Echinacea is a perennial plant with many beneficial properties. The herb has several varieties, but purple echinacea is the most popular. The common name of the plant is coneflower or purple coneflower. The medicinal properties of echinacea have been known for many years, and the plant has been widely used in traditional medicine in eastern North America.
Native Americans used the plant for various medical problems. Today, purple coneflower is still being used for its health benefits due to the increased popularity of natural treatments.
Echinacea contains many bioactive constituents, so the cultivation of this plant increased when pharmacological studies confirmed its health effects. The above-ground parts of the plant and the roots are used in medicine. The plant grows in clumps from which stems ending in flowers emerge. The color of the coneflowers varies from pink to purple. Also, purple coneflower is grown in gardens as an ornamental plant for its aesthetic value.
In addition, echinacea is a melliferous plant that forms beautiful inflorescences when in flower and attracts bees and other insects. The use of echinacea is, therefore, multifaceted. For health goals, the plant is recommended for various uses. However, one is also cautioned against the plant's side effects. Specific contraindications must be adhered to to avoid harming yourself by treating ailments with the herb. Find out more about the echinacea plant.
Echinacea is a valuable medicinal plant used for various goals around the world. The herb belongs to the Asteraceae
family, a large group of plants that also includes the popular sunflower. Of this species, coneflower is often cultivated for its health benefits. There are various types of this flower, but one of the most popular is echinacea purpurea. The herb has undergone several studies that have confirmed the plant's medicinal properties and bioactive content. The health benefits of echinacea include:
Purple coneflower is a natural immunostimulant. Preparations derived from various parts of the plant stimulate immune cells. This means that people with weakened immunity show increased immune function after taking an echinacea preparation. The study noted that a plant extract containing polysaccharides can reduce infection and mortality in immunocompromised subjects.
The mechanism of its immuno-modeling coneflower process involves the uptake of molecules of substances into the cells, the stimulation of fibroblasts, and the enhancement of respiratory function. These complex processes strengthen the patients' innate immunity. For this reason, the flower and its parts may be suitable for preventing and treating various diseases.
Coneflower is a valuable plant for various infections due to its immune-strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea promotes wound healing and has potent anti-inflammatory agents. Products from the plant can relieve pain and symptoms of various infections. The extracts contained in purple coneflower inhibit inflammatory mediators and activate wound tissue regeneration processes.
Echinacea preparations can reverse induced inflammation using cytokine reduction. Consequently, it can also protect against the recurrence of various infections in patients prone to chronic types of inflammation. Coneflower shows properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi; therefore, the plant can act on various types of infections.
Extracts from purple coneflower can have an inhibitory effect on certain strains of bacteria. Products from the plant show antimicrobial activity, which can alleviate the symptoms of bacterial infections. Studies have been performed on the effects of coneflower on various pathogens, such as Streptococcus pyogenes and Legionella pneumophila, which were sensitive to the medicinal extract. Coneflower products can be used to treat respiratory symptoms caused by bacterial infections. However, some bacteria may be resistant to echinacea. Resistant bacteria include Escherichia coli, among others.
The coneflower herb can also act on various types of fungi, which, when present in excess in the human body, cause harmful effects. As such, the plant can inhibit fungal growth, reducing symptoms and minimizing the risk of recurrent fungal infections. Studies have shown that substances found in purple echinacea fight fungal organisms such as Candida albicans. Studies have noted a reduction in candidiasis recurrence in patients using plant extracts for several months. The root extract mainly has an antifungal effect, which acts against fungi that cause human skin diseases.
Coneflower acts not only on bacteria and fungi but also on viruses. The phytochemicals in the herb are effective against influenza and herpes viruses. Further studies have shown the effects of echinacea in patients suffering from rhinovirus-induced colds. Some have suggested that coneflower may be a potential treatment for HIV. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm the impact. Extracts from the plant's root and aqueous extracts of purple coneflower are used in viral infections. The ingredients in the plant are effective in treating various types of flu and colds.
Echinacea is a plant with potent antioxidant properties. Herbal extracts and different products based on these plants are effective antioxidants and affect the generation of free radicals. Studies have noted that coneflower can inhibit the oxidation of human low-density lipoprotein. Not all elements contained in the plant have antioxidant activity, but several compounds with potent free radical inhibition activity have been found.
Coneflower can exhibit cytotoxic activity. This means that the plant disrupts the functioning of cells by damaging and destroying them. Thus, such a destructive process helps combat harmful cancer cells. Flower extracts can inhibit human colon cancer cells. In addition, studies have shown that the plant's flower extract has anti-cancer activity. Hedgehogs have been used in the treatment of many diseases and also show great potential for the alternative treatment of certain cancers.
