New laboratory research carried out by A.Vogel 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 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 research paper is available online at > www.virologyj.com/content/6/1/197