The results from a long-term clinical study in the Ukraine on the use of Echinacea to treat victims of the Chernobyl disaster are being unveiled at a press conference on Friday, June 4, 10:30 AM, at the Ritz-Carlton in Kansas City.

Dr. Victoriya F. Pochernyayeva, a leading researcher from Ukraine and the former Soviet Union, will review the results of her long-term studies including:

• An analysis of how effectively Echinacea purpurea, consumed as a food additive in fruit juices and other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, protects people who are exposed to radiation. Based on her findings, Dr. Pochernyayeva recommends ways Echinacea purpurea food additives can be used most effectively to safeguard a population that is facing high levels of radiation exposure;
• A study of how Echinacea purpurea can protect the male reproductive system from the effects of radiation;
• A study of how effectively Echinacea purpurea can protect organs and tissues from radiation damage.

The research is among the new studies to be presented during the 1999 International Echinacea Symposium June 3-5 in Kansas City.

Also speaking at the press conference is Dr. Rudolf Bauer, the world's leading Echinacea researcher. Dr. Bauer, professor at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Dusseldorf, has published more than 100 research papers and has edited a book on Echinacea. He's currently researching the quality aspects of Echinacea preparations, constituents and pharmacological activity of Echinacea species.

The symposium is hosted by the American Herbal Products Association. Sponsors include Nature's Way, Botanicals International, Bioforce USA, Finzelberg North America, Rexall Sundown, Indena USA, and Plantation Medicinals.

Who: Dr. Victoriya F. Pochernyayeva, a leading researcher from Ukraine and the former Soviet Union; Dr. Rudolf Bauer, the world's leading Echinacea researcher
What: Press Conference
When: June 4, 1999, 10:30 AM
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, 401 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, Pavilion One
Why: To present the results from a long-term clinical study in the Ukraine on the use of Echinacea to treat victims of the Chernobyl disaster.