Echinacea intake induces an immune response through altered expression of leucocyte hsp70, increased white cell counts and improved erythrocyte antioxidant defences.

L L Agnew, S P Guffogg, A Matthias, R P Lehmann, K M Bone, K Watson

Journal: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics 2005;30(4):363-9

PMID: 15985050

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Abstract

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.

METHOD

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.

CONCLUSION

The pilot study suggests that Echinacea may invoke an immune response through altered expression of hsp70 and increased WCC.

Address: School of Biological, Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, University of New England, Australia.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2005.00658.x

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MeSH Terms: Administration, Oral, Adult, Antioxidants, Echinacea, Erythrocytes, Female, HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins, Humans, Leukocyte Count, Leukocytes, Male, Middle Aged, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts