Echinacea intake induces an immune response through altered expression of leucocyte hsp70, increased white cell counts and improved erythrocyte antioxidant defences.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of Echinacea tablets on the expression of leucocyte heat shock protein 70 (hsp70), erythrocyte haemolysis, plasma antioxidant status, serum chemistry, haematological values and plasma alkylamide concentrations.


METHODS
Eleven healthy individuals (26-61 years of age) were evaluated at baseline (day 1) and on day 15 after consuming two commercially blended Echinacea tablets daily for 14 days.


RESULTS
Echinacea supplementation enhanced the fold increase in leucocyte hsp70 expression after a mild heat shock (P=0.029). White cell counts (WCC) were also increased (P=0.043). We also observed a preventative effect against free radical induced erythrocyte haemolysis (P=0.006) indicative of an antioxidant effect.


CONCLUSIONS
The pilot study suggests that Echinacea may invoke an immune response through altered expression of hsp70 and increased WCC.
Agnew
L L
LL
School of Biological, Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, University of New England, Australia.
Guffogg
S P
SP
Matthias
A
A
Lehmann
R P
RP
Bone
K M
KM
Watson
K
K
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020900:Echinacea / Q000737:chemistry*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000975:Antioxidants; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D010936:Plant Extracts