ABSTRACT The protein-misfolding diseases make the lives of millions bitter. The incidence of currently incurable diseases associated with amyloids is constantly increasing, so it would be important to prevent them. Echinacea drops contain several bioactive compounds, including anti-amyloidogenic polyphenolic molecules. Here, we demonstrate the efficient inhibition of amyloid formation of α-chymotrypsin in 55% ethanol at pH 7.0 by Echinacea drops. Using turbidity measurements and Congo red binding assay its effectiveness was found to be concentration dependent. Thus, Echinacea drops may also be useful in inhibiting the formation of amyloid fibrils.
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