Echinex 450 contains various bioactive ingredients like echinacosides, caffeic acids, alkylamides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. While echinacosides are commonly used to standardize many products, there is no agreement on the active ingredient in echinacea that provides its medicinal benefits.

Echinex 450 helps activate immune cells (macrophages) and releases certain immune factors like tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and interferon. Echinex 450 has antiviral effects against viruses like influenza, herpes, and poliovirus. The compounds in Echinex 450 also act as antioxidants and help reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain enzymes. Additionally, Echinex 450 can stimulate the adrenal glands.