Herbs for Healthy Living
Recent laboratory research has shown, for the first time, that fresh Echinacea extract is highly effective against the swine flu virus. Recent studies showed Echinacea purpurea fresh plant extract inhibits the H1N1 ‘Mexico influenza’ virus, with the ability to inactivate the infectiousness by over 99%. The pioneering laboratory-based research, carried out using an extract of fresh Echinacea purpurea, also worked against bird flu and all other examined influenza viruses. They carried out the ‘in vitro’ infection model on five influenza A strains.
The group of international researchers found the pattern of activity provides support for the already widely accepted use of Echinacea extracts to help relieve symptoms in people affected by the flu virus, of which swine flu is a variant.
They believe Echinacea works by inhibiting the binding of the virus to cells, interfering with the way viruses enter cells. And no resistance was observed.
Prof. Dr. Stephan Pleschka, of the Institute of Medicinal Virology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, said: “Purple coneflower (Echinacea) in particular has been found to have the ability to prevent common colds and influenzas and treat them in acute cases. Our latest research has now shown that this effect is attributable to an antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.
“The traditional use of Echinacea purpurea to strengthen or balance the immune system is thereby substantiated by the latest findings.”
Prof. Dr. James Hudson, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at University of British Columbia, Canada said: “Especially for people unwilling to be vaccinated, there is currently a need for alternative approaches to provide protection against respiratory tract infections.
“Influenza vaccinations and the few antiviral agents with effects against influenza viruses are far from being optimal. This is why alternative options are urgently needed - something which has long been recognised by health authorities worldwide"
Reference: Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV) Stephan Pleschka, Michael Stein, Roland Schoop and James B Hudson Published: 13 November 2009 Virology Journal 2009, 6:197
Sponsored by the A.Vogel Institute.