Consumption of Echinacea at the first sign of symptoms has been clinically shown to reduce both the severity and duration of cold and flu. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction optimized for precision and reproducibility was utilized to explore in vitro and in vivo changes in the expression of immunomodulatory genes in response to Echinacea. In vitro exposure of THP-1 cells to 250 microg/ml of Echinacea species extracts induced expression (up to 10-fold) of the interleukin-1alpha, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10 genes. This preliminary result is consistent with a general immune response and activation of the nonspecific immune response cytokines. In vivo gene expression within peripheral leukocytes was evaluated in six healthy nonsmoking subjects (18-65 years of age). Blood samples were obtained at baseline and on Days 2, 3, 5, and 12 after consuming a commercial blended Echinacea product, three tablets three times daily (1518 mg/day) for two days plus one additional dose (506 mg) on day three. Serum chemistry and hematological values were not different from baseline, suggesting that liver or bone marrow responses were not involved in acute responses to Echinacea. The overall gene expression pattern at 48 hr to 12 days after taking Echinacea was consistent with an antiinflammatory response. The expression of interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intracellular adhesion molecule, and interleukin-8 was modestly decreased up through Day 5, returning to baseline by day 12. The expression of interferon-alpha steadily rose through Day 12, consistent with an antiviral response. These preliminary data present a gene expression response pattern that is consistent with Echinacea's reported ability to reduce both the duration and intensity of cold and flu symptoms.

Many algal extracts/preparations have been used in nutritional supplements and cosmetics for many decades, notably Dunaliella, Spirulina, Chlorella, Haematococcus, and numerous kelp species. However, the road to acceptance and use of preparations from new species is long, and there are many barriers to overcome. This article outlines what is needed to achieve acceptance from the perspective of a large marketer and manufacturer of a wide variety of consumer products. Real-life applications are used to show the required and desired information that must flow between the raw material supplier and the manufacturer to effectively bring a new material to the marketplace. The viewpoints of many different levels of the organization are considered including: product formulators with their focus on efficacy (of special interest are results from human clinical trials), mechanisms of action and performance of the ingredient in their formulations; quality assurance that looks for consistency and reliability of the ingredient; regulatory personnel that require assurance and documentation that an ingredient is acceptable in markets around the world; and procurement that requires adequacy of supply to fulfill market demand along with competitive pricing and reliable customer service.

BackgroundPhotoprotection of human skin is determined as the capacity of sunscreens to prevent ultraviolet (UV) B radiation‐induced erythema and UVA radiation‐induced pigmentation. It is unequivocal that, in addition to sunscreens, oral supplementation with carotenoids can protect human skin against UVB radiation‐induced erythema. It is not known if this is also the case for UVA radiation‐induced pigmentation.ObjectiveTo clinically evaluate the photoprotective effects of daily supplementation with carotenoids against UVA radiation‐induced pigmentation.MethodsIn this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 60 subjects (Fitzpatrick types II‐IV) were randomized to receive Nutrilite™ Multi Carotene supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. UVB‐induced minimal erythemal dose (MED), UVA‐induced minimal persistent pigmentation dose (MPPD) and skin carotenoid levels were measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention. Skin color was evaluated by expert clinical graders and by colorimetry. Carotenoid levels in the skin were measured by the Biozoom® device.ResultsIn the intervention group, a significant increase in comparison with the placebo group was observed in (a) skin carotenoid levels, (b) UVB‐induced MED, and (c) UVA‐induced MPPD values obtained by colorimetry.ConclusionDaily supplementation with carotenoids protects human skin against both UVB‐induced erythema and UVA‐induced pigmentation.

Skin, the largest organ of the human body, is exposed daily to environmental aggressors such as solar radiation and air pollution, resulting in many acute and chronic conditions. [1][2][3] The damaging effects of UV radiation on skin include erythema (sunburn), pigmentation (tanning), photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging. [4][5][6][7] Other exposomal factors such as air pollution, 8-11 tobacco smoke, 12 infrared radiations (IRs), 13,14 ozone, 15 and alcohol consumption 16 also have detrimental effects on skin health. 17 From a mechanistic point of view, all these environmental threats seem to involve oxidative stress as one common denominator. Interestingly, most of the skin's solar exposure throughout the lifetime is incidental, under normal conditions when no sunscreens are used. 18 Preventative strategies such as the use of sun protective clothing, avoiding sun exposure, and the use of sunscreens are ideal for photoprotection. In the Western world, where sunbathing and tanning are popular, combined with the global lack of consumer awareness for adequate or frequent use of sunscreens, these strategies are often rendered ineffective.In the absence of any topical photoprotective intervention, skin's primary defense solely rests on endogenous protection.

Despite the notable health benefits of carotenoids for human health, the majority of human diets worldwide are repeatedly shown to be inadequate in intake of carotenoid‐rich fruits and vegetables, according to current health recommendations. To address this deficit, strategies designed to increase dietary intakes and subsequent plasma levels of carotenoids are warranted. When mixed carotenoids are delivered into the intestinal tract simultaneously, competition occurs for micelle formation and absorption, affecting carotenoid bioavailability. Previously, we tested the in vitro viability of a carotenoid mix designed to deliver individual carotenoids sequentially spaced from one another over the 6 hr transit time of the human upper gastrointestinal system. We hypothesized that temporally and spatially separating the individual carotenoids would reduce competition for micelle formation, improve uptake, and maximize efficacy. Here, we test this hypothesis in a double‐blind, repeated‐measure, cross‐over human study with 12 subjects by comparing the change of plasma carotenoid levels for 8 hr after oral doses of a sequentially spaced carotenoid mix, to a matched mix without sequential spacing. We find the carotenoid change from baseline, measured as area under the curve, is increased following consumption of the sequentially spaced mix compared to concomitant carotenoids delivery. These results demonstrate reduced interaction and regulation between the sequentially spaced carotenoids, suggesting improved bioavailability from a novel sequentially spaced carotenoid mix.