Anti-Viral Plants 4: Echinacea

Equinácea

Echinacea purpurea, angustifolia, pallida.

Distribution

It is a plant native to the grasslands of the central regions of the United States. There are several species and varieties of echinacea, but only three of them are used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea.

Here are some features of each:

Echinacea angustifolia: This species is characterized by its narrow leaves and distinctive pink to purple flowers. It is native to the central regions of the United States and has historically been used by Indigenous peoples for its potential immune-boosting properties.
Echinacea pallida: Echinacea pallida, also known as pale purple coneflower, features pale pink to purple flowers and long, narrow leaves. Like Echinacea angustifolia, it is native to the central United States and has similar traditional uses in herbal medicine.
Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea, or purple coneflower, is perhaps the most widely cultivated and studied species of echinacea. It features distinctive purple flowers with spiky centers and broad, lance-shaped leaves. Native to eastern and central North America, E. purpurea is valued for its immune-boosting properties and is commonly used in herbal remedies and supplements.

Echinacea part used

The root is mainly used, preferably in a fresh state, while the entire plant is used more rarely.

Echinacea has been called “the antibiotic plant”; however, this term is misused, as it does not directly kill bacteria like a classic antibiotic. Echinacea stimulates the immune system’s defenses to eliminate bacteria and viruses.

Echinacea and the Immune System

Research suggests that echinacea may enhance immune function by stimulating the activity of certain immune cells, such as macrophages and T-cells, which play crucial roles in defending the body against infections. Additionally, echinacea contains compounds known as alkamides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which possess immune-modulating properties.

One of the key ways echinacea supports immune health is by promoting the production of cytokines, signaling molecules that regulate immune responses. By increasing cytokine production, echinacea helps to activate the immune system’s defenses more effectively, enabling the body to mount a stronger response to pathogens.

Additionally, it blocks hyaluronidase, an enzyme involved in tissue degradation, which can further support the healing process.

Antiviral properties

Very useful in the complementary treatment of acute or chronic respiratory infections, such as the flu, the common cold, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and bronchitis, as well as viral infections.

The anti-infective action can be attributed to Echinacea purpurea, which produces an elevation of the interferon level. Interferons are proteins produced by the body’s cells in response to viral infections, among other stimuli. They play a crucial role in the body’s defense against viruses by inhibiting viral replication and modulating the immune response.

Echinacea Purpurea has been shown to have intense antiviral activity against human and avian influenza viruses, including H3N2 type IV and H1N1 type IV, herpes simplex, and rhinovirus. It has also been observed to reverse virus-induced pro inflammatory responses.

Anti-inflammatory activity

Echinacea’s anti-inflammatory activity is noteworthy. It’s been observed to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These actions help to reduce inflammation in the body, making Echinacea a valuable natural remedy for conditions associated with inflammation, such as arthritis, respiratory infections, and skin disorders.

Almu Rodriguez
Pharmacist
Hairwise