A.Vogel Echinaforce 50ml

A.Vogel Echinaforce 50ml
For the relief of cold and minor flu symptoms.
Historical overview
Long before the coming of the European settlers, the native Americans used Echinacea (also called Purple Cone Flower) to treat a variety of problems, from infections to snake bites.
In the United States, Echinacea was popularized by the eclectic physicians` movement in the 19th Century. After that, its use was almost forgotten until the 1980`s. In Europe, however, Echinacea was popular with the medical world from the beginning of the Century and has been the subject of numerous clinical studies. Today, Echinacea is the most widely sold medicinal herb in the world.
Actions and pharmacology
In vitro studies have revealed Echinacea`s action mechanism: its polysaccharides and polyacetylenes fractions stimulate the phagocytosis of macrophages and the production of cytokines like interleukine-1, interleukine-6 (also called interferon beta), interleukine-10 and TNF alpha factor. This effect shows Echinacea`s ability to stimulate the immune system in cases of infection.(1)
Chicoric acid and analogues derived from caffeic acid are presently under investigation for their effect on HIV-1 replication.(2)
Echinacea, particularly the echinacosides and caffeic acid derivatives, might protect collagen structures against degradation (oxidation) caused by free radicals. This antioxidant effect is also useful in reducing skin damage caused by sun exposure. The combination of Echinacea`s antioxidant and immuno-stimulant effects might explain its healing virtues in topical applications.(3)
Scientific studies
Many clinical studies demonstrate echinacea`s efficacy as an immune system stimulant.(4-6) According to the authors of an important meta-analysis (a review of articles on clinical studies), Echinacea is effective against respiratory infections, especially if taken as soon as the first symptoms appear.(7)
Echinaforce® has also been the subject of conclusive clinical studies:
A survey of Echinaforce® Liquid effectiveness was conducted from September 1989 to April 1990. The authors conclude: " Echinaforce`s efficacy was judged clinically significant by 88.2% of patients on themselves and by 86.8% of their attending physicians ".(8)
In a double-blind study conducted in Sweden on 119 patients (55 patients took 6 tablets of Echinaforce® daily and 64 took a placebo), the researchers conclude that, after an 8 day trial, 78% of patients found Echinaforce® to be more effective than the placebo.(9)
Composition
Each ml contains:
Tinctures (f) of fresh organic Echinacea herb (Echinacea purpurea) 860 mg/ml 0.949 ml and fresh organic Echinacea root (Echinacea purpurea) 45 mg/ml 0.050 ml
Alcohol content: 67% v/v
Dosage
Adults:
Prevention: 20 drops in a small amount of water, once a day, before breakfast. Use daily for a maximum of 3 months or, on longer periods, for 3 weeks per month. Salivate before swallowing.
Treatment: 20-30 drops in a small amount of water, 3-5 times daily, until symptoms stop. For an optimal efficacy, begin the treatment with the maximum dose (30 drops, 5 times daily) as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Precautions, contraindications and interactions
Contraindication: known allergy to one of the ingredients or to any flower belonging to the daisy (asteracea) family.
A few cases of prolonged bleeding time were reported. It is therefore not recommended to combine echinacea with anticoagulant medications like Coumadin®.
Echinacea is an immune stimulant, therefore its combination with immuno-suppressive medications like Methotrexate® or Immuran® is contraindicated. Echinacea is also not recommended for people suffering from leukemia or other auto-immune diseases.
A study conducted in Toronto by the Motherisk Program states that Echinacea is safe during pregnancy. (10) However, it is always best to consult a competent health professional.
References
1. Burger Ra, Torres AR, Warren RP et al. Echinacea-induced cytokine by human macrophages. Int J Immunopharmacol 1997;19(7):371-9.
2. Lin Z, Neamati N, Zhao H et al. Chicoric acid analogues as HIV-1 integrase inhibitors. J Med Chem 1999;42(8):1401-14.
3. Facino RM, Carini M, Aldini G et al. Echinacoside and caffeoyl conjugates protect collagen from free radical-induced degradation: a potential use of Echinacea extracts in the prevention of skin photodamage. Planta Med 1995;61(6):510-4.
4. Gunning K. Echinacea in the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract infections. West J Med 1999;171:198-200.
5. Barrett B, Vohmann M, Calabrese C. Echinacea for upper respiratory infection. J Fam Pract 1999;48:628-35.
6. Grimm W, Muller HH. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med 1999;106:138-43.
7. Barrett B, Vohmann M et Calabrese C. Echinacea for Upper respiratory infections. J Fam Pract 1999;48(8):628-35.
8. Degenring FH, Enquête sur l`efficacité thérapeutique d`Echinaforce®. Ganzheits Medizin 1995;2:88-94.
9. Brinkeborn R, Shah D, Geissbühler S et al. Echinaforce® dans le traitement des états grippaux aigus. Ganzheits Medizin 1998;10(1):26-29.
10. Gallo M, Sarkar M, Au W et al. Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to echinacea: a prospective controlled study. Arch Intern Med 2000;160(20):3141-3.
Information is taken from the A.Vogel website.