Echinacea

Echinacea

(Echinacea purpurea)

Is used as an antiviral, as an immunostimulant for colds and other upper respiratory infection as well as urinary tract infections; as a topical anti-infective for boils, abscesses, tonsillitis, eczema, burns and other skin wounds.)

Antiviral: Orinda, 1973

Immunostimulant: Brinkeborn, 1999, Bauer, 1996, Luettig, 1989

Topical anti-infective: Leung, 1989

Standardized: 4% standardized extract containing Phenolic compounds 12mg
1 capsule with water 3 x daily

Whole Herb: (Root powder) 380mg
2 capsules with water 3 x daily

Summary:

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs and has been extensively studied for its effects on the immune system. It has been used as an immune stimulant for a variety of afflictions, including colds and flu. It has been promoted as a general health measure to improve resistance during seasonal outbreaks, but there is some concern related to the potential immunosuppressive effects of prolonged use. In general, prolonged continuous use is not recommended.

Pharmacology:

Echinacea appears to have a variety of nonspecific stimulatory effects on the immune system. No single component appears to be responsible for the immunostimulating activity. Echinacea is claimed to stimulate white blood cell function and cell-mediated immunity, including T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. As a consequence of macrophage stimulation, Echinacea has been reported to increase the production of interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-1. Echinacea activates white blood cells to scavenge for bacteria and cellular debris. In addition, Echinacea inhibits the hyaluronidase and stimulates fibroblast production of collagen. Echinacea is reported to have broad antimicrobial activity, including effects on bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It has been used externally for wound cleansing, eczema, burns, herpes, canker sores, and abscesses.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Use should be cycled for 3 weeks on and 1 week off. Use for more than 10 days in acute infections or in immunosuppressed individuals is not recommended. Use with caution in individuals with renal disease or impairment since electrolyte imbalance may occur. Use with caution in individuals allergic to members of the Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, daisy, aster, chrysanthemum) and other pollens since some rare but severe reactions have been reported. Avoid use with severe, progressive systemic diseases, such as tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, and multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection, and other autoimmune diseases.

Theoretical Interactions:

Therapeutic immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, tacrolimus, sirolimus, methotrexate), corticosteroids, glucocortoids (taken for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). Might increase side effects of methothrexate.

References:

Bauer R, "Echinacea Drugs-Effects and Active Ingredients," Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena), 1996, 90(2): 111-5.

Brinkeborn RM, Shah DV, and Degenring FH, "Echinaforce and other Echinacea Fresh Plant Preparations in the Treatment of the Common Cold: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial," Phytomedicine, 1999, 6:1-5.

Leung AY and Foster S, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, New York, NY: Wiley, 1996, 216-20.

Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al, "Macrophage Activation by the Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan Isolated From Plant Cell Cultures of Echinacea purpurea," Natl Cancer Inst, 1989, 81(9): 669-75.

Orinda D, Diederich J, and Wacker A, "Antiviral Activity of Components of Echinacea purpurea","Arzneimittelforschung", 1973, 23(8):1119-20.

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Echinacea Standardized Herbal Supplement 16.49

Echinacea Herbal Supplement 380 mg 11.99

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