Echinacea A+™
By Allison Bachlet, BSc, PhD.
Download The Echinacea A+ Brochure
Echinacea A+ is a purified extract of exclusively Echinacea angustifolia, the species with the highest echinacoside concentration of all the Echinacea species.
echinacoside is a caffeic acid ester with many immune and health boosting properties. These include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, as well as significant anti-oxidant and anti-hyaluronidase action.
The immune system enhancing effects of echinacoside have recently been shown to include both specific and non-specific defense mechanisms. An increase in the production of T cells as well as T cells production of gamma-interferon (which can help to stop viral replication) was demonstrated in a recent study that investigated the effects of standardized echinacoside (1). The team also found that the E angustifolia extract reduced infection by Candida albicans, indicating a strong anti-fungal component. Non-specific immunity is also enhanced by the increased production of the complement factor properdin (complement is a cascade reaction of proteins that work to destroy bacteria in the body) as was shown in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (2). Specific immunity refers the body’s ability to respond to specific recognized antigens, and E. angustifolia’s effect on this part of the immune system has also been shown to be positive. Researchers have demonstrated significant increases of both primary and secondary IgG response to antigens after treatment with extracts of E. angustifolia (3).
The anti-hyaluronidase action of echinacoside has strong immune and tissue benefits. By inhibiting hyaluronidase, echinacoside helps to prevent the spread of infections within tissues and facilitates connective tissue repair (4). Anti-hyaluronidase activity may also confer direct anti-bacterial action to this compound since some bacteria (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal and Clostridium species) produce hyaluronidase in an attempt to hide from the immune system and as a method to increase their mobility through the body.
The anti-oxidant effects and far reaching health benefits of echinacoside are just beginning to be recognized and explored. Recent studies have demonstrated that echinacoside has significant neuro protective effects and can mediate TNF mediated apoptotsis. These findings indicate great promise for the utilization of echinacoside in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s (5,6,7). Collagen and connective tissue damage by free radicals is also inhibited by echinacoside.
Since echinacosides are found only in the roots of E. angustifolia, careful separation of the roots and aerial parts of the plants as well as an extraction process designed specifically to obtain the maximum amount of these compounds must be utilized.
Many other compounds found in the roots of E. angustifolia also contribute to the plants’ excellent health enhancing abilities. Alkylamides, which are potent sialogogues (saliva inducing), are what give good Echinacea products that characteristic “tingling of the mouth” and saliva producing response. This response in itself has bacterial fighting power as it stimulates the body to try to ‘flush away’ the bacteria that is constantly encountered in the environment. The polysaccharides and polyacetylenes found in the root extract also help to increase angustifolia’s bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity (4).
Albi takes pride in the fact that it is a Canadian company that monitors their products from seed to shelf. They ensure that only the highest quality E. angustifolia is used and that excellent production techniques are upheld. The E. angustifolia used in Albi’s Echinacea A+ is harvested from northern Alberta using organic (pesticide and chemical free) farming methods. The hardiness of these plants, grown in Canada’s north, is the reason that the roots are naturally very high in echinacoside.
Echinacea A+ has been standardized to 8 mg/ml of echinacosides to provide exceptional bacterial fighting and immune strengthening ability. Independent HPLC testing has shown that Albi’s Echinacea A+ has significantly more echinacoside than any other comparable Echinacea product on the market.
Download The Echinacea A+ Brochure
Echinacea A+ is a purified extract of exclusively Echinacea angustifolia, the species with the highest echinacoside concentration of all the Echinacea species.
echinacoside is a caffeic acid ester with many immune and health boosting properties. These include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, as well as significant anti-oxidant and anti-hyaluronidase action.
The immune system enhancing effects of echinacoside have recently been shown to include both specific and non-specific defense mechanisms. An increase in the production of T cells as well as T cells production of gamma-interferon (which can help to stop viral replication) was demonstrated in a recent study that investigated the effects of standardized echinacoside (1). The team also found that the E angustifolia extract reduced infection by Candida albicans, indicating a strong anti-fungal component. Non-specific immunity is also enhanced by the increased production of the complement factor properdin (complement is a cascade reaction of proteins that work to destroy bacteria in the body) as was shown in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (2). Specific immunity refers the body’s ability to respond to specific recognized antigens, and E. angustifolia’s effect on this part of the immune system has also been shown to be positive. Researchers have demonstrated significant increases of both primary and secondary IgG response to antigens after treatment with extracts of E. angustifolia (3).
The anti-hyaluronidase action of echinacoside has strong immune and tissue benefits. By inhibiting hyaluronidase, echinacoside helps to prevent the spread of infections within tissues and facilitates connective tissue repair (4). Anti-hyaluronidase activity may also confer direct anti-bacterial action to this compound since some bacteria (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal and Clostridium species) produce hyaluronidase in an attempt to hide from the immune system and as a method to increase their mobility through the body.
The anti-oxidant effects and far reaching health benefits of echinacoside are just beginning to be recognized and explored. Recent studies have demonstrated that echinacoside has significant neuro protective effects and can mediate TNF mediated apoptotsis. These findings indicate great promise for the utilization of echinacoside in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s (5,6,7). Collagen and connective tissue damage by free radicals is also inhibited by echinacoside.
Since echinacosides are found only in the roots of E. angustifolia, careful separation of the roots and aerial parts of the plants as well as an extraction process designed specifically to obtain the maximum amount of these compounds must be utilized.
Many other compounds found in the roots of E. angustifolia also contribute to the plants’ excellent health enhancing abilities. Alkylamides, which are potent sialogogues (saliva inducing), are what give good Echinacea products that characteristic “tingling of the mouth” and saliva producing response. This response in itself has bacterial fighting power as it stimulates the body to try to ‘flush away’ the bacteria that is constantly encountered in the environment. The polysaccharides and polyacetylenes found in the root extract also help to increase angustifolia’s bacteriostatic and fungistatic activity (4).
Albi takes pride in the fact that it is a Canadian company that monitors their products from seed to shelf. They ensure that only the highest quality E. angustifolia is used and that excellent production techniques are upheld. The E. angustifolia used in Albi’s Echinacea A+ is harvested from northern Alberta using organic (pesticide and chemical free) farming methods. The hardiness of these plants, grown in Canada’s north, is the reason that the roots are naturally very high in echinacoside.
Echinacea A+ has been standardized to 8 mg/ml of echinacosides to provide exceptional bacterial fighting and immune strengthening ability. Independent HPLC testing has shown that Albi’s Echinacea A+ has significantly more echinacoside than any other comparable Echinacea product on the market.
Product Category:
Immune Health and Allergies
Label:
Label Text:
100% ANGUSTIFOLIA
standardized to 8 mg/ml echinacoside for immune support
provides relief of cold and minor flu symptoms
INDICATIONS: Provides relief of colds and minor flu symptoms and general immune support. Use it at first sign of viral infection.
ADULT DOSAGE: 0.5 ml to 1ml (approx.15 to 30 drops) in water, 3 times daily for up to 10-21 days, before meals or as directed by a qualified health practitioner.
CAUTIONS: Not recommended for people with auto-immune disorders. Do not use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Do not use if outer seal is broken.
Do not use if outer seal is broken. Albi Naturals Inc. guarantees that this product contains nothing other than the ingredients listed and is free of all common allergens.
