Do you know about medicinal plants that prevent respiratory virus infections?

Research results have been released on the respiratory virus inhibitory effects of Echinacea extract.

Echinacea extract is a medicinal plant that grows in North America and Europe.

The research was conducted by the New On Research Institute, a life care company. The study involved infecting host cells with Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza B (IVB), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus A (RSV-A), then treating them with Echinacea extract or its main component, cichoric acid, to observe the inhibition of plaque formation. The results showed that the plaque formation inhibition activity of Echinacea extract and cichoric acid against H1N1 was 65.7% and 34.3%, respectively, while for IVB, it was 66.7% and 6.7%. For RSV-A, Echinacea extract inhibited plaque formation by 85.4%, and cichoric acid by 76.2%. Plaque formation inhibition indicates suppression of viral activity. The research team stated that Echinacea extract has the potential to prevent infections by respiratory viruses such as H1N1, IVB, and RSV-A.

Meanwhile, Echinacea is an individually recognized ingredient developed over five years of research and development by the Newon Research Institute, and it has been approved by the Korea Food and Drug Safety Ministry for its immune functionality.

A Newon representative stated, "As global interest in respiratory diseases has increased since COVID-19, we plan to expand our product lineup utilizing echinacea extract based on these research results."

This study was published in 'Preventive Nutrition and Food,' an international journal published by the Korean Society of Food and Nutrition.

<Source: Health Chosun>