Echinacea Purpurea Research Articles

Volatile Composition, Antimicrobial Activity, and In Vitro Innate Immunomodulatory Activity of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Essential Oils.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, the common cold, sore throat, migraine, colic, stomach cramps, and toothaches and the promotion of wound healing. Based on the known pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs), we hypothesized that E. purpurea EOs may contribute to these medicinal properties. In this work, EOs from the flowers of E. purpurea were steam-distilled and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), GC with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID), and chiral GC-MS. The EOs were also evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial and innate immunomodulatory activity. About 87 compounds were identified in five samples of the steam-distilled E. purpurea EO. The major components of the E. purpurea EO were germacrene D (42.0 ± 4.61%), α-phellandrene (10.09 ± 1.59%), β-caryophyllene (5.75 ± 1.72%), γ-curcumene (5.03 ± 1.96%), α-pinene (4.44 ± 1.78%), δ-cadinene (3.31 ± 0.61%), and β-pinene (2.43 ± 0.98%). Eleven chiral compounds were identified in the E. purpurea EO, including α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, β-phellandrene, α-copaene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and δ-cadinene. Analysis of E. purpurea EO antimicrobial activity showed that they inhibited the growth of several bacterial species, although the EO did not seem to be effective for Staphylococcus aureus. The E. purpurea EO and its major components induced intracellular calcium mobilization in human neutrophils. Additionally, pretreatment of human neutrophils with the E. purpurea EO or (+)-δ-cadinene suppressed agonist-induced neutrophil calcium mobilization and chemotaxis. Moreover, pharmacophore mapping studies predicted two potential MAPK targets for (+)-δ-cadinene. Our results are consistent with previous reports on the innate immunomodulatory activities of β-caryophyllene, α-phellandrene, and germacrene D. Thus, this study identified δ-cadinene as a novel neutrophil agonist and suggests that δ-cadinene may contribute to the reported immunomodulatory activity of E. purpurea.

Chinese herbal extracts with antiviral activity: evaluation, mechanisms, and potential for preventing PRV, PEDV and PRRSV infections

The rapid expansion of large-scale pig farming has brought about a surge in viral diseases with high morbidity rates and diverse manifestations. This widespread occurrence of multiple viral diseases in pig farms has inflicted severe economic losses on the global swine industry. Consequently, there is an urgent need for eco-friendly and efficient antiviral drugs that can effectively combat viruses and prevent diseases such as PEDV, PRRSV, PRV, and other viral infections. To this end, we conducted a study on the antiviral activity and cytotoxicity of eleven different Chinese herbal extracts (CHE) against PRV. In vitro testing of several extracts, namely, Echinacea, Ilex purpurea Hassk, Ganoderma lucidum Kars, Taraxacum mongolicum, and Ilex rotunda Thunb, exhibited remarkable inhibition of PRV infection without causing any cytotoxic effects. Specifically, their antiviral selectivity indexes were significantly higher, with values ranging from 6- to 144-fold. The antiviral efficacy of five CHEs was evaluated against other RNA viruses, including PRRSV and PEDV. The extracts showed substantial inhibition of PEDV and PRRSV proliferation. Echinacea and Ilex purpurea Hassk extracts exhibited the highest virus inhibitory effects. To understand the antiviral mechanisms underlying their potent activity, a time-of-addition experiment was conducted. The results indicated that these extracts effectively targeted the early infection and postinfection stages of PRV, PEDV, and PRRSV. The study found that the Chinese herbal extracts, Echinacea and Ilex purpurea Hassk, had both direct and indirect effects on virus particles and cellular targets, demonstrating broad-spectrum antiviral activity against multiple clinical strains of PRV and PEDV. These findings provide a strong foundation for the development of herbal medicines to prevent and treat infections caused by PRV, PEDV and PRRSV in the swine industry. The identified extracts show great promise for the formulation of effective and environmentally friendly antiviral interventions.Graphical

Immune-enhancing Effects of Echinacea purpurea Extracts on RAW264.7 Cells via TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPKs Pathways

Immune-enhancing Effects of Echinacea purpurea Extracts on RAW264.7 Cells via TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPKs Pathways

ECHOPvir: A Mixture of Echinacea and Hop Extracts Endowed with Cytoprotective, Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Properties.

