Echinacea Purpurea: The Ultimate Guide to Tea, Plant, Flower, and Health Benefits

Echinacea, a versatile herb celebrated for its immune-boosting properties. Dive into our blog to explore the rich history and incredible health benefits of this plant, renowned for supporting the body’s defences and promoting overall well-being. Uncover the secrets of Echinacea as we unravel its role in traditional medicine and its potential to enhance your holistic health journey.

Table of contents

  1. Echinacea Purpurea
  2. Historical Journey
  3. Cold Relief and Immune Boost
  4. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Magic
  5. Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia extracts
  6. Case Study-1
  7. Case Study-2
  8. Case Study-3
  9. Case Study-4
  10. Disclaimer
  11. References

Echinacea Purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, sometimes known as purple coneflower, is well-known herb that is popular for its many benefits, applications, and therapeutic properties. This native plant of North America is a perennial flowering member of the Asteraceae family, having cone-shaped cores surrounded by bright purple petals. This plant, that generally reaches a height of two to four feet, likes full light and soil that drains properly. The primary use of echinacea purpurea is to produce herbal tea with a pleasant flavor that combines sweetness and floral characteristics. It’s dried flowers, leaves, and roots are frequently soaked in hot water to create an extract that strengthens the immune system and decreases the symptoms of the flu and cold. In addition, it is used as a wound healer and identified as a skin-healing agent for eczema and psoriasis. Research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory properties and may helpful in reducing allergy and respiratory infections. Also, extracts from Echinacea purpurea are frequently included in nutritional supplements aiming to strengthen immune systems. These supplements typically contain concentrated quantities of the plant’s active ingredients as tinctures or capsules.

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Historical Journey

For a long time, Native Americans have used the plant Echinacea as a traditional medicine. Due to its healing abilities, a number of clinical studies and research inquiries have been done to investigate its many therapeutic features and efficacy. This medicinal herb has been proved to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and fight disease. Since ancient times, echinacea—which contains therapeutic substances such polysaccharides, alkyl amides, and flavonoids—has been utilized to treat a wide range of illnesses.  These days, echinacea is widely farmed in the US, Germany, and Canada in addition to Native American nations. Studies have shown that it is versatile and effective against common colds, flu, and respiratory infections. According to research, echinacea provides therapeutic benefits such as immune system strength, inflammation reduction, wound healing, antiviral and antibacterial properties, anxiety reduction, and possibly anti-cancer actions. Since the first European settlers discovered the benefits of echinacea, Native American tribes have been consuming it for years. Early settlers noticed its benefits and used it to treat snake bites, wounds, and illnesses. Physicians like Johann David Schoff and botanists like John Clayton documented in early publications the extensive knowledge of Echinacea among Native Americans. In the recent times, echinacea cultivation has spread around the globe. Germany—mostly in the south—the United States—particularly in the Midwest—and Canada—particularly in British Columbia and Ontario—are the three main donors. Among other countries, Australia, China, and India also grow this incredible plant. This history shows that how Echinacea is a great natural medication with multiple health benefits due to its many medical properties, historical significance and current research status.

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Cold Relief and Immune Boost

The potential benefits of echinacea purpurea, have been investigated in relation to strengthening the immune system during the common cold. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment with a sample size of 65 volunteers with a history of recurrent cold infections was carried out at the University of Alberta. The Echinacea plant and its unique extract included concentrated amounts of polysaccharides, cichoric acid and alkamides was involved in the study. These highly potent, highly purified chemicals were supplied in a formulation that didn’t seem to differ from a placebo. After two cold-related symptoms, volunteers were told to start therapy. Comparing echinacea to a placebo, the outcomes demonstrated a considerable reduction in the intensity and duration of cold symptoms. Moreover, it raised the number of white blood cells, lymphocyte subsets, neutrophil respiratory burst activity and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. For maximum benefit, the study advised beginning a 7-day echinacea regimen as soon as a cold appears. White blood cell development was maintained and superoxide production by neutrophils was decreased with this therapy, suggesting a speedy resolution of cold symptoms. Those who are thinking about taking echinacea should consult a doctor, especially if they are taking other medications or have underlying health concerns. When taking herbal supplements, especially those containing Echinacea, it is necessary to exercise caution and seek professional counsel because the purity and strength of these supplements might vary.

