Echinacea Purpurea P.E.
Latin name: Echinacea purpurea
Chinese name: Zi Zhui Ju
Family: Compositae
Genus: Echinacea
Parts Used: Total plant
History
Echinacea was the most widely used medicinal plant of Plains Indian tribes, commonly used for colds, toothache, snakebite and other external wounds. Native Americans have used it for years in alternative medicine to support the immune system, and to purify the blood, especially during season changes and during the cold and flu seasons. In 1887, it was introduced into U.S. medical practice and was touted for use in diseases ranging from colds to syphilis. Its modern research started in the 1930s in Germany.
Function
The major active constituents of Echinacea Purpurea, phenolic compounds, caffeic acid derivatives and polysaccharides have the functions as below:
1. Immune System Stimulation:
Echinacea Purpurea extracts have been shown to stimulate the growth and activity of cells of the immune system (macrophages, natural killer cells, T-cells). Echinacea Purpurea-treatment results in a significant increase in immune response to infection (assessed by immunoglobulin response). In test tube studies, macrophages are stimulated by Echinacea Purpurcea extract to produce significantly higher levels of interleukins (IL-1, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10) Stimulation of T-cell replication, natural killer cell activity, and numbers of macrophages and neutrophils have been noted in a number of studies of cellular immunity. Other manifest such as elevated levels of circulating neutrophils, improved leukocyte phagocytosis, and assisted antibody binding have been also been reported.
2. Prevention of Infections
Echinacea can also increase production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections. Several double-blind studies have confirmed the benefit of echinacea for treating colds and flu. In terms of other types of infections, research in Germany using injectable forms or an oral preparation of the herb reduced the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections. Evidence from at least a dozen clinical trials shows that echinacea is effective in either treating or preventing upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). In most cases, cold and flu symptoms resolve 1-4 days earlier in subjects taking echinacea extract when compared to those taking a placebo. Patients with AIDS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also showed relieved symptom after taking echinacea extract.The prevention of Echinacea to infection by bacteria and viruses may be results of both immune system stimulation and direct inhibition.
Safety
When taken as directed, little or no toxicity is associated with acute echinacea extract use. Pregnant or nursing women should consult health care provider before using it. Kidney disease patients should restrict usage to a week (maximum).