Effects Of Echinacea Purpurea Research Articles

Effect of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and its extracts on the immunization outcome of avian influenza vaccine in broilers

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEchinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant with immunomodulatory effects. However, the immunomodulatory effects of EP on broilers after vaccination are still unclear. Aim of the studyThe aim is to study the effect of EP and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extracts(EE) on avian influenza virus (AIV) immunity, and further explore the potential mechanism of immune regulation. Materials and methodsBroilers were fed with feed additives containing 2% EP or 0.5% EE, and vaccinated against avian influenza. The samples were collected on the 7th, 21st, and 35th day after vaccination, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Blood antibody titer, jejunal sIgA content, tight junction protein, gene and protein expression of TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway were also detected. ResultsThe results showed that vaccination could cause immune stress, weight loss, increase sIgA content, and up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the genes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), activator protein 1 (AP-1) protein gene expression on TLR4-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and the protein expression of MyD88, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). EP and EE could increase the body weight of broilers, further improve antibody titers, decrease FCR, increase sIgA levels, up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the genes of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and AP-1 and the protein expression of MyD88, ERK, and JNK in the TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionIn conclusion, EP and EE can increase the broiler's production performance and improve vaccine immune effect through the TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea and Silybum marianum seeds on the body of rats with an excessive fat diet

The impact of excess fat and high-calorie intake on the human body is an acute problem for many economically developed countries. Modelling the effects on the health of rats of supplementing their diet with crushed seeds of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and Sylibum marianum (L.) Gaertn was carried out in a laboratory experiment. In the control group of animals, body weight increased by 700 mg/day, with the addition of E. purpurea seeds – by 1394 mg/day and with the addition of S. marianum seeds – by only 155 mg/day. A hypercaloric diet supplemented with E. purpurea caused a significant decrease in the relative weight of the liver, thymus, spleen, stomach, and brain. The supplementation with S. marianum seeds to the diet of animals significantly reduced only the relative weight of the thymus. Adding E. purpurea to the diet caused a strong increase in blood alkaline phosphatase activity, an increase in the cholesterol content, and a sharp increase in the atherogenic index. The seeds of S. marianum increased the alkaline phosphatase activity, reduced the glucose concentration, and triglycerides, significantly reduced the atherogenic index and lowered the C-reactive protein concentration in the rats’ blood when compared with the control group. The seeds of E. purpurea contributed to an increase in the erythrocyte and lymphocyte number in the blood, and the seeds of S. marianum – to a decrease in the thrombocyte concentration. The research results show the possibility of wider use of S. marianum fruits as a dietary supplement in the diet of patients with hypertension and impaired liver function.

The pro-apoptosis effects of Echinacea purpurea and Cannabis sativa extracts in human lung cancer cells through caspase-dependent pathway

BackgroundConsidering the advantages of using medicinal herbs as supplementary treatments to sensitize conventional anti-cancer drugs, studying functional mechanisms and regulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea (as a non-cannabinoid plant) and Cannabis sativa (as a cannabinoid plant) are timely and required. The potential effects of such herbs on lung cancer cell growth, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, caspase activity and their cannabinomimetic properties on the CB2 receptor are addressed in the current study.MethodsThe cytotoxic effect of both herb extracts on the growth of lung cancer cells (A549) was assessed using the MTT assay. The annexin-V-FITC staining and propidium iodide (PI) staining methods were applied for the detection of apoptosis and cell cycle distribution using flow cytometry. The cellular level of ROS was measured using 7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a fluorescent probe in flow cytometry. The caspase 3 activity was assessed using a colorimetric assay Kit.ResultsEchinacea purpurea (EP) root extract induced a considerable decrease in A549 viable cells, showing a time and dose-dependent response. The cell toxicity of EP was accompanied by induction of early apoptosis and cell accumulation at the sub G1 phase of the cell cycle. The elevation of cellular ROS level and caspase 3 activity indicate ROS-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis following the treatment of A549 cells by EP extract. The observed effects of EP extract on A549 growth and death were abrogated following blockage of CB2 using AM630, a specific antagonist of the CB2 receptor. Increasing concentrations of Cannabis sativa (CS) induced A549 cell death in a time-dependent manner, followed by induction of early apoptosis, cell cycle arrest at sub G1 phase, elevation of ROS level, and activation of caspase 3. The CB2 blockage caused attenuation of CS effects on A549 cell death which revealed consistency with the effects of EP extract on A549 cells.ConclusionsThe pro-apoptotic effects of EP and CS extracts on A549 cells and their possible regulatory role of CB2 activity might be attributed to metabolites of both herbs. These effects deserve receiving more attention as alternative anti-cancer agents.Graphical abstract

