A new study is said to indicate that Echishield, an-all natural echinacea ingredient, enhances immune function, restoring stress-induced changes to levels similar to those in healthy controls.

A new study is said to indicate that Echishield, an-all natural echinacea ingredient, enhances immune function, restoring stress-induced changes to levels similar to those in healthy controls.

Echishield (formerly “Echinacea EFLA®894”) is a natural ingredient obtained from the dried pressed juice of the of Echinacea purpurea.The new animal study, conducted at the Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea, was published in the Journal of Medical Food (December 2017). It investigated the protective effect of Echishield against stress-induced changes in immunological function in vivo.Results of the study showed that Echishield enhanced immune function, restoring stress-induced changes to levels similar to those in the normal group, as measured by splenocyte proliferation and NK cell activity, both of which recovered following treatment. Additionally, Echishield modulated blood T-cell distribution, normalized upregulated serum levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17), which are responsible for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.This latest study adds to a series of preclinical and clinical trials (alongside safety data) conducted by Frutarom, and supports the hypothesis that Echishield has a positive, beneficial effect on the immune system.“This study indicates that this sustainable, pure ingredient is beneficial for the immune system,” said Maider Gutierrez, Director of Marketing for Frutarom Health. “Frutarom provides this water-soluble formula as an ingredient for supplements, although it is safe and suitable for beverages wher allowed.”Innova Market Insights reports 8% average annual growth in new product launches with Echinacea, CAGR 2013-2017. Top categories as percentage (%) of new food & beverage launches tracked with Echinacea as an ingredient (Global,2017) are supplements 56%, hot drinks 29%, and soft drinks 8%. Hot drinks are the fastest growing category for Echinacea, posting an average annual growth rate of 23% from 2013 to 2017.Echishield is a pure ingredient, without preservatives or colorants, gluten-free, non-allergenic, and non-GMO. Echishield is obtained from fresh, aboveground plant parts, harvested at flowering time, when the plant expresses all its potential. Frutarom controls the supply chain of Echishield through contract cultivation to ensure full transparency and safety of the product. It is supported with more than 25 years of experience in the cultivation and selection of a specific area in Germany for the optimal growth of the plants.

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