Chemical Property of Echinacea
Chemical Property:
- Purity/Quality:
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1%-5% *data from raw suppliers
Safty Information:
- Pictogram(s):
- Hazard Codes:
- MSDS Files:
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Useful:
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Uses
echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is also known as coneflower. echinacea is well known for its ability to boost the body’s immune system. It is described as having antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties rendering it helpful in treating skin lesions and in shortening skin healing time. It also has anti-itching, soothing, and moisturizing properties when used in skin care products. It is commonly used in acne preparations. The main constituents of both the oil and the resin, derived from the wood or bark of the plant are inulin, inuloid, sucrose, betaine, phytosterols, and fatty acids such as oleic, cerotic, lizolic, and palmitic.
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Indications
The purple coneflower Echinacea purpura, and its close
relatives, E. angustifolia and E. pallida, are the source of
the herb Echinacea, which is widely popular as a nonspecific
immune stimulant. These perennials are native
to the prairies of North America and are now widely
grown garden ornamentals.The root and aerial parts of
the plant are the portions used, and the preparation’s
potency can be verified by the transient tingling sensation
produced when it is tasted. Echinacea contains
alkamides, caffeic acid esters (echinacoside, cichoric
acid, caftaric acid), polysaccharides (heteroxylan), and
an essential oil. Some echinacea products are standardized
for their echinacoside content. In the past, adulteration
with American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium)
was common. Echinacea is now sold either by
itself or in combination with golden seal or zinc for the
treatment of colds and influenza.
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Clinical Use
There are numerous studies on echinacea in the literature,
many of which indicate either an in vitro immune
stimulation or a significant clinical reduction in the
severity and duration of upper respiratory viral symptoms,
especially when taken early in the onset of symptoms.
Despite several of these meta-analyses concluding
that echinacea is an effective immunomodulator of
acute infection, there is still controversy as to the extent
of its clinical effectiveness. A number of trials now
clearly indicate that echinacea is unlikely to be effective
in the prevention of colds, even if it may slightly shorten
their course.
In vitro antiinflammatory effects have been documented,
and the herb has a long history of being used
externally for wound healing, psoriasis, and the reduction
of skin irritation. Although there are a few small
positive studies, the available e
