Changes in immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea spp. root infusions and tinctures stored at 4 °C for four days

摘要: Abstract Background Phytomedicinal preparations from members of the genus Echinacea are popular worldwide and frequently used to treat upper respiratory infections. With increasing popularity herbal medicines, many people making their own extracts at home storing them refrigerator (4 °C) temperatures. We tested hypothesis that made using homemade methods change in immunomodulatory efficacy with storage 4 °C over a 4-day period. Methods Three extract types (50% ethanol tincture, cold water infusion, hot infusion) 5 different species (Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, purpurea, sanguinea, tennesseensis) were prepared. Four vitro immune assays (monocyte secretion TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12; peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation) human test Days 1 post-extraction. Two statistical analyses, traditional ANOVA several models account for endotoxin effects, used. Results Endotoxin was found significantly impact outcomes only old infusions not all assays. Extracts showed greatest stimulation TNF-α By type, 50% tinctures produced most stimulation. species, angustifolia efficacious our assays; sanguinea least activity overall. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that: (1) modulating but properties time during °C; (2) effects may be important considerations analysis immunobiological data.