Respiratory viral infections continue to pose significant challenges, particularly for more susceptible and immunocompromised individuals. Nutraceutical strategies have been proposed as promising strategies to mitigate their impact and improve public health. In the present study, we developed a mixture of two hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (ECP) and the cones of Humulus lupulus L. (HOP) that can be harnessed in the prevention and treatment of viral respiratory diseases. The ECP/HOP mixture (named ECHOPvir) was characterized for the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties in airway cells. Moreover, the immunomodulating properties of the mixture in murine macrophages against antioxidant and inflammatory stimuli and its antiviral efficacy against the PR8/H1N1 influenza virus were assayed. The modulation of the Nrf2 was also investigated as a mechanistic hypothesis. The ECP/HOP mixture showed a promising multitarget bioactivity profile, with combined cytoprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulating and antiviral activities, likely due to the peculiar phytocomplexes of both ECP and HOP, and often potentiated the effect of the single extracts. The Nrf2 activation seemed to trigger these cytoprotective properties and suggest a possible usefulness in counteracting the damage caused by different stressors, including viral infection. Further studies may strengthen the interest in this product and underpin its future nutraceutical applications.

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.

The study of gross beta-radioactivity of some medicinal plants in conditions of outdoor hydroponics and soil culture in Ararat Valley

Background: Technogenic and natural radionuclides (RN) along the biogeochemical chains of agrocenoses may enter the human body through irrigation water- soil- plants- agricultural animals, likewise in hydroponic systems through nutrient solution substrate plants, leading to the development of dangerous diseases. Thus, control of herbal raw material’s gross β-radioactivity and obtaining radioactively safe medicinal raw material are priority issues. Since 1996 we have carried out radio monitoring research in the Ararat valley (where the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) is located) in water, soil, and plant systems in zones of the ANPP with a radius of 2-15, 20 (the territory of Ashtarak city), 30 km (Yerevan, territory of Institute of Hydroponics Problems) (IHP), as well as Dilijan Forest Experimental Station (DFES) (the zone of ANPP with 90 km radius). Studies have shown that in natural waters (artesian water, Hrazdan, Qasakh, Metsamor rivers), soils and in various crops (vegetables, fruit of trees, etc.) of Ararat Valley the content of technogenic RN 90Sr (T1/2=28.6 years) and 137Cs (T1/2=30.1 years) did not exceed maximum allowable concentrations (for drinking water MAC 90Sr=5.0 Bq/L, MAC 137Cs=11.0 Bq/L; for vegetables and fruits MAC 90Sr=50 Bq/L, MAC 137Cs=130 Bq/L). Based on these studies, a complex of practical recommendations in this region will give the opportunity of obtaining ecologically pure agricultural products.Objective: Considering that the accumulation of RN in medicinal plants poses a particularly great threat to obtaining radioecologically safe medicinal raw materials, during 2017-2022 we studied the specificities of gross β-radioactivity and accumulation of controlled technogenic RN (90Sr and 137Cs) in medicinal plants under hydroponics and soil conditions in the Ararat valley (the zone of ANPP with 30 km radius). This has a specific practical significance, as it will enable to obtain the most radio-ecologically safe plant material.Methods: Gross β-radioactivity and content of 90Sr and 137Cs of samples (artesian water (irrigation water), nutrient solution, soil layers with depth of 0 - 30 cm and number of medicinal plants) in it were defined with radio-chemical extraction methods through the radiometer UMF-1500 (made in Russia) with low background. 90Sr was determined by the oxalate method with 90Y. RN were determined in dry sediments of waters, nutrient solution, the ash of plants, and soils. The following chemical reagents were used for the analysis: C2H2O4, HNO3, HCl, CH3COOH, CsCl, Y2O3, YCl3, K2SO4, KI, Sr(NO3)2, CeCl3, Ni(NO3)2, SbCl3, K4[Fe(CN)6] 3H2O and others.Results: The radio-chemical studies showed that the gross β-radioactivity of herbs in hydroponics fluctuated between 250 – 740 Bq/kg, and in soil: 140 – 690 Bq/kg. Thus, the medicinal raw material from the medicinal plants cultivated in outdoor hydroponics and soil, is radioecologically safe, since its gross β-radioactivity does not exceed the threshold of 1.0 Bq/g. Medicinal plants grown in hydroponics and soil, with a slight deviation, show the same gross β-radioactivity decreasing pattern as follows: Peucedanum caucasicum (M.Bieb.) K. Koch. > Lycium barbarum > Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) > Teucrium polium = Humulus lupulus, variety “Crystal” > Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench > Humulus lupulus, variety “Chinook” > Humulus lupulus, variety “Newport” > Colchicum speciosum Stev. > Moringa oleifera Lam. Our studies have shown that the proportion of 90Sr and 137Cs together in gross β-radioactivity in different medicinal plants fluctuated between 1.0-7.4 % of dry mass in hydroponics and 1.7-10.1 % of dry mass in soil. In the gross β-radioactivity of medicinal plants the share of 90Sr and 137Cs in hydroponics was 1.2-3.0 and 1.3-2.3 times lower than that of soil plants.Conclusion: In artesian waters, gray soils and different medicinal plants grown in hydroponic settings and soil of Ararat Valley the content of controlled technogenic RN (90Sr and 137Cs) did not exceed MAC. Both medicinal raw materials grown in hydroponic settings and soil in Ararat Valley are radioecologically safe.Keywords: technogenic radionuclides, nutrient solution, herbal raw materials, 90Sr, 137Cs

