Echinacea Research Articles

The multiple actions of the phytomedicine Echinacea in the treatment of colds and flu

The symptoms of cold and flu are generally attributed to specific respiratory viruses and bacteria acting either as primary agents, or as secondary agents following a viral infection. These infections can induce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by various airway epithelial cells and in conjunction with other inflammatory mediators, thereby producing the familiar symptoms of a cold or flu. Certain types of Echinacea (family Asteraceae) extract, but not all, were found to inactivate different viruses, such as rhinoviruses and influenza viruses (including Tamiflu-resistant strains) and herpes simplex virus (“cold sores”), as well as certain respiratory bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (sore throat) and Hemophilus influenzae. In addition, infection of cultured epithelial cells and tissues by viruses and bacteria, induced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, TNFa and excessive mucin secretion. These cellular responses were reversed by exposure to the active Echinacea extracts. Thus certainEchinacea extracts could provide multiple benefits to cold and flu sufferers, such as inactivation of the viruses themselves, inactivation of certain pathogenic respiratory bacteria and reversal of the pro-inflammatory responses induced by cold and flu agents. These extracts did not produce cytopathic effects in cultured epithelial cells and tissues. Key words: Echinacea, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, influenza, colds.

Influence of Echinacea extract pre- or postnatal supplementation on immune and oxidative status of growing rabbits

Our study aimed to investigate the effect of Echinacea purpurea (E) root extract supplementation on the immune response and antioxidant status of growing New Zealand White rabbits. The study started with twenty pregnant does divided into two groups (10 each): the control (MC) group and the E-treated (MT) group. Twenty pups obtained from both the MC and MT does were divided into four sub-groups (n=10 each): (i) PCMC (control pups from control mothers), (ii) PTMC (E-treated pups from control mothers), (iii) PCMT (control pups from E-treated mothers), and (iv) PTMT (E-treated pups from E-treated mothers). Treatment with Echinacea showed, at the end of the fattening period, as compared to the control, a reduction in the mortality rate in the PTMC and PTMT groups and significantly increased body weight and red blood cells; the percentage of packed cell volume increased significantly in the PTMT group at the end of the experiment as compared to the PCMC group. The white blood cell count and particularly the percentage of lymphocytes increased (P<0.05) in the PTMC and PTMT groups while the percentage of neutrophils decreased (P<0.05). Plasma total protein (TP), serum total IgG, serum glutathione and nitric oxide increased (P<0.05) while the serum albumin/globulin ratio and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P<0.05) in the PTMC and PTMT groups. Our results suggest that Echinacea purpurea extract supplementation to pregnant and weaned rabbits might enhance the immune function and increase the activities of the antioxidant defence system in addition to the reduction of mortality rate after weaning, which is a strategy to improve growth performance and animal health when fattening rabbits for production.

Evaluation antiviral activity of aerial parts extracts of Echinacea purpurea from Iran against HSV-1

Since years ago, phytopharmaceutical drugs have been used by various societies, as a traditional treatment. Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae) is the best known of the dozen or so species of the genus Echinacea, a group of perennial prairie wildflowers native to the central grasslands of North American. E. purpurea is cultivated widely throughout the United states, Canada and Europe, although it has became widespread throughout the world, for its beauty as well as for its reported medicinal properties. Echinacea is used most widely as prevention or treatment for the common cold and flu, but they are also indicated for infections and topical conditions such as candidiasis, strep throat, staphylococcus infections, infected wounds, skin ulcers and burns, with the proposed mechanism of action relating to its reported ability to stimulate the immune system In this study, we investigated the antiviral effect of aerial parts extract of E. purpurea cultivated in climatic condition of Iran on HSV-1. For this purpose aerial parts plant was collected in flowering stage. The plant material was ground and extracted with 30% ethanol by maceration. The macerate was filtered and concentrated at 40?C in a rotary evaporator. Vero cell were grown in Dulbeco’s modified Eagle medium containing 5% fetal bovine serum, in 96 well micro test trays. The results show that E. purpurea has activity against HSV-1 virus cytopathic effect. So possibly, it has the potential antiviral activity.