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Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Magic

Pharmacological research has shown the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties of echinacea. Echinacea species are widely utilised in traditional medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses and infections, including Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. The active ingredients in echinacea include derivatives of caffeic acid, such as echinaceoside and cichoric acid, which contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and alkamides, which are responsible for the tingling sensation and are known for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, polysaccharides like fructans and arabinogalactan have immunomodulatory properties and may boost the generation of white blood cells and flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It increases the production of white blood cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cells, which are very important components of the immune system. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta is reduced by echinacea, while it increases the anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10. The plant has antiviral properties against viruses such as the human rhinovirus, herpes simplex, and influenza. Additionally, its antioxidant properties prevent oxidative damage to cells. The effectiveness of echinacea in treating and preventing respiratory ailments like the flu and the common cold is demonstrated by its clinical features. Clinical trials have demonstrated a potential benefit in prevention as well as a reduction in the severity and duration of symptoms. Infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections and ear infections, have also been successfully treated with echinacea. Applying it topically to burns and wounds allows it to work its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. While echinacea is generally considered innocuous, allergic reactions to plants in the Asteraceae family can occur in those individuals. Especially while using immune suppressants and antifungal therapies, drug interactions need to be carefully evaluated. Before consuming echinacea, it is advised that women who are pregnant or nursing consult with a doctor. Hence the many health advantages that Echinacea species provide are supported by active ingredients that have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

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Health Benefits of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia extracts

  1. Antioxidant Activity: The extracts’ potent antioxidant potential was assessed using the DPPH and ABTS methods. Antioxidants are vital for the body’s defense against dangerous free radicals, which lowers the risk of chronic illnesses and enhances general health.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effects: Research indicates that the extract possesses anti-inflammatory qualities that could be helpful in the management of inflammatory conditions. Previous studies suggest that this trait might help offer protective advantages against hepatotoxicity and induced colitis.
  3. Hypoglycemic potential: The extract reduced blood sugar levels, particularly in rats with diabetes. Additionally, it probably has a role in blood sugar regulation, which is crucial for those who are at risk for or already have diabetes.
  4. Potential antiproliferative properties were shown by the extract’s toxicity against the tumour cell lines MCF-7, HeLa, and HCT-15. This characteristic might have an impact on the creation of therapies meant to address aberrant cell proliferation.

According to these results, extracts from Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia may have a variety of positive effects on health, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and antiproliferative properties. To fully investigate the therapeutic potential of these extracts and their prospective applications in a range of medical diseases, more investigation and clinical trials are required.

Case Study 1- Echinacea Clinical Trial: Cold Symptom Insights

128 patients participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial led by Steven H. Yale, MD, and Kejian Liu, PhD, to investigate if Echinacea purpurea could lessen symptoms of the common cold. received a nomination. Patients received one of two treatments: a lactose placebo capsule that looked the same or 100 mg of freeze-dried pressed juice from a purified standard extract of the aerial portion of E. purpurea. They were told to take one capsule three times a day until either 14 days had elapsed since they were enrolled or until their symptoms subsided. The presence and intensity of symptoms such as runny nose, headache, sore or scratchy throat, hoarseness, muscle discomfort, and cough were noted in the daily diaries kept by the patients. 

A subjective symptom score scale ranging from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe) indicated the intensity of each symptoms. Regarding the amount of time it took for cold symptoms to go away, the E. purpurea and placebo groups did not vary statistically significantly. There were no discernible differences between treatment groups in the total symptom score, which is calculated as the sum of the individual symptom ratings. The study’s dosage was 100 mg, and it took 10 days for a doctor to confirm the participants’ symptoms, which begs the question of how accurate the findings were. The results made clear that the study was unable to confirm earlier research showing how well echinacea worked to lessen typical cold symptoms. It is thought that additional research using various formulations and dosages is required to support previous assertions.

Patients got 100 mg of freeze-dried pressed juice from pure standard extract of the aerial portion of Echinacea purpurea. Patients were asked to consume one lactose placebo capsule, appearing just like the original capsule, three times a day until their symptoms subsided or 14 days had elapsed after enrollment. In a daily journal, patients subjectively assessed and noted their symptoms. Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, sore or scratchy throat, hoarseness, muscle soreness, and cough are among the symptoms assessed. A quantitative indicator of symptom severity was provided by the subjective symptom score scale, which went from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). 128 participants were enrolled in the trial; 14.1% of the patients were men and 85.9% were women. The average age of the participants was 38 years old, with a range of 18 to 62 years. The average time from the start of symptoms until enrollment was 15 hours. Prior to the study, participants on average reported having two colds in a year. 10.1% of the respondents smoked regularly, 21.1% had smoked before, and 68.8% had never smoked. The demographic features of the E. purpurea and placebo groups were similar in terms of gender, age, duration between beginning of symptoms and enrollment, average number of colds annually, and history of smoking.

