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ECHINACEA INCREASES ERYTHROPOIETIN, VO2MAX, AND RUNNING ECONOMY
4 capsules of EPO-BOOST™ provides 8 grams of echinacea purpurea
Whitehead M. T., Martin T. D., Webster M. J., & Scheett T. P. (2007). Improved running
economy and maximal oxygen consumption after 4-weeks of oral Echinacea supplementation. ACSM Annual Meeting New
Orleans, Presentation Number, 908.
PURPOSE. This study investigated the effects of four-weeks of oral Echinacea supplementation on
erythropoietin, running economy, and VO2max. Males (N = 24) were supplemented with either 8,000 mg/d of Echinacea
purpurea (N = 12) or a placebo (N = 12). Blood samples were collected prior to and every seven days during
supplementation and analyzed for erythropoietin. Maximal graded exercise tests were administered to measure VO2max,
running economy, and heart-rate responses.
RESULTS. The Echinacea condition significantly increased Erythropoietin at days 7, 14, and 21
and VO2max. Running economy improved significantly in the Echinacea condition (indicated by a decrease in
submaximal VO2 during the first 2 stages of the graded exercise test).
CONCLUSION. Echinacea purpurea supplementation results in significant increases in erythropoietin, VO2max, and
running economy.
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Whitehead, M. T., (2006). The effect of four weeks of Echinacea supplementation on erythropoietin and
indices of erythropoietic status. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract
2256.
PURPOSE. This study determined whether four weeks of oral Echinacea purpurea supplementation
resulted in alterations in erythropoietin, red blood cell count, hematocrit, or hemoglobin. Recreationally active
males N = 24) were assigned randomly to either an Echinacea (N = 12) or a placebo (N = 12) group. Participants were
supplemented for 28 consecutive days.
RESULTS. Serum erythropoietin was significantly greater in the Echinacea condition than in the
placebo group at days, 7, 14, and 21.
CONCLUSION. Echinacea purpurea supplementation for 28 days promoted a significant increase in
erythropoietin.
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Whitehead, M. T., Martin, T. D., Webster, M. J., & Scheett, T. P. (2005). Two weeks of oral
Echinacea supplementation significantly increases circulating erythropoietin. Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 231.
STUDY. Healthy active males (N = 24) were assigned randomly to a placebo or an Echinacea
purpurea supplementation group. Subjects received 8 gm/day of one substance for 14 days.
RESULTS. Erythropoietin (EPO) was 44.15% greater in the supplemented group than in the placebo
group.
CONCLUSION. Echinacea purpurea stimulates significant EPO increases.
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