faqs: echinacea

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a medicinal herb considered to have an ability to boost the immune system. It has been used in the United States since the pre-colonial times. Today Echinacea is a very popular herb, not only in America but in Europe also. Echinacea has wide spread usage of its three popular varieties: Echinacea pallida, Echinacea angustofolia and Echinacea purpurea. There is no scientific evidence to support that either one of them is better that the other.

Which variety is SinoVeda Echinacea?

SinoVeda is using high quality standardized extract consisting of 90% leaf and 10% root of Echinacea purpurea as a starting material of SinoVeda Echinacea.

What does Echinacea do?

Echinacea works to increase the body’s resistance to certain types of infections and is useful in preventing and treating the common cold. Echinacea is considered to be helpful in cases of colds, flu and chronic infections of the upper respiratory tract as well as in urinary tract infections. Beneficial effects of Echinacea supporting the therapy of these infections are generally thought to be brought about by stimulation of the immune system.

How does Echinacea work?

Echinacea increases the “non-specific” activity of the immune system. It stimulates the overall activity of certain immune cells responsible for fighting infections. Echinacea increases the number of the immune cells macrophages, granulocytes and leucocytes involved in the process of phagocytosis.

What are the active ingredients of SinoVeda Echinacea?

SinoVeda develops herbal products with the basic premise that a compound must be absorbed into the bloodstream before it produces the desired effect. The active ingredients in SinoVeda Echinacea are known as phenolics. Using our proprietary PPT® technology, we identify the phenolics cichoric acid and caftaric acid that will be absorbed and ensure that each capsule of SinoVeda Echinacea contains guaranteed amounts of these active ingredients. They are listed in the Essential Ingredients Profile on our label.

Should I consult my health care professional before I take Echinacea?

You should consult your health care professional if you have any of these conditions, as Echinacea usage may be contraindicated:
• Known allergy to Echinacea
• Tuberculosis, leucosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection, and autoimmune disorders
• If you are on immunosuppressive therapy
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• If you are a nursing mother

How should I use SinoVeda Echinacea?

Take SinoVeda Echinacea capsules with a large drink of water. You can take it with or without food. SinoVeda Echinacea is formulated as a small capsule size 3 that you can easily swallow.

What is the recommended dosage for SinoVeda Echinacea?

Dosage is usually recommended based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. SinoVeda Echinacea is most effective when used at the first sign of infection. At the first sighs of getting a cold, you can take 2 capsules of 100mg Echinacea up to four times a day. If you want to take Echinacea as a preventative measure during the flu season, the appropriate dosage is 2 capsules twice a day.

Usage should not exceed a period of 8 successive weeks. Prolonged use of Echinacea may depress the immune system probably due to over stimulation.

What medicines may interact with Echinacea?

Drug interactions are possible with simultaneous therapies with immune suppressants or corticosteroids.

What could be the side effects from taking Echinacea?

Echinacea is rarely associated with side effects if taken at the recommended dosage. However, if you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and call your health care professional.
• Allergic reactions
• Shivering
• Fever (short term)
• Headache

What do I have to do to keep my herbal product safe from temperature changes?

Store your SinoVeda Echinacea at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). Make sure that you see the expiration date on the bottle and throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Close the cap tightly immediately after use and leave the desiccant package inside the bottle. Keep it out of the reach of children.

There are so many Echinacea products in the market. How do I choose one?

Read the label carefully. Most Echinacea products are standardized as 4% phenolics. Check the label for clear identification of the plant species used, make sure you find a standardized product and watch for the list of all ingredients contained with their amounts. SinoVeda Echinacea combines the standardized extract with the PPT® technology for identification of the absorbable ingredients. They are listed in the Essential Ingredients Profile with their corresponding amounts. These are the active ingredients of Echinacea that will be absorbed in your body in order to produce the desired effect.

How does SinoVeda maintain quality control of its products?

• SinoVeda always uses high quality raw materials. In order to ensure this standard, SinoVeda has implemented triple control over every batch of herbal extract for content and contaminants: our suppliers, an independent laboratory and our quality control department. Each one of these three levels of control provides detailed analysis using the latest analytical technology. Batches of raw material that fail to meet SinoVeda’s criteria on every test are shipped back to the supplier.

• Using SinoVeda’s proprietary technology PPT®, we identify and determine the amounts of the active ingredients of the herbal products that will be absorbed in the body. In this way, our products achieve the highest and most consistent bioavailability.

• SinoVeda herbal products are formulated with the latest formulation technology and manufactured in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) facility. SinoVeda herbal products are currently the only herbal products in the market that specify the major individual active ingredient contents.