Echinacea root, phagocytosis

Effects of ethanolic extracts (DEV 6 1) of Echinacea roots and fractions prepared thereof on phagocytosis of human granulocytes in vitro. From [54]. 

In the course of our Echinacea research, the compound cichoric acid, isolated from the water soluble fraction of E. purpurea roots, was found to activate phagocytosis in vitro and in vivo [35]. 

A raw polysaccharide fraction of Echinacea angustifolia ( . pallida ) roots stimulated phagocytosis in mice, determined in the carbon-clearance assay, at a dosis of 10 mg/kg b.w. and also enhanced phagocytosis of human PMN in vitro by 32% at a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml [50]. Purified extracts containing a glycoprotein-polysaccharide complex exhibited B-cell stimulating activity and induced the release of interleukin 1, TNFa und IFNa,P both in vitro and in vivo [57-59]. 

Double blind study with oral application of an ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea roots. Stimulation of phagocytosis of granulocytes ex vivo. From [89]. 

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