Echinacea

Echinacea Purpurea / Echinacea Angustifolia

The Echinacea species are perennial herbs native to Midwestern North America although they grow well in the UK and North European climates. Of the nine species, E. Angustifolia, E. Purpurea, and E. Pallida are the most commonly used clinically. The portions of the plant used for medicinal purposes include the aerial portion, and the whole plant including the root. Historically, Echinacea has been used by the American Indians for more illnesses than any other plant.

WOUND HEALING - Echinacin, as well as polysaccharide components have been shown to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. This effect is largely due to the inhibition of the enzyme HYALURONIDASE, thus helping maintain tissue integrity. Echinacea also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans and fibroblast growth needed for wound healing. The polysaccharide portion enhances adrenal hormone production thus helping reduce inflammatory processes.
IMMUNE STIMULANT - Echinacea provides a broad spectrum of effects on the immune system and appears to offer benefit for all infectious conditions. The majority of effects appear to be due to the binding of Echinacea polysaccharides to carbohydrate receptors on the cell surface of macrophages and T-cells. Echinacea polysaccharides also promote T-cell activation - increasing interferon, secretion of lymphokines, interleukin-1, and macrophage phagocytosis - resulting in greater cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.
ANTI-VIRAL - Echinacea has shown to be effective against the common cold, influenza and herpes virus, and urogenital infections. Research has demonstrated that Echinacea reduces severity of cold symptoms, time between infections, and increased the speed of recovery
ANTI-BACTERIAL - Echinacea exerts an anti-bacterial effect largely due to its content of echinacoside, a caffeic acid derivative. This effect has been noted in both internal and external bacterial infections.
ANTI-CANDIDA - The influence of Echinacea on improving cell mediated immunity helps provide resistance to infection from mould-like bacteria, parasites, fungi, and yeast organisms such as Candida Albicans.

Dosage

Organic tincture: 15-30 drops two to three times daily (half the amount for children under 12)
Standardised herb: 150-300mg daily

Potential applications

General infectious conditions, influenza, colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, wound healing, abscesses, folliculitis, eczema, burns, varicose ulcers of the leg, arthritis. Evidence suggests that Echinacea may be used for supporting patients undergoing orthodox cancer treatments.

Known contraindications

AIDS (HIV) - although some positive reports, more research is needed to determine effects. Caution also for transplant patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Echinacea is not recommended in cases of auto-immune disorders such as lupus or M.S. - (although some authorities believe it may even be beneficial). Caution required in those with known allergens to the daisy family (Compositae).

Note: In a healthy individual there would appear no need to continually stimulate the immune system. Studies have shown that Echinacea can be used long term in cases of impaired immune function. The usual recommendation for long term use is 8 weeks on followed by 1 week off.

Interactions

None known.

Use in conjunction with

Immune support - Oregon grape, Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Beta carotene
Candida control - Oregon grape, probiotics, fibre complex, l-glutamine, digestive aid

References

Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr & Michael T. Murray. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Vol. 1. 2nd Edition. 1999
Simon Mills & Kerry Bone. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. 2000.

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