The in vivo effect of Echinacea purpurea succus on various functions of human blood leukocytes
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Publication date: 2004-05-04
Cent Eur J Immunol 2003;28(3):126-130
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ABSTRACT
17 healthy human volunteers were treated for 7 days with 6 ml of Echinacea purpurea succus daily (IMMUNAL drops, LEK Slovenia) or placebo. Blood from cubital vein was collected twice- before and after treatment. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) release of growth factors by mononuclear leukocytes (human leukocyte-induced angiogenesis, H LIA test); (2) in vitro mononuclear leukocytes response to mitogen PHA, (3H thymidine); (3) chemiluminescent activity of granulocytes, (4) CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte markers.
Echinacea administration resulted in stimulation of proliferative and angiogenic activity of blood mononuclear leukocytes, stimulation of blood granulocytes activity and increase of CD4/CD8 ratio.