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

Authors: Agnew, L. L.¹; Guffogg, S. P.¹; Matthias, A.²; Lehmann, R. P.²; Bone, K. M.; Watson, K.¹

Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 30, Number 4, August 2005 , pp. 363-369(7)

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Abstract:

Summary 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.

Keywords: antioxidant; Echinacea; heat shock protein 70; immunomodulation

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2710.2005.00658.x

Affiliations: 1: School of Biological, Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, University of New England, Australia 2: MediHerb Research Laboratories, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Publication date: 2005-08-01