GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
An herb native to North America, Echinacea
(purple cone flower) is an important component of Native American medicine, traditionally used as
both an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic, especially for
skin problems. Echinacea was introduced into medical
practice in the US in 1887 and touted for use in
conditions ranging from colds to syphilis. Modern research into the plants properties began in
Germany in the 1930s. The active ingredients of Echinacea
are found in both the root and the aboveground parts of the
plant. In recent years, Echinacea has been studied for its antiviral, immune boosting and antibody producing properties. Echinacea increases
the production of white blood cells and helps them move into
the circulatory system more quickly. Currently, one of the
most popular uses for Echinacea is to relieve the
symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold. Whether or not Echinacea can prevent
colds is a matter of some debate.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Echinacea has been shown to boost the immune system, short-circuit colds and flu,
fight bacterial and viral infections, lower fever and calm allergic reactions when
taken internally. One recent study found that echinacea stimulates alveolar macrophages, this
finding gives some support for using the herb for the
treatment and prevention of upper respiratory tract
infections, such as the common cold.
Several constituents of Echinacea have been shown to work
together to increase the proliferation and activity of
white blood cells. These include alkylamides/ polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives, and
polysaccharides. Researchers have also determined that
Echinacea increases levels of the antiviral substance
interferon as well as an immune-related blood protein known as properdin. In addition, a
recent study found that Echinacea contains a number of
antioxidant compounds, which suggests that Echinacea
extracts would protect the skin from sunlightinduced
free-radical damage. Results of a study
published in 2002 suggest that echinacea may help to
alleviate some of the side effects
associated with chemotherapy.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Echinacea products vary widely and often include other ingredients such as zinc and goldenseal. There are three different types of Echinacea (E. purpurea, E. pallida and E. angustifolia), and various formulations contain different parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, roots). Studies indicate that the best results occur
in people who use a liquid or tincture form, rather than a
pill or capsule.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Echinacea is one of the least toxic herbs
around; it is not known to cause any side effects. Allergic reactions are rare, but one should
take only a small dose at first if one is allergic to any
other plants in the compositae family (which includes
sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions). Echinacea should only
be taken on an as-needed basis. German health authorities recommend that people should not
take echinacea if they have an autoimmune illness, such as
lupus (SLE), are HIVpositive, or have progressive systemic
diseases, such as tuberculosis and multiple sclerosis. They also recommend that no one should
take Echinacea either internally or externally for more than
8 weeks in a row. Efficacy may decline if used for an
extended period, so holidays (where you do not take in
daily) are recommended. Echinacea may also interfere with immuno-suppressive drugs, and its use
is not recommended during pregnancy.