Biologically active compounds from different herbs used as additives in honeybee feeding.

Different herb preparations (alcoholic extracts and water infusions) were tested for total phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. The Folin Ciocalteu test was used to determine the phenol content, Kim method with some modifications was used for total flavonoid content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay for radical scavenging activity. Sugar profile for herb preparations was determined by HPLC with refractive index detection. The highest content of total polyphenols was registered in fresh nettle infusion (689 mgGAE/100g DW sample), followed by PROTOFIL (570 mgGAE), infusion of Echinacea (570 mgGAE), thyme extract (555 mgGAE), Echinacea extract (549 mgGAE), thyme infuzion (530 mgGAE), dry nettle infuzion (510 mgGAE) and fresh nettle extract (426,7 mgGAE). Smaller quantities were registered for dry nettle extract and fresh juice of onion. Regarding the flavonoid content, higher quantities were registered for fresh nettle infusion (668 mgQE in 100 g DW sample), followed by dry nettle infusion (482 mgQE), PROTOFIL (378,9 mgQE), fresh nettle extract (368 mgQE) and Echinacea infusion (326 mgQE). Smaller quantities were obtained for Echinacea, thyme, dry nettle extract and thyme infusion (183–123 mgQE). Antioxidant activity was not correlated with total polyphenols and flavonoid content, the highest antioxidant activity being registered in fresh juice of garlic and onion (95,1% and 84,85% inhibition of DPPH radical). High percentages of inhibition present the extracts and infusions of every analised plants (50,7% - 75,47%), exception was registered in onion and garlic extracts, which inhibit the DPPH radical in proportion of 29,84% and 20,98% respectively

VEGETAL EXTRACTIONS INDUCED, AGE DEPENDENT CHANGES IN CELL-MEDIATED NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNE REACTIVITY

The evaluation of adjuvant capacities of active principles from Echinacea angustifolia, a cultivated medicinal plant, renown (Percival S.S., 2000; South E.H., Exon J.H., 2001) for its immune activity was done in comparison with that of a similar, alcoholic extraction of Calendula officinalis, a plant widespread in Romania, but less studied as an immune stimulant (Della Logia R. et al., 1994). A comparison between the effects of sc injected (0.5 ml/day/bird) alcoholic Calendula officinalis and Echinacea angustifolia extractions in immunologically immature (19 days old) and mature (47 days and 77 weeks old) chickens (n=7 bird/batch) on total leukocyte numbers and phagocytosis, showed that in 47 days old birds the total leukocyte numbers were lower than in 19 days old birds, in all corresponding batches. In young injected birds, both Calendula and Echinacea extractions were inhibiting on total leukocyte numbers, compared to the solvent control. Meanwhile, in older birds, Calendula was indifferent and Echinacea acted in a stimulating way.

Improved Running Economy and Maximal Oxygen Consumption After 4-Weeks of Oral Echinacea Supplementation

Echinacea is an herbal supplement primarily utilized as an immunostimulant. Evidence from animal and cell culture models indicate that Echinacea may increase oxygen transport capacity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of four-weeks of oral Echinacea supplementation on erythropoietin, red blood cell count, running economy, and VO2 max. METHODS: Twenty-four males (aged 24.9 ± 4.2 yr, height 178.9 ± 7.9 cm, weight 87.9 ± 14.6 kg, body fat 19.3 ± 6.5 %) were supplemented with either 8000 mg-d-1 of Echinacea (ECH) (n=12) or a placebo (PLA) (n=12). Blood samples were collected prior to and every 7-d during supplementation and analyzed for erythropoietin and red blood cells. Maximal graded exercise tests were administered to measure VO2 max, running economy, and heart-rate responses. Significant between groups differences were determined from ANOVA with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Erythropoietin increased significantly in ECH at days 7 (15.75 ± 0.64 vs. 10.01 ±0.73mU·mL-l), 14 (18.88 ± 0.71 vs. 11.02 ± 0.69 mU·mL-1), and 21 (16.06 ± 0.55 vs. 9.20 ± 0.55 mU·mL-1). VO2 max increased significantly in ECH (1.47 ± 1.28 vs. -0.13 ± 0.52 %). Running economy improved significantly in ECH as indicated by a decrease in submaximal VO2 during the first 2 stages of the graded exercise test (Stage 1: −1.50 ± 1.21 vs. 0.60 ±1.95; Stage 2: −1.67 ± 1.43 vs. 0.01 ± 1.03%; ECH and PLA, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that Echinacea supplementation results in significant increases in erythropoietin, VO2max, and running economy. Supported by donations from Puritan's Pride, Holbrook, NY and the A.K. and E.G. Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence, Office of the Vice President for Research, The University of Southern Mississippi.