Phytochemical, Ethnobotanical, and Global Perspectives of Genus Echinacea: A Panoramic Review

Abstract: Nature has always been a wonderful supply of therapeutic substances, providing us with a range of medicinal plants that produce helpful phytochemicals. The native species of the genus Echinacea, which are found in North America and are well-known among medicinal plants, are members of the Asteraceae family. Though there are nine different species of echinacea, only three Echinacea angustifolia DC, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, and Echinacea pallida (Nutt.)-are utilized as medicinal herbs with a variety of therapeutic uses. Contrary to other plant families, the Asteraceae family of plants is one of the most well-known and renowned, and as a result, many of its members have been employed for therapeutic purposes. The availability of substances with a variety of medicinal characteristics is to blame for this. This review has included the investigation of the morphological traits, ethnopharmacology, and diverse pharmacological properties of the Echinacea genus. The chemistry of the genus is extensively understood, and various chemical component groups-including alkamides and caffeic acid derivatives-are believed to be crucial for activity.

Humoral indicators of resistance of broiler chickens when combining plant extract and probiotic

The article presents an analysis of the effectiveness of the immunostimulating effect of Echinacea purpurea extract and probiotic «Subtilis-C». The experimental part was carried out in two scientific and production experiments, in poultry houses with floor maintenance, on four similar groups of broiler chickens of the Cobb cross-500 with 100 heads each. To select an effective dose of Echinacea purpurea extract, the first scientific and production experience was conducted. The most optimal dose of Echinacea purpurea extract identified in the first scientific and production experiment was 5.5 mg/ kg of body weight. To evaluate the effectiveness of combining a plant extract with a probiotic, a second research and production experiment was conducted. Bactericidal and lysozyme activity in the blood serum of chickens. The paper provides data on the nature of the change in the level of the studied indicators in response to the introduction of Echinacea purpurea extract and probiotic «Subtilis-C» into the diet, the optimal dose and mode of combined administration of the studied preparations into the diet, composing the following scheme: Echinacea purpurea extract at a dose of 5.5 mg/kg body weight + «Subtilis-C» at a dose, pre-starter and starter feed (from birth to the age of one month) – 0.3 kg/ton, in finisher (from the age of one month to slaughter) – 0.15 kg/ton. In the established scheme, the plant preparation and probiotic effectively complement each other, which is significantly manifested by an increase in lysozyme activity of blood serum by 17.85%, and bactericidal activity of blood serum by 18.11%. It is noted that the established regime for the use of the studied evaporates contributes to improving the safety of livestock and the realization of the biological potential of meat productivity in broiler chickens.

