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

Title
Echinacea intake induces an immune response through altered expression of leucocyte hsp70, increased white cell counts and improved erythrocyte antioxidant defences
Publication Date
2005
Author(s)
Agnew, Linda
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2803-0995
Email: lagnew2@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:lagnew2
Guffogg, Sharon Patricia
Matthias, A
Lehmann, R P
Bone, Kerry
Watson, Kenneth
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2710.2005.00658.x
UNE publication id
une:3577
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.
Link
Citation
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 30(4), p. 363-369
ISSN
0269-4727
Start page
363
End page
369

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