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Echinacea
(Echinacea purpurea)
DESCRIPTION
Echinacea is a perennial herb that grows in the prairies of
western America and is cultivated in Europe. This herb is
traditionally used as an immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory.
HERBAL USES
Echinacea has been shown
to possess antiseptic and antiviral properties and also widens
blood vessels. Traditionally, this herb is used in the management
of Boils, septicaemia, Abscesses and carbuncles (inflamed
hair follicles).
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Part of the plant used:
ROOT OR RHIZOME.
Herb powder, 1g three times
daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Echinacea has been used
for Infections, Wound healing, Skin health, stimulating immune
function and as an antiseptic.
Colds and flus:
Echinacea is a popular treatment in the United States for
colds and flus. Controlled studies confirm its effectiveness
in speeding up recovery from colds or flu (1). Echinacea also
helps significantly reduce cold and flu symptoms (2,3,4).
Echinacea can also prevent a cold that is just starting (5).
However, it is not recommended for use for long-term cold
prevention.
Immune Stimulant:
Echinacea has been shown to stimulate white blood cell activity
and their secretion of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (6,7)
which causes the death of cells and microbes. The polysaccharide
and polyacetylene fractions of the herb stimulate B-lymphocyte
(white blood cell) production (8). Further scientific evidence
is needed to confirm echinacea’s immunostimulant properties.
Antiviral:
Echinacea extracts have been hailed for their potent antiviral
properties. Extracts of the herb have been shown to increase
resistance to Influenza, Herpes and the pox viruses (9). These
properties are thought to be due to binding of certain factors
to carbohydrate receptors on T-lymphocytes (white blood cells)
leading to their activation (10,11).
Antibacterial:
Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis
has been associated with echinacea (12).
Antispasmodic:
Spasms caused by abnormally high levels of acetylcholine (a
chemical involved in the functioning of the nervous system)
have been shown to be controlled to some degree by echinacea
(12).
Wound Healing:
Hyaluronic acid stimulates the growth of the cells responsible
for the formation of collagen and connective tissue. The polysaccharide
extract of echinacea has been shown to help the formation
of a stable complex involving hyaluronic acid (13).
Bladder Infections:
Echinacea has a favourable effect on the symptoms of irritable
bladder and bacterial Bladder Infections (12).
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Echinacea is reported to
produce a positive patch test reaction in a few individuals
with a history of plant Dermatitis.
Trace amounts of echinacin
(polysaccharide extract) are stated to cause excessive salivation
and intense burning when placed on the lips or tongue. The
root may have a similar, but milder effect.
Certain alkaloids found
in echinacea are reported to be hepatotoxic (may cause injury
to the cells of the liver) in both animals and humans following
long-term ingestion at extremely high intakes.
Tumour necrosis factor may
cause cachexia (a condition involving general ill health and
malnutrition) and the manifestations of endotoxic Shock (caused
by a bacterial toxin).
Pregnant and lactating women
should consult with a qualified medical health professional
before taking echinacea due to a lack of safety data during
these times.
Echinacea is not suitable
for use by children.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Echinacea should not be
taken with immunosuppressants as it may interfere with existing
medication. Such drugs include Prednisolone, Prednisone, Azathioprine,
Chlorambucil, Cyclophosphamide and Methatrexate.
REFERENCES
1.
Dorn M, et al. Placebo-controlled double-blind study of Echinacea
pallidae radix in upper respiratory infections. Complement
Ther Med 3: 40-42, 1997.
2. Dorn M. Milderung grippaler Effekte durch ein pflanzliches
Immunstimulans. Natur und Ganzheitsmedizin 2: 314-319, 1989.
As cited in Schulz V, et al. Rational phytotherapy. New York:
Springer-Verlag, 1998: 277.
3. Braunig B, et al. Echinacea purpurea root for strengthening
the immune response in flu-like infections. Z Phytother 13:
7-13, 1992.
4. Brinkeborn R, Shah D, Geissbuhler S, et al. Echinaforce
in the treatment of acute colds. Schweiz Zschr Gunsheits Medizin
10: 26-29, 1998.
5. Hoheisel O, et al. Echinagard treatment shortens the course
of the common cold: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical
trial. Eur J Clin Res 9: 261-268, 1997.
6. Wagner H et al. Immunostimulating polysaccharides (heteroglycans)
of higher plants. Arzneim Forsch, 35:1069-1075, 1985.
7. Vömel T. Der einfluss eines pflanzelischen Immunostimulans
auf die Phagozytose von Erythozyten durch das retikulohistozytäre
System der isoliert perfundierten Rattenleber. Arzneim Forsch,
35:1437-1439, 1985.
8. Stimpel M et al. Macrophage activation and induction of
macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide faractions
from the plant Echinacea purpurea. Ifection Immunity ,46:845-849,
1984.
9. Wacker A and Hilbig W. Virus inhibition by Echinacea purpurea.
Planta Med, ,33:89-102, 1978.
10. Mose J. Effect of echinacin on phagocytosis and natural
killer cells. Med Welt, 34:1463-1467, 1983.
11. Wagner H et al. Immunostimulating polysaccharides (heteroglycans)
of higher plants - preliminary communications. Arzneim Forsch,
34:659-660, 1984.
12. Westendorf J Carito ® - in-vitro Untersuchungen zum
Nachweiss spasmolytischer und kontraktiler Einflüsse.
Therapiewoche, 32:6291-6297, 1982.
13. "Herbal Medicines", C A Newall, L A Anderson,
J D Phillipson, The Pharmaceutical Press,1996.
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