A new study by scientists in South Korea adds to a growing body of research showing the benefits of Echnicacea on the immune system.
The new animal study, conducted at the Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea, was published in the Journal of Medical Food(December 2017). It investigated the protective effect of Echishield – an-all natural Echinaceaingredient–against stress-induced changes in immunological functionin vivo.
Echishield (formerly “Echinacea EFLA®894”) is a natural ingredient obtained from the dried pressed juice of the of Echinacea purpurea.
Results of the study showed that Echishield enhanced immune function, restoring stress-induced changes to levels similar to those in the normal group, as measured by splenocyte proliferation and NK cell activity, both of which recovered following treatment. Additionally, it modulated blood T-cell distribution, normalized upregulated serum levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17), which are responsible for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
This latest study adds to a series of preclinical and clinical trials (alongside safety data) conducted by Frutarom, and supports the hypothesis that Echishield has a positive, beneficial effect on the immune system.
“This study indicates that this sustainable, pure ingredient is beneficial for the immune system,” say Maider Gutierrez, Director of Marketing for Frutarom Health. “Frutarom provides this water-soluble formula as an ingredient for supplements, although it is safe and suitable for beverages where allowed.”
Innova Market Insights reports 8% average annual growth in new product launches with Echinacea,CAGR 2013-2017.Top categories as percentage (%) of new food & beverage launches tracked with Echinacea as an ingredient (Global,2017) are supplements 56%, hot drinks 29%, and soft drinks 8%. Hot drinks are the fastest growing categoryfor Echinacea, posting an average annual growth rate of 23% from 2013 to 2017.
Frutarom Health will exhibit the complete Echishield study results at Vitafoods, Geneva on May 15-17, 2018,booth #C20.