PHENOTIPYCAL VARIABILITY OF THREE IMPORTANT CHARACTERS AT ECHINACEA GENUS

This study aimed to determine the phenotipycal variability between fourteen cultivars of Echinacea sp. during three experimental years 2005-2007. The experimental data presents the development of stems length and the number of stems because of the medicinal importance of Echinacea sp. and we analyzed also the diameter of the capitulum in order to determine the ornamental potential of Echinacea sp. cultivars. According to the results, all cultivars are very stable and their phenotipycal variations do not interfere with the climatic conditions. Echinacea simulata and one of Echinacea purpurea cultivars showed a very good ornamental potential. The best medicinal potential was proved by some E. purpurea cultivars only. These results may be useful in the breeding improvement of Echinacea sp. for medicinal and ornamental use.

Immunomodulating properties of Calendula officinalis and Echinacea angustifolia extractions in viral antigen primed hens.

A number of immunomodulatory effects have been attributed to the medicinal plants Calendula officinalis and Echinacea angustifolia ; however, little is known about whether treatment with these plants can enhance antigen-specific immunity. The experiment was carried out on 28 Leghorn hens, divided into four equal groups (n=7), subjected eac h, for seven days, to a differentiated treatment, star ting on day 0 and using the same pattern as follows : group I was injected with an alcoholic Calendula officinalis extraction; group II - with an alcoholic Echinacea angustifolia extraction; group III, a control for the extraction s - with 70o alcohol and group IV, control with sal ine (0.5 ml/bird/day). On days 0 and 7 the birds were subcut aneously primed with Newcastle disease vaccine. Blood samples were taken from the wing vein, on days 0, 7 and 14 and anti Newcastle disease antibodies were quantified by haemagglutination inhibition test Nat ural logarithms (ln) of the antibody titers were ca lculated and statistically interpreted. The C. officinalis extraction induced a gradually increasing specific humoral activity, persistent after the stimulation, during both primary and booster vaccin ation while the Echinacea extraction induces an increase during the first phase, but the stimulating effect was not persistent. The active principles in the Calendula extraction positively influenced the anti-Newcastle antibody titers, without attaining the values in t he control groups. Injecting the birds with the Echinaceea extraction seems to negatively influence the antibo dy synthesis, especially during the primary response.

Herbal products and dietary supplements: a survey of use, attitudes, and knowledge among older adults.

Tens of millions of Americans use herbal products and/or dietary supplements, yet scant data are available regarding the purity, safety, or efficacy of these substances. A better understanding of usage trends and patient attitudes toward self-initiated supplementation is vital to obtaining accurate and complete medical history data. To survey Americans aged approximately 60 years and older regarding their use of herbal products and dietary supplements and their attitudes and knowledge regarding the safety of these popular substances. A face-to-face, 35-item survey was administered to 267 men and women residing in the Kansas City, Mo-metropolitan area. Researchers documented usage patterns for, attitudes about, and knowledge of herbal products and dietary supplements in this population. Fifty-six (21%) respondents were currently taking at least one herbal product or dietary supplement, and potential for adverse drug reactions was apparent in 12 (19%). Glucosamine, garlic, Echinacea, and Gingko biloba were the most frequently cited substances used by survey participants. White women with at least some college education were most likely to report taking these products. However, preservation of health was by far the most predictive indicator for use of herbal products and dietary supplements. Subjects were found to be receptive to patient education efforts for these products. Although substantial misconceptions about herbal products and dietary supplements exist among older Americans, most individuals in this population are interested in receiving additional information about these products. Excellent opportunities exist for expanded patient education--and improved patient care.

