| abstract |
In one aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea compositions including standardized amounts of at least two Echinacea components. More preferably the Echinacea compositions of the present invention include standardized amounts of at least three Echinacea components are cichoric acid, Echinacea alkylam ides and Echinacea polysaccharides. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for preparing Echinacea compositions, the methods including the step of combining amounts of at least two Echinacea components, preferably three Echinacea components, sufficient to yield an Echinacea composition including standardized amounts of each of the combined Echinacea components. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides Echinacea extracts, and methods for preparing Echinacea extracts. Presently preferred Echinacea extracts are enriched in one or more members of the group consisting of polysaccharides, alkylamides and cichoric acid. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods for enhancing immune system activity in a mammal. |