The symptoms of colds and flu are generally caused by specific respiratory viruses and bacteria, acting either as primary agents or secondary agents following a virus infection. These infections can induce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by various cell types and, in conjunction with other inflammatory mediators, thereby produce the familiar symptoms. Echinaforce®, a standardized ethanol extract of the aerial parts and roots of Echinacea purpurea, can inactivate many viruses, such as rhinoviruses and influenza viruses (including Tamiflu®resistant strains), as well as certain respiratory bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae. In addition, the infection-induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL8, and TNF-a, is inhibited by Echinaforce administered before or after the infection of airway cells or tissues. Thus, Echinaforce can potentially provide a triple benefit: inactivation of cold and flu viruses, inactivation of certain pathogenic respiratory bacteria, and inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response induced by cold and flu agents.

Keywords:
Echinacea, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Colds and flu
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© 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel
2011
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