Echinacea spp. Common name: Echinacea, Coneflower
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.
- 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.