Ameliorative effect of Echinacea purpurea and curcumin on dexamethasone-induced immunosuppressive rabbits

Objectives: This study was delineated to investigate the ameliorative effect of Echinacea purpurea and curcumin against oxidative stress and immunosuppression induced by dexamethasone in rabbits. Methods: A total of 20 healthy rabbits were used in this study and were randomly classified into 4 groups of 5 each. The 1st group (non-treated) was served as a control, the 2nd group intramuscularly medicated with dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) 3 times at 6 hours interval, the 3rd group medicated with dexamethasone at the same dose then received E. purpurea (130 mg/kg) orally day after day for 21 days, and the 4th group medicated with dexamethasone at the same dose then received curcumin (400 mg/kg) orally every day for 21 days. Blood and serum samples were collected after 1, 7, and 14 days post-dosing. Results: Dexamethasone medicated group showed a significant decrease in WBCS, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes at the 1st, 7th, and 14th day, but E. purpurea and curcumin medicated groups showed significant improvement in total and differential leucocytic count. Also, both plants showed a significant increase in lysozymes and nitric oxide against the suppressive effect of dexamethasone. Here, the dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in serum catalase (CAT) and significant elevation in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) at 1st and 7th-day post-treatment. E. purpurea and curcumin groups showed a significant increase in serum CAT and significant depletion in MDA levels. Injection of dexamethasone significantly decreased the serum levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin as compared to the control group. These parameters were significantly increased after treatment with E. purpurea and curcumin. Treatment with E. purpurea or curcumin ameliorated tissue damages of liver, kidney, and spleen induced by dexamethasone. Conclusion: Treatment with Echinacea purpurea or curcumin could ameliorate oxidative stress and immunosuppression induced by dexamethasone in rabbits.

Effects of Echinacea Purpurea on Cryptosporidiosis in Immunosuppressed Experimentally Infected Mice

AbstractBackground: Cryptosporidium species are worldwide coccidian parasites. They are considered the second cause of diarrhea and death in children after rotavirus. Current treatment options for cryptosporidiosis are limited. There is an urgent need to develop new anti-cryptosporidial agents.Aim of the Study: To assess the activity of Echinacea purpurea in treatment of experimental cryptosporidiosis in immunosuppressed mice.Methods: Ninety mice were immunosuppressed using oral dexamethasone and divided into 5 groups. Echinacea was used as 100 mg/kg/day on day 15 post infection for five consecutive days. Stool samples from all survived mice were subjected to modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining. All mice were sacrificed for histopathological examination and immuno-histochemical staining of their ilea sections for IL-17 and Cox-2.Results: The least mortality rate (0%), the least oocysts shedding (1.10±2.31), the least endogenous developmental stages (3.50±2.24), the most improved pathological changes and the highest cure rate (90%) were observed in mice treated with Echinacea/nitazoxanide combination. Moreover, combi-nation therapy significantly reduced IL-17 and Cox-2 expres-sion in ileum sections compared to the positive control group. Echinacea monotherapy significantly reduced fecal oocyst shedding and ileal endogenous developmental stages with improved pathological changes compared to the positive control group. Echinacea increased the cure rate with no significant difference when compared to nitazoxanide. It significantly decreased IL-17 and Cox-2 in ileum sections compared to the positive control group.Conclusion: Echinacea purpurea/nitazoxanide combina-tion represents significant advances in treatment of experi-mental cryptosporidiosis infection in immunosuppressed mice.

