129677-89-0

Basic information

• Product Name: Echinacea
• Synonyms: Echinacea;Echinacea angustifolia, tincture
• CAS NO: 129677-89-0
• Mol File: 129677-89-0.mol
• Article Data: 0

Chemical Properties

• Appearance: /
• CAS DataBase Reference: Echinacea(CAS DataBase Reference)
• NIST Chemistry Reference: Echinacea(129677-89-0)
• EPA Substance Registry System: Echinacea(129677-89-0)

Safety Data

• Hazardous Substances Data: 129677-89-0(Hazardous Substances Data)

Usage

Description

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a perennial plant native to North America, specifically found in Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas. It is well known for its ability to boost the body's immune system and possesses antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-itching, soothing, and moisturizing properties. Echinacea is a popular Native American remedy and has been extensively studied for its immunomodulating properties and chemical constituents.

Uses

Used in Medicinal Applications:
Echinacea is used as an immunomodulator for enhancing the body's immune system. It is particularly effective in treating skin lesions and shortening skin healing time due to its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties.
Used in Skin Care Products:
Echinacea is used as an ingredient in skin care products for its anti-itching, soothing, and moisturizing properties, making it a valuable addition to acne preparations and other skincare formulations.
Used in Homeopathic Preparations:
Echinacea is used as a key component in various homeopathic preparations, with an estimated 800 echinacea-containing drugs in Germany alone. The plant's immunomodulating properties make it a popular choice for homeopathic remedies.
Used in Pharmaceutical Industry:
Echinacea is used as a source of various chemical constituents, such as inulin, inuloid, sucrose, betaine, phytosterols, and fatty acids like oleic, cerotic, lizolic, and palmitic. These constituents are derived from the plant's wood or bark and are utilized in the development of pharmaceutical products.

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.

Mechanism of action

Echinacea extracts appear to stimulate the number and activity of immune cells (i.e., increasing physiological levels of tumor necrosis factor and other cytokines)and to increase leukocyte mobility and phagocytosis.The extracts also have antiviral and antiinflammatory properties and inhibit bacterial hyaluronidase.

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

Side effects

Echinacea appears to be a very safe herb, producing only minor gastrointestinal (GI) side effects and an occasional allergic reaction, usually in atopic patients already sensitized to other members of the Compositae plant family. Anaphylaxis has occurred rarely. Use in HIV is discouraged because of the concern that long-term therapy may eventually suppress the immune system. It is recommended that echinacea not be taken by anyone for more than 8 continuous weeks, and most clinical use is under 2 weeks’ duration. Echinacea has not yet been shown to be safe in pregnant or breastfeeding women and small children. No specific herb–drug interactions are reported, but for theoretical reasons those taking immunosuppressant drugs should avoid echinacea.