Echinacea Max-V (angustifolia and purpurea)

Echinacea, used traditionally by Native Americans for a wide variety of ailments, is now recognized for its potent immune enhancing properties. Echinacea Max-V vegetarian capsules, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contain 250 mg of two echinacea extracts, Echinacea angustifolia extract, standardized to 4% echinacosides and Echinacea purpurea extract, standardized to 4% 4-sesquiterpeneesters.

FUNCTIONS
Native Americans traditionally used echinacea to treat a variety of disorders, primarily where enhancement of the immune system was needed. Echinacea’s therapeutic efficacy was recognized by Western medical science in the late 19th century. Today, echinacea is best known as a non-specific, immuno-supporting botanical. Echinacea has no direct effects on infective agents
themselves. Instead, echinacea works by supporting the body’s own natural defense mechanisms. Polysaccharides, caffeic acid and its derivatives (chicoric acid), and alkamides are principal
substances thought to be responsible for echinacea’s immuno-supporting properties. Clinical studies have demonstrated that echinacea significantly increases the numbers of monocytes and
natural-killer (NK) cells in both the spleen and bone marrow within weeks after dietary supplementation.

Similarly, in healthy and immuno-compromised individuals echinacea extract enhances not only NK cell function, but also antibody-dependent cell toxicity against herpes virus 6 cells. Laboratory
studies have shown that echinacea activates macrophages, stimulating production of the cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. The polysaccharide fraction of echinacea, including
heteroxylan and arabinogalactan, is thought to be partially responsible for its ability to activate macrophages and increase their production of TNFalpha. This polysaccharide component of echinacea also can support the body’s normal response to inflammatory processes.

Scientific studies also suggest that echinacea may enhance immune function by increasing antigenspecific immunoglobulin production. Echinaceatreated animals show a significant enhancement of their IgG response to antigen. Echinacea's enhanced production of the immune system cells on the first line of defense against invading pathogens suggests an important
prophylactic role for this botanical.

INDICATIONS
Echinacea Max-V vegetarian capsules may be a beneficial nutritional supplement for individuals who wish to obtain the natural immuno-stimulating properties of this standardized botanical extract.

SUGGESTED USE
Adults take 1 capsule, 1 to 4 times daily between meals or as directed by physician.

SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse side effects reported.

STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.