Chemical Composition of Different Extracts from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Roots and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activity

This research aimed to reveal the chemical composition of different fractions obtained by sequential extraction of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) roots and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some of them. Hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water were used as solvents to obtain the corresponding extracts. A GC-MS analysis was employed to reveal the chemical composition of hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted water extraction was performed to isolate inulin-type polysaccharides. Eighteen microorganisms were used for testing the antimicrobial activity of the obtained organic extracts. From GC-MS analysis more than forty compounds were detected in the fractions, including fatty acids, organic acids, fatty alcohols, sterols, and terpenes. Only in ethyl acetate extract were found mannitol and fructose isomers, while in chloroform extract were detected α- and β-amyrin, and betulin. Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity against 11 microorganisms (Bacillus cereus, B. amyloliquefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enteritis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Saccharomices cerevisiae, and Peniclium sp.). The polysaccharide fractions were structurally characterized by FT-IR and NMR studies as linear inulin having β-(2→1)-linked Fru units and a T-Glc unit linked α-(1→2). Inulin from coneflower roots showed poor flowability, promising bulk and tapped density, swelling properties, and better oil-holding than water-holding capacity. This study demonstrated the potential of coneflower root fractions as a rich source of phytochemicals with antimicrobial activities and potential prebiotic activity due to inulin content (15% yield) and echinacea root as a useful biobased industrial crop/material.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a flavonoid 3’-hydroxylase gene from purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea L. is one of the most important medicinal plants which is widely grown as flowering potted or gardenplants in many countries. However, variation in flower color is somewhat limited in the cultivars. Anthocyanin is responsible for producing many floral colors in the visible spectrum. Therefore, understanding the genetic networks of flower coloration to broaden our understanding of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways in E. purpurea is of great significance. In our study, we studied the expression patterns of EpF3’H, the phylogenetic tree, the multi-alignment of deduced amino acid sequences and 35S::EpF3’H in Arabidopsis tt7 mutants. The 35S::EpF3’H exhibited apparent phenotypic alterations to restored the ability of the Arabidopsis tt7 mutants, suggesting that the EpF3’H participated in anthocyanin synthesis. This study lay a foundation for understanding the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathways in E. purpurea.

Immunostimulatory activity of avocado oil in mice (Mus musculus)

Avocado fruit contains bioactive compounds that have the potential to act as an immunomodulator. This study aims to identify the ability of avocado oil as an immunomodulator based on the macrophage phagocytic activity and index of mice injected with nonpathogenic Staphylococcus aureus and to determine the most effective dose as an immunomodulator. This study used 30 male Deutschland Denken Yoken (DDY) mice, which were divided into five groups: placebo as negative control (mineral water), positive control (commercial immunomodulator containing Echinacea purpurea extract), and avocado oil 1 g/kg BW, 3 g/kg BW, and 5 g/kg BW. The treatment was carried out orally once a day for 14 days. Mice were induced by nonpathogenic Staphylococcus aureus on day 15 intraperitoneally, and after one hour, mice were euthanized to collect the peritoneal fluid. Peritoneal fluid smear preparations were made before active macrophages and phagocytosed Staphylococcus aureus were observed under a microscope. Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were calculated. Avocado oil 5 g/kg BW showed the highest phagocytic activity and phagocytic index results with values of 71.00% ± 5.40% and 2.79 ± 0.14, respectively. Avocado oil enhances non-specific immune responses through macrophagephagocytic activity and index, demonstrating its immunostimulatory potential.