Echinacea Ineffective in Rhinovirus Trial

Echinacea is a popular alternative therapy for the common cold, despite very limited data showing clinical benefit. Now, in a large, well-designed,

Echinacea Not Effective for URIs in Children

Echinacea often is used to treat upper respiratory infections (URIs) in adults, despite mixed results from methodologically flawed studies. Now, researchers from a practice-based research network and an alternative medicine institution in the Pacific Northwest …

Echinacea Not Effective Against URIs in Children

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal medications in the U.S., with more than $300 million in annual sales, primarily for management of upper respiratory infections (URIs). Using manufacturer-supplied preparations, researchers recently conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of the most commonly …

Echinacea ineffective for URTIs in children

Echinacea ineffective for URTIs in children

Echinacea and Clarification—Reply

Echinacea and Clarification—Reply

A Taxonomic Revision of Echinacea (Asteraceae: Heliantheae)

Abstract A morphometric analysis was conducted of Echinacea Moench (Asteraceae) to measure variation between native populations for taxonomic purposes. Data were collected from living and herbarium specimens. From a matrix of 321 specimens by 74 characters, a pair-wise distance matrix was computed using Gower's coefficient. Cluster strategies were explored from the distance matrix. MODECLUS clustering separated the data into two clusters, and a flexible agglomerative clustering method separated the data into the same two clusters, which were broken into four sub-clusters. Canonical discriminant analysis gave significant support for the two- and the four-cluster solutions. Canonical discriminant analysis also showed support for eight smaller clusters identified using McGregor's 1968 classification. We recognize two subgenera and four species: Echinacea subg. Echinacea contains only E. purpurea; Echinacea subg. Pallida contains E. atrorubens, E. laevigata, and E. pallida. The revised varieties are as follow...

Echinacea Extract Doesn't Prevent Colds

The extract of the purple coneflower, Echinacea Purpurea, has immunostimulatory properties and has been used over the last century for prevention and

No Support for Echinacea in Preventing URIs

The various forms of echinacea are commonly used herbal remedies for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections (URIs), but the

Echinacea species of medicinal use

Echinacea species come from North America. Preparations of Echinacea pallida Nutt. and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench are used in healing many diseases owing to their immunostimulative, antivirus and bacteria, scarifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea pallida Nutt. displays tap root, linear spear-shaped leaves. Seedling plantation with both species is performed in May and spacing of 50 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants per row. Harvest takes place in the 2-nd year of flowering.

Research on the biology of Echinacea angustifolia (Dc.) Moench and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench

Echinacea angustifolia (Dc.) Moench and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench species have been highly appreciated for their therapeutic qualities, both of them belong to the few plants of immunostimulative and antiviral properties. The adaptation and cultivation process of these plants has been initiated for medical purposes at the Cluj-Napoca Agronomy Institute. The biological researches evidenced the two species, multiplied by nursery transplant, formed a rosette of leaves during their first year of plantation. The first floral offshoots in Echinacea purpurea were seen during the months September and October (in approximately 40 percent of plants). Flowering Echinacea angustifolia appeared only sporadically the first year of cultivation. Leaves number and plant mass in both species increased markedly the first year of vegetation starting from August. Herba and radix ratio represented 74 percent and 26 percent respectively of the whole plant mass in Echinacea angustifolia and 87 percent and 13 percent respectively in Echinacea purpurea.

May Achene Analyses Serve for Species Diagnosis in Echinacea?

May Achene Analyses Serve for Species Diagnosis in Echinacea?