Purple coneflower can also affect the psychological aspects of the body. Among other things, it has been observed that drugs made from coneflower show anti-anxiety activity. Therefore, the plant's effect on receptors in the brain means that taking the herbal substance can help control anxiety. On the other hand, a tincture of the plant may stimulate the brain, showing antidepressant activity. The plant may, therefore, be a potential supplement for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Coneflower-based preparations show larvicidal activity. Consequently, the plant can also use them to combat certain damage-causing insects. The mosquitocidal activity against Egyptian mosquito larvae is good. The Egyptian mosquito is a tiny, contrastingly colored mosquito. This species spreads viruses that cause serious diseases, so it is advisable to use preparations to protect against these insects in endangered countries. These insects are mainly found in areas of Africa.
The health benefits of echinacea are due to the plant's bioactive components. In herbs, we can find many active substances that activate various processes in the human body. Some coneflower species may differ in bioactive elements' content, but there are minor differences. Active compounds are present in the roots, leaves, and the whole plant. The following bioactive components have been isolated from the plant:
Compounds such as polysaccharides in echinacea provide immune-stimulating effects. The long-term chains of sugars keep immunity at a good level. These chemical compounds also play an important role in the anti-inflammatory effect of coneflower preparations. Polysaccharides are ingredients often used to produce medicines, dietary supplements, or cosmetics.
Echinacea is also rich in flavonoids. These natural compounds protect the human body's cells from damage caused by highly active free radical molecules. Plants contain various types of flavonoids, including phenolic acids and quercetin. Phenolic acids include chicoric acid, a derivative of caffeic acid. These compounds in purple coneflower give purple coneflower its antioxidant properties, which are very beneficial to health. Flavonoids also have a beneficial effect on heart function and help fight cancer.
Echinacea also contains many types of alkamides or antioxidants, which increase the antioxidant properties of coneflower. Alkamides and alcoholic extracts in the plant inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators. Alkamides can be found in the plant's roots and aerial parts. These compounds are often the main lipophilic ingredients in preparations for treating the common cold.
Echinacea also contains essential oils that are responsible for many plant health properties. They can be used in the food, cosmetic, perfume, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. Studies have shown that the active compounds in purple echinacea have antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects.
Glycoproteins are chemical compounds in echinacea that have immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. They are biologically and pharmacologically active. Glycoproteins in coneflower enable white blood cells to move around the body, initiate immune responses, and identify different cells. The compounds are essential for maintaining a healthy and functional body.
The plants showed low toxicity because of studies conducted with coneflowers on animals. Both oral and intravenous administration of coneflower did not cause serious health problems. However, echinacea-based plant preparations have been characterized by some controversy.
In some cases, the side effects that the herbal preparations caused were noted. Side effects of coneflower products may include:
It was noted that some subjects tested with coneflower preparations developed a skin rash in the type of erythema, which may have been accompanied by pruritus. Urticaria and angioedema were also present. Skin symptoms occurring after contact with the preparation may indicate intolerance and allergy to the components of the coneflower product.
Coneflower preparations may also cause digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. Other unusual side effects include shortness of breath. If side effects occur, coneflower preparations should be discontinued, and a specialist should be consulted.
Echinacea has many benefits for human health, but certain groups cannot benefit from the plant's properties, as it may bring more harmful effects. Echinacea products can be found in pharmacies and shops of various types, but it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting supplementation. Contraindications to the use of coneflower preparations include:
Patients suffering from certain progressive systemic diseases should avoid coneflower preparations. Diseases contraindicated include tuberculosis and leukemia. Coneflower products should not be used during these diseases.
Multiple sclerosis and diabetes are other diseases during which coneflower products should not be taken. Autoimmune diseases are the primary contraindication for the use of herbal preparations. When the immune system attacks the patient's body, the immunomodulating properties of echinacea can complicate certain processes.
Contraindications of coneflower include collagen-vascular diseases. Collagen diseases are also autoimmune diseases. A group of chronic systemic connective tissue diseases in which the body produces antibodies against its cells and are characterized by various skin manifestations.
AIDS patients with HIV infection are also on the contraindication list for the use of coneflower preparations. Some studies suggest that the antiviral properties of the plant could help treat HIV infection, but more research is needed on efficacy and safety.
Coneflower preparations should not be combined with immunosuppressive drugs. Be very careful and consult your doctor if you are on therapy with these drugs. Immunosuppressive drugs refer to preparations that can suppress or reduce the immune system's efficiency. It follows that herbs may interfere with the effectiveness of the medications due to their immuno-modulating effects.
Some sources state that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use coneflower preparations. The risks associated with it suggest caution, so medical consultation is recommended first. Doctors can consider the validity and possible benefits of echinacea-based preparations.
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