Biological Activities and Polyphenol Content of Qi Cha Tea®, a Functional Beverage of White Tea Containing Botanicals and Dry Botanical Extracts with European Health Claims.

Infusions of Camellia sinensis leaves have been known for their health benefits. The Bio Concentrate Assets® (ABC) method is a method of enriching organic infusion leaves (from Camellia sinensis) with organic dry and concentrated extracts using organic acacia gum, and its application to white tea has provided Qi cha tea®. In the present study, the content of tea polyphenols and caffeine, and the biochemical properties of Qi cha tea® and its botanical constituents (elderberry, tulsi, Echinacea purpurea, orange peel, lemongrass, and acacia gum) were assessed. Antioxidant and cell viability activities were determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay in human Caco-2 and HCT-116 cell lines, and ascorbic acid and tamoxifen, respectively. The caffeine and polyphenol composition of Qi cha tea® was modified with less caffeine and gallic acid and more epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) than the original white tea. The majority of the tested botanical samples including Qi cha tea® at 50 µg/mL show similar antioxidant activities, with the exception of Echinacea purpurea. The greatest effect was found for white tea. The antioxidant power of the Qi cha tea® (90% at 50 µg/mL for pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) was divided by approximately a factor of two (61% at 50 µg/mL for pressurized liquid extraction products (PLEP)), which corresponds to the 48.3% (mass/mass) white tea original content in the Qi cha tea®. Qi cha tea® shows the lowest cytotoxic activity in the viability of the two cell lines when compared to white tea. The application of the ABC method to Qi cha tea® using various botanicals and dry extract with acacia gum as blinder has allowed the development of a new innovative functional health beverage that complies with European health claims.

Echinacea purpurea, a pathway to increased immunity

This work aims to return scientific interest to the valuable biochemical components found in Phytotherapy in times of exponential growth of viral propagation in the world. The topic addressed will be specifically the Echinacea Purpúrea plant, a member of the Compositae or Asteraceae family, which has been researched all over the world , may open up new possibilities for the treatment of oral and systemic diseases , using its own biochemistry as a stimulating factor to increase immunity. Recent studies in humans have shown actions of interest in the immune response with its use, both in aerial part and roots.

Effect of Different Plant Extracts on Microbial Population in The Frozen African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Semen.

Fish sperm cryopreservation has been attempted on roughly freshwater and marine species since 1953. This study sought to assess the potential of various plant extracts to function as natural antimicrobial agents in the frozen semen of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Diluted sperm was packaged in 0.25ml straws and left for 10min equilibration at 4°C. Following equilibration, the straws were exposed to liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 min and plunged into the liquid nitrogen (-196°C) and then thawed in a water bath at 35°C for 20s. Sperm samples were put into sterile 1.5 ml tubes immediately after thawing and the microbial count was detected with classical microbiological culture method. In the results of microbiological analyses, these tree plant extracts especially Echinacea purpurea were found highly effective for decreasing bacterial contamination levels of African catfish (C. gariepinus) semen. These plant extracts may have the potential for antibacterial effect, and they can be useful for the dilution of semen.

BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SOME SPECIES OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY CULTIVATED IN WEST SIBERIA

The content of phenolic compounds (flavonols, flavans (catechins), tannins), polysaccharides (pectins, protopectins), tetraterpenes (carotenoids) and the antioxidant activity have been studied in Inula helenium L., Antennaria dioica (L.) Graertn., Ligularia macrophylla (Ledeb.) DC Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench. cultivated in Western Siberia. Flavonol content in the leaves and inflorescences of the studied species of the Asteraceae family was determined to be 0.75-1.98 wt. %, the maximum amount was detected in the inflorescences of I. helenium. Tannins are present in the amount of 9.62-14.86 wt. %, the maximum content is observed in the leaves of A. dioica and inflorescences of E. purpurea. The amount of catechins ranges from 0.02 ( A. dioica, L. macrophylla ) to 0.13 wt. % ( E. purpurea, I. helenium ). Pectins are present at the level of 1.20 %, somewhat lower content is detected in the leaves of I. helenium and inflorescences of L. macrophylla (0.43 and 0.59 wt. %), a fairly high content of protopectins (7.89-11.88 %) in the leaves and inflorescences of the studied species exhibits no significant differences. The concentration of carotenoids in the leaves and inflorescences of L. macrophylla is almost at the same level, while in I. helenium and E. purpurea it is significantly higher in leaves, in A. dioica - in inflorescences. The indicators of the total content of phenolic antioxidants in the leaves and inflorescences of I. helenium, A. dioica, and L. macrophylla have no significant differences. According to the results of a comparison of the antioxidant capacity of the studied extracts by means of DPPH, the highest radical-binding activity is exhibited by the extracts from the leaves of I. helenium (0.46 mg/mL) and inflorescences of A. dioica (0.47 mg/mL), somewhat lower activity is exhibited by the extracts of E. purpurea (0.70-0.92 mg/mL) and L. macrophylla (1.00-1.25 mg/mL).

Responses of different invasive and non-invasive ornamental plants to water stress during seed germination and vegetative growth

Biological invasions represent a major threat to natural ecosystems. A primary source of invasive plants is ornamental horticulture, which selects traits related to invasiveness. This study evaluated the responses to water stress during germination and vegetative growth of six species used as ornamental or medicinal plants. Three of them are recognised as invasive weeds in many world areas. Seeds were exposed to increasing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) mimicking drought stress, and young plants in the vegetative growth stage were subjected to two levels of water stress. Results indicated that in the absence of stress in control conditions, the most competitive species were those reported as weeds, namely Bidens pilosa L., Oenothera biennis L., and Centaurea cyanus L., the last regarding germination velocity. Under stress, only two species, Limonium sinuatum (L.) Mill. and C. cyanus, maintained germination at –1 MPa osmotic potential, but in the recovery experiment, an osmopriming effect of PEG was observed. The most tolerant species during growth were two natives in the Mediterranean region, L. sinuatum and Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv., both accumulating the highest proline concentrations. The sixth species studied, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench., proved to be more susceptible to stress in the two developmental stages. This study reveals that the most significant traits associated with invasiveness were related to germination, especially in the absence of stress.

A standardized extract of Echinacea purpurea containing higher chicoric acid content enhances immune function in murine macrophages and cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mice

Context Preparations of Echinacea have been used by herbalists to boost the immune system. Objective In this study, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (Asteraceae) extract with enriched chicoric acid content was investigated for immunomodulation. Materials and methods The standardized hydroalcoholic extract (4% chicoric acid) was prepared from the aerial parts of E. purpurea (SEP). The extract was screened for in vitro antioxidant activities, and immunomodulation in RAW 264.7 cells, at 200 and 400 µg/mL. Further, the male BALB/c mice (20-25 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 per group). All the groups except control, were intraperitoneally injected with 70 mg/kg/day of cyclophosphamide (CTX) for 4 consecutive days. The treatment groups received SEP extract (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) p.o. from day 5 to 14. Results The SEP extract inhibited DPPH (IC50 = 106.7 µg/mL), ABTS+ (IC50 = 19.88 µg/mL) and nitric oxide (IC50 = 120.1 µg/mL). The SEP extract’s ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value was 1931.63 µM TE/g. In RAW 264.7 cells, SEP extract increased the nitric oxide production by 30.76- and 39.07-fold at 200 and 400 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the untreated cells. SEP extract significantly increased phagocytosis and cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the cells. Further, the extract improved immune organ indices, lymphocyte proliferation and serum cytokine levels in CTX-induced mice. The extract at 200 mg/kg significantly increased the natural killer cell activity (24.6%) and phagocytic index (28.03%) of CTX mice. Conclusion Our results strongly support SEP extract with 4% chicoric acid as a functional ingredient for immunomodulation.

