ECHINACEA
Echinacea, commonly known as the purple cone flower, is a perennial native to the midwestern parts of North America. Echinacea Purpurea and Echinacea Augustofolia are the two sub-species that are most often used therapeutically. Some of the most potent immune stimulating compounds found in Echinacea are called polysaccharides. They are found both in the root and herb with the highest concentration in the herb portion of the plant. 

However, they are very easily destroyed by the high alcohol concentrations found in many of the Echinaceas products presently on the market. Even alcohol free products (in a glycerine base) are usually first pre-extracted with alcohol or some other organic solvent (e.g. hexane) which destroys the polysaccharides leaving little or none of the original polysaccharides in the product. The reason that many manufacturers use alcohol as an extractant is because there are also some other immune stimulating compounds which are not water soluble and hence would not normally be extracted out. 

The scientist at Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals solved this dilemma (extracting out the water soluble compounds as well as the alcohol soluble compounds) by using a patented low alcohol and water extraction process in order to maximize not only the polysaccharide content of their extract but also to maximize the content of the alcohol soluble components.

ALCOHOL FREE ADULT AND CHILDREN'S ECHINACEA
To manufacture the alcohol free echinacea extracts, Children Echinacea and Adult Alcohol Free extract, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals uses a process similar to the patented Swiss water extraction process for removing caffeine from coffee beans. This technique allows us to preserve the polysaccharide as well as the echinacoside content of the final product; thereby, producing a product that is more effective than other alcohol free (glycerine based) products found on the market.

CAT'S CLAW AND ECHINACEA
Cat's claw is a large climbing shrub with thorns resembling cat's claw, hence its name. It is grown in South America and the two subspecies most commonly used therapeutically are Uncaria guianensis and Uncaria tomentosa. The native Amerindians use Cat's Claw in brews to treat ailments such as generalized inflammation, gastric ulcers, rheumatism and arthritis, and even tumours.

Pharmacologically, extracts of Cat's Claw are rich in glycosides and alkaloids which are the compounds responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune system enhancing effects of Cats Claw.

Echinacea is well known as a herb with superior immune boosting abilities. This immune enhancing ability of Echinacea, synergistically combined with that of Cat's Claw results in a product that is much more effective in the treatment of colds and flus than either herb individually.

ST. JOHN'S WORT
St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is a perennial plant that produces numerous small yellow flowers. It is a common plant in many parts of the world including Canada.

Modem scientific research has shown that extracts of St. John's Wort (usually made from the flowering tops) have a wide range of effects that include antidepressant, antiviral and antibiotic as well as increasing the healing rate of burns and wounds. Historically, St. John's Wort has been used as a nerve tonic. Modern research has shown that extracts of St. John's Wort inhibit the actions of an enzyme (Monoamine Oxidase) in the brain. This results in an increase in the level of activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Increased serotonin activity levels results in an antidepressant effect in depressed individuals. 

Clinical studies in Germany have demonstrated that extracts of St. John's Wort produces significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety, apathy, depression, insomnia and feelings of worthlessness.

St. John's Wort is very safe when taken long term at the recommended doses. However, individuals who take large excessive doses have developed some photosensitivity. Therefore it is recommended that fair skin individuals avoid excessive exposure to the sun. When using St. John's Wort individuals should avoid consuming beer, wine, cheese as these foods act as antidotes to the effects of St. John's Wort.

ECHINACEA & GOLDENSEAL
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a plant native to the eastern part of North America. The parts used medicinally are the roots. Goldenseal has been extensively used by the native American indians to treat inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, the respiratory tract and the urinary tract brought about as a result of infection and allergies. 

The major known active ingredients are a group of alkaloids of which the most extensively studied is Berberine. Berberine has shown powerful antibiotic activity against a broad range of bacteria and yeast. It also prevents the adhesion of bacteria to the cells in the body thus helping to stop the infection process from occurring. Berberine has also been shown to reduce fevers. It's ability to reduce fevers was shown 3 times as effective compared to acetylsalicylic acid (Asprin) in rats. Berberine has also been shown to increase the macrophage (a type of white blood cell) activity thus acting as an immunostimulant. 

Because of the antibiotic properties of Goldenseal it makes an ideal herb to combine with Echinacea with its powerful immune stimulating properties for the treatment of stubborn colds and flu's where secondary bacterial infections have set in. Goldenseal is very safe when used as directed. It is however not recommended for use by pregnant women.