... Echinacea reduces the chance of catching a cold by 58% when taken prior to or right at the first hint of a cold. If you already have a cold, taking echinacea can shorten the duration of it by a day and a half. POWERFUL COLD PREVENTION AND TREATMENT "The take-home message from our study is that echinacea does indeed have powerful cold prevention and treatment benefits," says Dr. Coleman. Yet with more than 800 echinacea products on the market today, he believes more research is needed to determine the best product preparation and proper dosage. For best results, try taking it at the first sign of a cold. Daily Health News contributing medical editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, says his two favorite echinacea products are by Herb Pharm and Eclectic Institute. Be well, Carole Jackson; Bottom Line's Daily Health News Source(s):
Craig I. Coleman, PharmD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut. [http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com] |
|
|
First
Previous
2-4 of 4
Next
Last
|
|
|
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
Return to Herbs etc