History:

            Echinacea is native only to the North American continent and it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.  By the early 1900’s Echinacea was the single most popular herb in medical practice in the United States and reports of its effectiveness as a “blood purifier” and immune stimulant quickly traveled to Europe.  At the present time, there are over 240 medicinal products in Germany alone which contain Echinacea; testament to the widespread acknowledgment of it effectiveness.

Biological Activity

            The three major species of Echinacea are E. angustiforlia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida.  There is considerable variation between the chemical make-up of each species, in the part of the plant which is examined (root, leaf, flower, or seed) and even between fresh and dried forms of the same plant.  For example, while isoburylamides occur in all three species they are of a different type and a lower quality in E. Purpurea and pallida versus angustifolia.  Since there are constituents with known immunostimulatory activity present in each plant which do not occur in the others, a mix of E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida, from root and whole plant, and from fresh as well as dried, may be expected to provide the most complete therapeutic benefit.

            Recent scientific inquiry into the active constituents of Echinacea has indetified several chemical compounds which participate in the herb’s observed therapeutic effects.  Primarily two classes of constituents appear to be active; water-soluble and oil-soluble.  A high molecular weight polysaccharide is identified with powerful immune stimulating effects.  It has been proposed that these polysaccharides stimulate the immune system by binding to receptors on the cell surfaces of T-lymphocytes, inducing t-cell activation, induction of interferon, and the secretion of other lymphokines.  Enhanced macrophage phagocytosis, antibody binding, and natural killer cell activity follow, with powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial consequences.

            More recent research credits the lipophilic constituents with the primary responsibility for the immunostimulatory activity of ethanolic extracts of Echinacea.  Many of the chemical compounds in Echinacea have been examined and found to exert a range of activities, including: antibacterial, fungistatic, antineoplastic, and anesthetic.  Enhanced wound healing has also been demonstrated, possibly via the inhibition of hyaluronidase which destroys hyaluronic acid (a lubricant).  Echinacea may also provide protection of connective tissue from inflammation.

            Echinacea may be used most effectively in conjunction with other forms of immune system support including vitamin and mineral supplementation, proper rest, sufficient liquids, and alcohol and yeast restriction.

Heidi Ethridge, C.N.C

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