Echinacea tea has been long-studied for its potential health benefits, and has been used traditionally as a flu remedy.
 
In addition to a study which found that Echinacea Tea shortens the duration of flu and cold symptoms, which is its most common use, it has also been found in a group of very recent studies that the antioxidant properties of Echinacea extract’s plant phenols, caffeic acid derivatives, and antioxidant properties can help regulate blood sugar spikes in diabetic and prediabetic people, limit the severity of anxiety symptoms, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation.
 
Recently, Xsto Solutions, a Morristown, NJ-based nutritional ingredients supplier, launched Eccatru, an optimized Echinacea extract formulated to support immune health. The extract, sourced from Italy-based Active Botanical Research, uses a proprietary production method that requires no soil fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. The extract is GRAS, and its production is sustainable, according to Xsto Solutions.
 
The active ingredient in EccaTru is echinacoside, titrated at 4%. It is a secondary metabolite produced by the plant as a defensive compound against pathogens.
 
“EccaTru is an NMRPure certified botanical which is fully traceable, transparent, and tested using third party nuclear magnetic resonance to ensure purity,” Xsto Solutions said in a statement. “Xsto looks forward to providing high-quality botanical ingredients to its North American customers.”
 
The ingredient is now available to the functional food and dietary supplement markets in North America.