MicroRNA-655-3p regulates Echinacea purpurea mediated activation of ABCG2

1. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect of Echinacea purpurea (EP) on efflux transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2 and to identify specific microRNAs contributing to their post-transcriptional regulation.2. ABCB1 and ABCG2 levels were assessed in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells treated with 50 µg/mL methanolic extract of commercial EP capsules for different durations. The microRNA expression profile of HepG2 cells after EP treatment was evaluated and in silico target prediction was subsequently conducted to identify specific microRNAs with binding sites in the 3′-UTR of ABCB1 and ABCG2. Luciferase reporter gene assays and site-directed mutagenesis were used to confirm the binding site of identified microRNA within the 3′-UTR of the target gene.3. EP increased ABCB1 (10-fold ± 3.4, p < 0.001) and ABCG2 (2.7-fold ± 0.5, p < 0.01) mRNA levels after 12 h exposure. Twenty-four microRNAs showed significant expression differences at all durations of exposure to EP. MiR-655-3p showed a 6.79-fold decrease in expression after 12 h exposure compared to 0 h, was predicted in silico to bind ABCG2 3′-UTR and showed a significant negative correlation (p = 0.01) to ABCG2 expression level. The binding of miR-655-3p to ABCG2 3′-UTR was confirmed by reporter gene assays (reduction of reporter gene activity to 60%; p = 0.0001).4. These results suggest that EP regulates ABCG2 expression via downregulation of miR-655-3p in the liver cells. Thus, miR-655-3p downregulation could be applied to predict EP mediated drug interactions.

Histological and histopathological studies on the protective role of Echinacea purpurea extract after intra-testicular injection of magnetic nanoparticles in male albino rats

Local intra-testicular injection for drug release is an important methodology for testicular diseases therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are new nanomaterials which have several medical applications. This study aimed at investigating the time-dependent toxicity of MNPs after intra-testicular injection, and the protective effect of Echinacea purpurea (EP) extract as antioxidant and immune cells activator. To investigate the protective role of EP extract against MNPs toxicity in testicular tissues, EP extract was simultaneously administrated with MNPs. The intra-testicular injection of MNPs caused spermatogenic apoptosis, cellular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis. Also, MNPs were found freely in the interstitial area attached to fiber bundles and to lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. Simultaneous EP extract administration with MNPs injection for 11 wk reduced MNPs toxicity, compared to MNPs only. Also, most MNPs were co-localized in some interstitial cells/macrophages after this EP extract simultaneous administration. In this regard, MNPs were found as groups aggregated in lysosomal vacuoles of macrophages after EP extract administration. In the case of MNPs only injection, MNPs were found freely outside interstitial cells, attached to fiber bundles and surrounding myoid cells of seminiferous tubules. To conclude the simultaneous administration of EP extract/MNPs injection changed both cellular and subcellular biodistribution of MNPs in the testicular tissues. Our present findings indicate a prominent protective role for EP extract as an antioxidant and immune activator against MNPs intra-testicular injection-induced toxicity and may promise a new strategy for testicular disease therapies using nanomaterials.

Effects of Echinacea purpurea on Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Diethylnitrosamine in Rats

Nitrites are mainly used in food preservation. These materials could change to nitrosamine due to the effect of heat and gastric acid. Nitrosamine is absorbed in intestine and enters the liver and hepatocytes by portal venous system, and hampers the detoxification system of liver by interfering in cytochrome P450 enzymes, so, the liver gently proceeds to cirrhosis and cancer. The current study aimed to investigate the hepatic and renal protective effects of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea extract (EPE) on injury induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Twenty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups were as follow: Control group (normal saline), DEN (200 mg/kg, IP, a single dose), EPE (100 mg/kg, orally, daily) and DEN + EPE which received as group DEN and EPE. After 30 days, Blood samples, and liver and kidney tissues were taken for further examination. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), BUN, Creatinine and total and direct bilirubin were estimated in serum. DEN induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in all the treated animals by elevated serum ALT, AST, ALP and BUN, creatinin and total and direct bilirubin levels. AST, BUN and total and direct bilirubin significantly decreased in DEN + EPE compared to DEN group. After 30 days of DEN administration, histopathological investigation revealed proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and early fibrosis which were partly improved by EPE administration. The current study findings indicated that Echinacea purpurea extract played an important role in the protection against DEN toxicity in rats.

Effects of Echinacea purpurea on Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Diethylnitrosamine in Rats

Effects of Echinacea purpurea on Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Diethylnitrosamine in Rats

Echinacea purpurea and Uncaria tomentosa reduce the prevalence of WSSV in witheleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured under laboratory conditions

The effect of Echinacea purpurea and Uncaria tomentosa on growth performance, survival, WSSV prevalence, and immune response of Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated under laboratory conditions. Powder of plants (PP) was sprayed onto feed (Nutrimentos Acuícolas Azteca S.A. de C.V.®, 35% protein) at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0g kg feed-1. A bioassay, performed with treatments in triplicate, was conducted for 30days. Feed supplemented with plants did not enhance growth and survival. However, PP decreased the prevalence of WSSV in shrimp treated (83.3, 50.0, 16.6, and 8.3%) as compared with the control group (100%). The PP significantly increased the activity of phenoloxidase in plasma in shrimp fed 4g kg feed-1. The results indicate that PP at concentrations of 2.0 and 4.0g kg feed-1 is a suitable feed additive against WSSV in shrimp with low viral load.

