This medicinal botanical has the largest domestic sales volume. It is among the most useful herbs for dermatologic treatment and prevention of skin diseases. E. angustifolia was originally used by the Sioux Native Americans for the treatment of snake bites and war wounds because if its antiseptic and analgesic properties (2). Echinacea is known to the public because of its clinically documented immunostimulating effects in treating and aborting respiratory viral infections (3). All three Echinacea species stimulate immunity, protect collagen, and have antioxidant activity. They are also cytotoxic to multiple bacteria and viruses, E. purpurea is approved by Commission E for treatment of mucosal inflammation, wounds, burns, and to prevent infection. It is formulated in several cosmeceuticals. E. angustifolia is approved for viral therapy and prophylaxis. Unproven therapies include abcesses, ulcers, and measles. An E. purpurea formulation did not effectively treat recurrent genital herpes simplex (33).
Of all three species the two most active compounds in the above ground plant include the immunostimulating polysaccharides, echinacin, and inulin. Echinicin has an antiinflammatory effect similar to corticosteroids but maintains collagen and ground substance integrity. It also stimulates wound healing. Inulin is a potent stimulator of the alternative complement pathyway, viral neutralization, bacterial destruction, and leukocyte chemotaxis. Other active compounds in Echinacea include caffeic and ferulic acid derivatives such as chlorogenic acid, echinoside, flavonoids including rutin, pyrrolizidane alkaloids, alkamides, polyenes, and volatile oils. The roots additionally contain immunostimulating glycoproteins that function like interferon (IFN). E. purpurea also contains pyrrolizidane alkaloids and glycoproteins which are lacking in E. pallida and E. angustifolia. In vitro studies suggest this herb protects against cutaneous ultraviolet light damage (2).
Echinacea species adversely effect fertility and pregnancy. They must not be combined with immunosuppressants. Echinacea is administered as comminuted herb for juice, decoction, tea, and tincture (3).