In vitro and in vivo immune stimulating effects of a new standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract (Polinacea™)

LPS-free Polinacea™ enhanced the immune functions as highlighted by the proliferation rate and γ-interferon production in murine T-lymphocyte cell cultures stimulated by anti-CD3. LPS-free Polinacea™ did not have a direct role on macrophage response as measured in the nitric oxide production test using the J774 macrophage cells line. In vivo, Polinacea™ showed an immune stimulating activity by reducing the Candida albicans induced mortality both in normal and in cyclosporin A-treated mice.