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Insights, Research and Trends

Echinacea study opens the door for reduced antibiotic treatment

A 2024 study published in Antibiotics provides compelling evidence that taking a supplement of Echinacea purpurea could drastically reduce the need for antibiotics for bacterial complications arising from respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

People using Echinacea were 40% less likely to require antibiotics for their infections, and the total number of days people needed to take antibiotics was reduced by 70%, showing a significant decrease in dependency on these drugs.

The meta-analysis ‘Echinacea Reduces Antibiotics by Preventing Respiratory Infections’ (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38667040) also found that Echinacea:

While antibiotics are ineffective against RTIs – colds and flu are viral in origin – complications arising from these infections are often bacterial in origin and therefore suitable for antibiotic treatment. The study found that fewer people experienced severe issues related to their infections when using Echinacea.

The study specifically highlighted that alcohol extracts from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea are the strongest against viral infections such as colds and flu, significantly reducing treatment days on antibiotics by 80%.

Antibiotics are still prescribed to treat RTIs, often as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections, but the widespread use of antibiotics is becoming increasingly problematic.

Antibiotics often disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and can lead to a range of health problems including gastrointestinal issues and weakened immune function which can last for decades.

Widespread antibiotic use is also fostering the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, they can adapt and evolve, becoming resistant to the drugs designed to kill them.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health threat, as it limits the effectiveness of treatment options for bacterial infections and this poses a significant challenge to global health.

The study analysed 30 clinical trials involving 5,652 participants and concluded that Echinacea – specifically alcohol extracts from freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea – can provide a viable and safe solution to this pressing issue. Not only does it lessen the incidence and duration of RTIs, it also significantly reduces the need for antibiotics in the treatment of respiratory tract infections when they do occur.

The findings were unveiled in an A.Vogel research webinar featuring leading scientists.

Power-packed blackcurrants combat osteoporosis

Blackcurrant supplements could offer a promising natural approach to helping to ease osteoporosis issues in menopausal women, a study indicates.

Osteoporosis particularly affects women in the menopause transition due to falling oestrogen levels, with one in two British women over 50 impacted by the disease.

But results from a New Zealand blackcurrant extract clinical trial suggest the superfruit could help protect against this life-limiting condition, which is responsible for as many deaths from fracture-related causes as from Type 2 Diabetes and lung cancer.

Regarded a ‘national health emergency’ by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, there is currently a limited model of medical care for the disease, so effective interventions for women are urgently needed.

Researchers from the University of Connecticut found that high daily doses of the blackcurrant extract promoted beneficial gut bacteria that help maintain bone density, reduced inflammation and controlled specific molecules that promote bone breakdown.

The clinical trial, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, tested low (392mg) or high (784mg) doses of blackcurrant extract a day, compared with placebo, on 40 peri- and early post-menopausal participants aged 45 to 60.

Those taking the high dose showed significant improvements in bone mineral density after just six months. The women exhibited a reduction in harmful proteins associated with bone resorption, a key factor in the development of osteoporosis.

The study demonstrated blackcurrant’s significant influence on beneficial gut flora balance and immune response, both of which play vital roles in bone health.

GP Dr Nisa Aslam noted: “It’s worth highlighting that it would be challenging to consume the necessary amount of blackcurrants naturally to match the levels used in the study. The high-dose group, which showed significant improvements in bone density, consumed the equivalent of about 284 fresh blackcurrants per day, or two capsules with 392 mg of blackcurrant extract.”

Source: CurraNZ

Elixir of youth

Chinese scientists have taken further steps in the importance of omega-3s in anti-ageing.

Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition indicated there may be an optimal dose of omega-3 to delay biological ageing measured by ‘phenotypical age acceleration’, or the difference between biological age and chronological age.

Now data from a study in mice shows that omega 3s, especially EPA, may activate receptors that play an important role in body functions including energy and lipid metabolism, inflammation, brain function and diabetes.