The effects of Echinacea purpurea L. (purple coneflower) as an antibiotic growth promoter substitution on performance, carcass characteristics and humoral immune response in broiler chickens

This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of using different forms and levels ofEchinacea purpurea L. (EP) in comparison with an antibiotic growth promoter (flavophospholipol) on performance, carcass characteristics and immune responses of broiler chicks. In this trial, 336 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were weighted and randomly assigned to the 7 treatment groups, each with 4 replicates and with 12 broilers in each replicate. The 7 treatments were as follows: Basal diet (control), Basal diet + antibiotic (4.5 mg flavophospholipol/kg diet), Basal diet + dried aerial part powder of EP continuously (5 g/kg diet), Basal diet + the dried aerial part powder of EP continuously (10 g/kg diet), Basal diet + the ethanolic extract continuously (0.25 gr/kg diet), Basal diet + the dried aerial part powder of EP with 3-days application followed by 11 application free days intermittently (5 g/kg diet), and Basal diet + the dried aerial part powder of EP with 3-days application followed by 11 application free days intermittently (10 g/kg diet). The contents of flavonol-o-glycosides as quescetin in the Echinacea dried aerial part and the ethanolic extract were determined, and the amount of flavonol-o- glycosides as quescetin in the 5 g/kg diet EP continuously to the ethanolic extract was equal. At the 28th and 31st day, blood samples were taken and analyzed for immune responses. The results showed that the use of the 5 g/kg diet EP continuously led to the highest DFI, DWG and antibody titres against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and Newcastle virus when compared to other groups. The intermittent application of 10 g/kg diet EP had significant effect in the grower period on DWG, FCR and immune responses against SRBC (p<0.05). DFI and DWG were increased by 5 g/kg diet EP continuously than the ethanolic extract significantly (p<0.05). The percentage weight of carcass traits were not affected by dietary treatments except for the percentage of the small intestine that decreased in the intermittent groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, performance and immune responses of broiler chicks were improved by continuous application of 5 g/kg diet EP. Key words: Broilers, Echinacea purpurea L., performance, immune responses, carcass characteristics.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea on antibody production against fowl influenza vaccine

To study, the effect of Echinacea on production of antibody against avian influenza vaccine, 100 chickens were divided into four groups: A as negative control, B as positive control (received influenza vaccine H9N2 at the 8th day of the study), C as B in addition to Echinacea at dose of 0.1% of diet for 2 weeks, D as C but Echinacea at dose of 0.5% of diet. Blood of chickens was collected at day 0, 8, 21 and 42 of the study. The titre of antibody against influenza vaccine was measured by ELISA and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) methods. Echinacea increased (P<0.05) the titre of antibody in comparison to controls and dose of 0.5% had a better effect than 0.1% in ELISA test. Thus, Echinacea having an enhancing effect on efficiency of influenza vaccine, can be useful in prevention of avian influenza.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea on growth and survival of guppy (Poecilia reticulata) challenged with Aeromonas bestiarum

The effects of Echinacea purpurea supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, body composition and disease resistance were studied in the ornamental fish Poecilia reticulata. Five diets were used, each differing in Echinacea content (0 g kg−1 diet – control, 5 g kg−1 diet – group 1, 10 g kg−1 diet – group 2, 20 g kg−1 diet – group 3, 30 g kg−1 diet – group 4 and 60 g kg−1 diet – group 5), and the fish were fed twice daily at a rate of 30 g kg−1 body weight per day for 67 days. The gain in the body weight and the condition factor were significantly increased in groups 2-5, whereas specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio were significantly increased in the supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Cumulative mortalities after challenge infection with the fish pathogen Aeromonas bestiarum were the lowest in the groups supplemented with Echinacea. Log-rank tests showed significant differences between the supplemented groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the control group (P = 0.0074, P = 0.0075, P = 0.00507, P = 0.00001 and P = 0.00001, respectively). The results of this study indicate that Echinacea improves body weight gain and resistance against challenge infection in fish.