Case Study 2- Echinacea Purpurea's Radioprotective Effects and Immunomodulatory Triumphs

In one investigation, total immunoglobulin, IgG, IgM, and T lymphocyte subsets were measured in the peripheral blood of male ICR mice that were five weeks old in order to determine the radioprotective effects of Echinacea purpurea. After a week of adaptation, mice were split into three groups: control, IgG, and IgM. Each group received physiological saline or Echinacea purpurea. Research has shown that the plant protects against radiation by stimulating macrophages and producing interleukin and interferon. To determine sensitivity to radiation, peripheral blood was drawn and cell counts were made. Before and after radiation, measurements were made at different times. ELISA was used to measure total serum IgG and IgM, and the results showed a rise with Echinacea purpurea. Rats given Echinacea purpurea demonstrated a rise in serum SOD activity, according to research on the subject. Echinacea purpurea has been shown in studies to be a viable natural treatment for infection and inflammation due to its radiation-protective effects, macrophage activation, enhanced immunoglobulin synthesis, and increased SOD activity. Additional research is required to validate these findings and determine the appropriate dose and duration of treatment.

To sum up, Echinacea purpurea has many therapeutic benefits, including protection against radiation, immune system activation, and increased blood immunoglobulin concentrations. This plant has great potential as an all-natural treatment for inflammation and infection. Before incorporating Echinacea purpurea into a person’s daily routine, prudence is urged and it is encouraged to speak with a healthcare provider, particularly if the person has a medical condition or is on other medications. Additional investigation into this adaptable plant may yield fresh insights into its possible applications in modern medicine.

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Case Study 3- Echinacea's Role in Rhinovirus Prevention

The clinical experiment evaluated Echinacea purpurea’s efficacy in preventing rhinovirus colds using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled methodology. It included 48 healthy adult volunteers with serum neutralising antibody titers to rhinovirus type 39, ranging in age from 18 to 65. For seven days before to and following the intranasal vaccine, participants were randomised to receive either a placebo or echinacea. The above-ground components’ squeezed juice was combined with a 22% alcohol base to create the Echinacea formulation. Infection rates, symptom evaluation, and viral culture/serological investigations were the main results. Informed consent was acquired and the study complied with ethical requirements.

According to the study, echinacea did not considerably lower the incidence of rhinovirus type 39 infection. But it slowed down the onset of cold symptoms in those who received it. Particular conclusions consist of:

  1. Infection rates: 92% of patients given echinacea and 95% of patients given a placebo had infection.
  2. Cold development: 82% of placebo patients and 58% of echinacea recipients experienced the onset of a cold.
  3. Severity of symptoms: After vaccination, echinacea recipients had fewer daily ratings in the first two to seven days as well as less overall 7-day symptom scores.
  4. Adverse events: Echinacea did not cause any treatment-limited adverse events, and the adverse events that were recorded had nothing to do with the study’s treatment.

It is given that echinacea did not lower infection rates, the findings imply that it may not be a useful prophylactic against rhinovirus type 39 colds. It did, however, lessen how bad the cold felt. Thus, rather of being used as a prophylactic, echinacea may work better as a cold remedy. The focus of research is on rhinovirus type 39 emphasises the need for additional research into the efficacy of echinacea against diverse cold-causing viruses. Individuals considering using Echinacea to prevent or treat colds should seek personalised guidance from their healthcare professional.

Case Study 4- Echinacea's Antibiotic Potential in Pig Farming

The study looks at pig diets during gestation, impacts on piglets, and implications for producer/finisher pigs in order to investigate the possible advantages of using Echinacea purpurea as a food supplement in pig diets. Different echinacea dosages were given to three groups of pigs; this did not significantly alter the suckling feed consumption, but it did cause the control group’s daily weight growth to increase during gestation. Piglets in all groups had similar body weights and growth rates, with the control group having smaller birth weights. The two groups’ medical problems were similar, with the pigs primarily experiencing endometritis and cystitis and the humans experiencing arthritis and diarrhoea. Supplementing with Echinacea did not significantly affect the immunological state, growth, or blood parameters of grower/finisher pigs or piglets. In addition, the study looked at echinacea as a viable antibiotic substitute for pigs, stressing the benefits of immune system stimulation, particularly during stressful times, as well as the ideal amount and duration of supplementation. 

