Echinacea ingredient with confectionery potential set for Vitafoods event
A study has revealed that Echishield, an Echinacea-based ingredient, has qualities benefitting the immune system, which will be exhibited by Frutarom Health at this year’s Vitafoods.
The company is participating in the trade show taking place between May 15-17, in Geneva, and explained its survey had revealed significant benefits from its latest product.
According to Frutarom, Echicshield, which is taken from dried pressed juice of the Echinacea purpurea, can be used in a range of confectionery products including gummies and candies.
The ingredient has also been applied to the Frutaceuticals, which are real fruit pieces with Echishield, that will also be showcased at the event this month in Geneva.
Results of the study at the Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea, showed that Echishield enhanced immune function, restoring stress-induced changes to levels similar to those in the normal group, as measured by splenocyte proliferation and NK cell activity, both of which recovered following treatment.
Additionally, Echishield modulated blood T-cell distribution, normalized upregulated serum levels and mRNA expressions of cytokines (such as IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17), which are responsible for inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
This latest study adds to a series of preclinical and clinical trials (alongside safety data) conducted by Frutarom, and supports the hypothesis that Echishield has a positive, beneficial effect on the immune system.
“This study indicates that this sustainable, pure ingredient is beneficial for the immune system,” say Maider Gutierrez, director of marketing for Frutarom Health.
“Frutarom provides this water-soluble formula as an ingredient for supplements, although it is safe and suitable for beverages where allowed.”
As the company highlighted, Innova Market Insights reports 8% average annual growth in new product launches with Echinacea over the past five years 2013-2017.
The top categories as percentage (%) of new food and beverage launches tracked with Echinacea as an ingredient (Global,2017) are supplements 56%, hot drinks 29%, and soft drinks 8%. Hot drinks are the fastest growing category for Echinacea, posting an average annual growth rate of 23% from 2013 to 2017.
For mroe information on the Vitafoods event, visit www.vitafoods.eu.com