Effects of Echinacea purpurea on liver and kidney of rat and mouse

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, red sunflower and rudbeckia has been used for a number of years to treat the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and some inflammatory conditions. However, there is little information about its effects on liver and kidney. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effects of this agent on hepatic enzymes activities and BUN in Rat and mouse. Moreover, its histopathologic effects on liver and kidney of these species were evaluated. For this purpose, 60 Rats and 60 mice were used. The animals of each species were divided randomly into three groups. Group 1 and 2 of each species were given 1% and 5% dried powdered Echinacea purpurea for 15 days, respectively. Groups 3 of rats and mice were used as controls groups. All animals were sacrificed on day 16 and blood samples were collected in test tubes. Moreover, samples of liver and kidney were collected in 10% formaline. All samples were analysed and the results were assessed statistically using ANOVA. The results of present study showed that Echinacea purpurea have no effect on hepatic enzymes activity and cause no histopathologic changes in liver and kidney. In conclusion, these results suggest that Echinacea purpurea has no toxic effects on liver and kidney of rats and mice.

Echinacea purpurea and P‐glycoprotein drug transport in Caco‐2 cells

Echinacea is widely used as a medical herbal product, but its interaction potential with the drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has not yet been evaluated. The interaction potential of Echinacea purpurea towards P-gp mediated drug transport was studied in human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Digoxin (30 nm) was used as a substrate and verapamil as a control inhibitor. Ethanol, 0.8%, needed for herbal extraction and compatibility with the commercial products, inhibited the net digoxin flux by 18%. E. purpurea influenced to a higher degree the B-A transport of digoxin than the A-B transport. A minor increase in net digoxin flux was observed at low concentrations of E. purpurea, an effect anticipated to be allosteric in nature. At higher concentrations, from 0.4 to 6.36 mg dry weight/mL, a statistically significant linear dose-related decrease was observed in the net digoxin flux, indicating a dose dependent E. purpurea inhibition of P-gp. Both Vmax and Km of the net digoxin flux, calculated to 23.7 nmol/cm2/h and 385 microm, respectively, decreased in the presence of E. purpurea in an uncompetitive fashion. Although the effects of Echinacea purpurea on systemic P-gp mediated drug transport are probably limited, an influence on drug bioavailability can not be excluded.

Effects of echinacea on electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurements

The effects of Echinacea purpurea on electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurements in healthy volunteers were evaluated. Healthy volunteers were randomized to receive a single 350-mg dose of E. purpurea or placebo in a crossover fashion with a seven-day washout period between treatment phases. Twelve-lead electrocardiograms were acquired, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were taken immediately before (baseline) and at one, three, five, and eight hours after ingestion of the study drug. Electrocardiographic variables (P wave and QRS complex duration and PR, Q-T, Q-Tc, and RR intervals) were measured in lead II by one blinded study investigator. Duplicate blood pressure determinations were taken manually at each time point and then averaged. The maximum posttreatment values, irrespective of time point, for each electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurement were compared between groups. Of the 17 healthy adults initially screened for this study, 16 completed both phases. There was no difference in maximum posttreatment electrocardiographic or blood pressure (systolic or diastolic) variables noted between groups. Mild headache was reported by one patient receiving echinacea and one receiving placebo. One participant receiving echinacea experienced shortness of breath five hours posttreatment and mild flu-like symptoms after eight hours; symptoms completely resolved over the next several days. A single 350-mg dose of E. purpurea had no effect on electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurements of healthy volunteers.

Antioxidant and immuno-enhancing effects of Echinacea purpurea (American herb) in vivo

We studied the protective effect of Echinacea purpurea against radiation by evaluating changes in the peripheral blood cell count and peripheral blood antioxidant activity. Echinacea purpurea administration had a suppressive effect on radiation-induced leukopenia, especially on lymphocytes and monoc...

The Relationship of Echinacea purpurea. to the Toxicity of Cadmium

ABSTRACTCadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous metal and cumulative poison that may cause liver and kidney damage and the formation of neoplasia. The experiments were performed on white laboratory mice using intraperitoneal injections of 0.05 LD50 of cadmium chloride solution. Two groups of mice were injected with Echinacea purpurea. (L.) Moench liquid extract: one 0.05 LD50 and the other 0.1 LD50. Cd concentration in mouse blood, kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, and skeletal muscles was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Estimated mitotic index of liver cells reflected the mitotic activity in the liver. Mitotic index in liver cells increases under the Cd intoxication, but it remains unchanged after simultaneous injection of Cd and Echinacea purpurea. liquid extract. In this study, the changes in organs and metabolism, the accumulation of various levels of intraperitoneal Cd in tissues, and the effects of Echinacea purpurea. liquid extract on Cd-induced changes in mice were investigated.