Scientists from three Chinese universities confirmed the anti-ageing effects of omega-3 PUFAs in multiple organs and reported their results in Pharmacological Research.

Harry Rice, VP of regulatory and scientific affairs at the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), commented that further research could provide “one more reason to take a daily EPA/DHA supplement”.

NutraIngredients.com

Doshas in focus as UK looks to Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian practice of holistic health, is experiencing a significant surge in the UK where demand for Ayurvedic products, treatments and consultations has grown by 25% over the past year.

This increased interest aligns with a global trend that has positioned Ayurveda as a key player in the natural health and wellness market, projected to reach £12 billion globally by 2027.

The UK’s growing appetite for Ayurvedic solutions reflects a shift towards natural, preventive healthcare.

Amrita Ma Devi, a leading Ayurveda expert, explains, “Ayurveda appeals to those seeking a personalised path to health, addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of imbalance. People want holistic solutions that complement both physical and mental well-being.”

At the heart of Ayurveda lies the concept of doshas, or mind-body types – Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Understanding one’s dosha offers a foundation for achieving balance in areas like digestion, stress resilience, and energy management, tailored to an individual’s specific constitution.

The UK market is increasingly meeting this demand, with wellness centres offering Ayurvedic treatments and workshops, and brands like Rituals and Pukka Herbs making Ayurvedic products widely accessible.

Consumers are waking up to gut immunity

A consumer survey by Optibac Probiotics revealed spending habits and attitudes on immunity this winter.

A poll of 2,000 adults indicated not only that a ‘tripledemic’ warning by doctors was hitting home, but that consumers planned to spend more this year on avoiding bugs.

More than a quarter said avoiding coughs, colds and flu was their top health concern and 15% said they’d dig deeper into their pockets.

Optibac has focused on creating awareness of the links between gut health and the immune system. Nutritional Therapist Louise Mason explained: “Up to 70% of our immune system resides in the gut, so improving digestive health is one of the best ways to support immunity.

“Our study found that 69% of people said they were already aware of a link between gut health and immunity, but only 8% of people had considered taking friendly bacteria to help them prime their gut-immune function against seasonal bugs.”

More than a quarter of those who want to improve their immunity said they had simply had enough of catching coughs and colds.

Other main reasons behind the public’s push for better immunity were so they can live life to the fullest (60%) and be in good health for their families (44%).

Louise added: “A positive we’ve seen from the study is that 26% of people are taking Vitamin D supplements to fend off colds, versus just 8% taking friendly bacteria. What a lot of people don’t realise though is you can get both in one supplement.”

Why gut health is a key focus for menopause

A consumer survey among women going through menopause has revealed just how effective making changes to diet can be for improving gut health and for symptoms of menopause.

Conducted among 1,526 women by Dr Vegan, the survey revealed that 91% of women going through menopause experienced changing gut health during the menopause, and that 66% of women who made changes to their diet found them effective in supporting them through menopause.

In addition, the consumer survey highlighted that women were twice as likely to notice changes in their gut health during perimenopause as they were at menopause.

Oestrogen plays a significant role in the health and composition of the gut microbiome, while the health of the gut microbiome itself affects the regulation of hormones, including oestrogen. As a result, there is a circular relationship between gut health and menopause symptoms, with changes to hormones contributing to worsening gut health symptoms, and vice versa.

Dr Vegan’s survey highlights the most common changes in gut health during menopause and how many women experience them: bloating 63%, excessive wind and gas 48%, constipation 43%, acid reflus 38%, IBS 35%, diarrhoea 26%, stomach cramps 24% and changes to colour/smell of urine or stools 22%.

It also highlighted four changes in diet that were shown to be most effective: increasing plant-based, reducing/avoiding alcohol, reducing/avoiding dairy or gluten, and increasing fibre intake.

Nutritionists and dietitians have long advocated for women increasing their plants, vegetables and fibre intake through menopause, and the consumer survey highlights just how effective making these changes can be.