Cichoric acid, a popular plant ingredient in the epidemic Era

COVID-19 spreads all over the world, making many people pay attention to how to improve their immunity while paying attention to external protection.

Immunity is a defense mechanism of the human body itself. One is innate immune function, the other is acquired immune function and innate immune system.

Echinacea is a genus of plants called Echinacea, which is native to North America and southern Canada. There are 8 species and several varieties of Echinacea. At present, there are mainly three varieties developed as drugs: Echinacea purpurea (commonly known as Echinacea), Echinacea augustifolia and Echinacea pallida.

Echinacea has an immune stimulating effect, reduces inflammation, and helps the body fight bacteria and viruses. Experiments show that Echinacea stimulates the activity of immune system cells. When these cells are active, white blood cells more quickly surround the disease causing invaders, killing viruses or bacteria and preventing them from reproducing.

The phytochemical active substances in Echinacea mainly include polysaccharides, flavonoids, caffeic acid derivatives, essential oils, polyacetylenes, alkylamides and alkaloids. It is known that chicory acid is one of the most important components to prevent cold infection. It can stimulate people's immunity.

The American Herbal Products Association gives Echinacea a level of safety. Therefore, as long as you follow the doctor's advice or the instructions on the label, you are safer. In Germany, the continuous use of Echinacea is limited to eight weeks.

Many people choose to take Echinacea daily in winter to help avoid colds and flu. On the other hand, Echinacea can reduce the duration of a cold or flu. If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are troubled by steroid based anti-inflammatory drugs, Echinacea can be used as a mild analgesic to reduce symptoms without side effects. It is the most commonly used drug for children in Europe and America and is also widely used in the field of food and health products.

Cichoric acid is one of the most important immunoactive components in chicory and Echinacea. Recent pharmacological studies have shown that cichoric acid can enhance immune function and anti-inflammatory effect, inhibit hyaluronidase, protect collagen from degradable free radicals, and inhibit HIV and avian influenza.