Disclaimer

While Echinacea purpurea (EP) is generally thought to be safe for usage, it is necessary to be aware of potential adverse effects and interactions while using it to treat infectious disorders. Those who are thinking about EP should think about the following:

  1. Allergic Reactions: Echinacea may cause allergic reactions for those who are allergic to daisy plants. Breathing difficulties, redness, swelling, itching, and dizziness are possible symptoms.
  2. Gastrointestinal side effects: Echinacea may cause gastrointestinal adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
  3. Drug Interactions: Certain drugs, such as immunosuppressants, antifungal drugs, and some chemotherapy drugs, may interact with echinacea purpurea. Those who are already taking these drugs should speak with their doctor before beginning echinacea therapy.
  4. Standardisation: The article addresses the significance of specifying EP preparations because plant sections and suppliers have different chemical compositions. This underlines how essential it is to ensure efficacy and safety by using standard EP formulations from reputable vendors.
  5. Variability in Antiviral Activity: Antiviral activity differs among commercial EP formulations, as has been noted. The antiviral activity of ethanol-based extracts has been shown to be greater than that of water extracts.

Although Echinacea purpurea is usually seen to be safe, people who are allergic to daisy plants should exercise caution. Furthermore, possible drug interactions emphasise how crucial it is to speak with healthcare professionals before taking echinacea during pregnancy and lactation. It is stressed that in order to guarantee safety and effectiveness, standardised preparations from reliable suppliers are required. It is advised to consult a healthcare professional before using Echinacea purpurea for infectious disorders as with any herbal supplement.

References

  1. Mishima, S., Saito, K., Maruyama, H., Inoue, M., Yamashita, T., Ishida, T., & Gu, Y. (2004). Antioxidant and Immuno-Enhancing Effects of Echinacea purpurea. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 27(7), 1004–1009. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.27.1004
  2. Sperber, S. J., Shah, L. P., Gilbert, R. D., Ritchey, T. W., & Monto, A. S. (2004, May 15). Echinacea purpurea for Prevention of Experimental Rhinovirus Colds. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 38(10), 1367–1371. https://doi.org/10.1086/386324
  3. Hudson, J. B. (2012). Applications of the PhytomedicineEchinacea purpurea(Purple Coneflower) in Infectious Diseases. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2012, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/769896
  4. Raso, G. M., Pacilio, M., Di Carlo, G., Esposito, E., Pinto, L., & Meli, R. (2002, October). In-vivo and in-vitro anti-inflammatory effect of Echinacea purpurea and Hypericum perforatum. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 54(10), 1379–1383. https://doi.org/10.1211/002235702760345464
  5. Barrett, B. (2003, January). Medicinal properties of Echinacea: A critical review. Phytomedicine, 10(1), 66–86. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321648692
  6. Goel, V., Lovlin, R., Chang, C., Slama, J. V., Barton, R., Gahler, R., Bauer, R., Goonewardene, L., & Basu, T. K. (2005, August). A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold. Phytotherapy Research, 19(8), 689–694. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1733
  7. Gorski, J. (2004, January). The effect of echinacea (Echinacea purpurea root) on cytochrome P450 activity in vivo. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 75(1), 89–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clpt.2003.09.013
  8. Barnes, J., Anderson, L. A., Gibbons, S., & Phillipson, J. D. (2005, August). Echinaceaspecies (Echinacea angustifolia(DC.) Hell.,Echinacea pallida(Nutt.) Nutt.,Echinacea purpurea(L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 57(8), 929–954. https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357056127
  9. Maass, N., Bauer, J., Paulicks, B. R., Böhmer, B. M., & Roth‐Maier, D. A. (2005, April 4). Efficiency of Echinacea purpurea on performance and immune status in pigs. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 89(7–8), 244–252. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2005.00501.x
  10. Burlou-Nagy, C., Bănică, F., Jurca, T., Vicaș, L. G., Marian, E., Muresan, M. E., Bácskay, I., Kiss, R., Fehér, P., & Pallag, A. (2022, May 5). Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review. Plants, 11(9), 1244. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091244
  11. Schulten, B., Bulitta, M., Ballering-Brühl, B., Köster, U., & Schäfer, M. (2011, December 26). Efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in Patients with a Common Cold. Arzneimittelforschung, 51(07), 563–568. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1300080
  12. Aarland, R. C., Bañuelos-Hernández, A. E., Fragoso-Serrano, M., Sierra-Palacios, E. D. C., Díaz de León-Sánchez, F., Pérez-Flores, L. J., Rivera-Cabrera, F., & Mendoza-Espinoza, J. A. (2016, December 13). Studies on phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic and antiproliferative activities ofEchinacea purpureaandEchinacea angustifoliaextracts. Pharmaceutical Biology, 55(1), 649–656. https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1265989

Yale, S. H., & Liu, K. (2004, June 14). Echinacea purpurea Therapy for the Treatment of the Common Cold. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(11), 1237. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.164.11.1237

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