Echinacea spp.

Echinacea spp.                               Common name: Echinacea, Coneflower

Family: Asteraceae

Part used:  Root (dried), aerial parts

Constituents:  Glycosides (caffeic acid derivatives: echinacoside, isochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid), polysaccharides (inulin), glycoproteins, aminds (alkamides), volatile oils, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, alkaloids (pyrrolizidine saturated type)

Actions: General tonic, immuno-modulator & immuno-stimulator, lymphatic, antimicobial (antibacterial & antiviral), anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, detoxifer, alterative, peripheral vasodilator, bitter, vulnerary

Medical uses: Stimulates the immune system and improves resistance to infections. Can be used locally or systemically to protect against infection and helps repair tissue damage.

Pharmacology:

• Echinacoside is antibiotic.
• Cichoric acid has anti-hylauronidase activity.
• Polysaccharides are immuno-stimulant and stimulate macrophages and promotes phagocytosis.
• Alkamides are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
• Polyacetylenes are immuno-stimulant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

Pharmacy:  Dried root: 1g, TID. Decoction: 1g/cup, simmer 15 min, TID. Tincture: (1:2, 60%), 3-6ml QD. Note: for acute infection, dose can be increased.

Contraindications: Theoretically with autoimmune disease. Allergic reaction to Asteraceae famil.

Toxicity:  High doses may cause nausea and/or mouth & throat irritation.

Interactions: Theoretically with immuno-suppressive drugs, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, blood thinners and hepatotoxic drugs.