Field production of purple coneflower for beneficial phytochemicals

ABSTRACT Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea Moench [L.]) is widely used as a health supplement and is cultivated for its production of bioactive phytochemicals. However, there is a lack of information on how agronomic planting designs and environment affect the phytochemical content of different coneflower tissues. Experimental plots were established at two locations in Minnesota to evaluate the effect of environment and agronomic planting design on the phytochemical profile of purple coneflower, as well as the relative content of several provisionally identified compounds. Root, stem, leaf, flower, and seed tissues were harvested, and extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The growing environment affected the levels of several caffeic acid derivatives in leaf, stem, and root tissue, but agronomic design had little to no effect on phytochemical content. Although all tissue types contained phytochemicals of medicinal interest, no single tissue contained the highest amount of all compounds with known bioactive properties, indicating that the most beneficial purple coneflower supplements may be the combination of several tissue types. Additionally, the phytochemical content of purple coneflower seed, which is uncommon in Echinacea supplements, was chemically similar to root tissue. Seed tissue, after additional evaluations, may be a suitable alternative for root in supplement mixtures.

Determination of the Bioactive Compounds from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Leaves Extracts in Correlation with the Antimicrobial Activity and the In Vitro Wound Healing Potential.

This study aimed at the relationship between antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro evaluation of the wound healing effect of the extract obtained from Echinaceae purpureae folium (EPF). This study's objective was to assess the bioactive components (total phenol and flavonoid content) and antioxidant activity of EPF extracts using the DPPH test method. The antioxidant capacity and the quantities of the compounds with antioxidant capacity were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. Antimicrobial activity has been investigated against various pathogenic microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microdilution method. Additionally, our work used a scratch test to examine the in vitro wound healing effects of EPF extract on NHDF cells. Statistical analysis was used to quantify the rate of migration and proliferation of fibroblast cells within the wound. Microscope pictures of fibroblast cells exposed to various EPF extract dosages were processed to estimate the width of the wound, area of the wound, and cell density inside the wound. The study proved that there was a relationship between the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing ability of EPF extracts.

Correlation between Polyphenol Contents and Antioxidant Activities in Different Echinacea Purpurea Varieties.

Polyphenols are complex compounds containing multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups. They are widely distributed in plants and have antioxidant activities. Whether the antioxidant activities of the cultivated varieties of Echinacea are similar to or better than those of the wild ones and the relationship between the accumulation of polyphenols and their antioxidant activities are still not clear. Folin-Ciocalteu method, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6)-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, and Fe2+ chelating ability assay were used, respectively, to detect the total polyphenols and 5 kinds of caffeic acid derivatives (chicoric acid, caffeic acid, caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid) in the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, and the antioxidant activities of 3 varieties of Echinacea: E. purpurea L., cultivar E. purpurea 'Aloha', and E. purpurea 'White Swan'. E. purpurea L. had the highest contents of total polyphenols, 5 caffeic acid derivatives and antioxidant activities, followed by E. purpurea 'White Swan' and E. purpurea 'Aloha', respectively. E. purpurea 'White Swan' had the strongest ability to remove the DPPH, ABTS•+ and free radicals, and to chelate Fe2+; E. purpurea L. had the strongest ability to reduce FRAP. The correlation analyses revealed that the contents of total polyphenols and caffeic acid derivatives of E. purpurea L. and E. purpurea 'White Swan' were correlated with their antioxidant activities. E. purpurea L. was the most appropriate material for the development of medicinal plants. E. purpurea 'White Swan' could be used as a substitute for E. purpurea L. in terms of its antioxidant activity.