Page 122 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Roots containing polysaccharides
Echinaceae

Botanical origin: the dried, whole or cut underground parts of Echinacea
angustifolia (D C.).
Dried, whole or cut underground parts of Echinacea pallida Nutt.
Water-soluble immunostimulating glycoproteins
Constituents:
Caffeic and ferulic acid derivatives (0.6-2.1%):
Alkamides (0.01-0.04%).
Pharmacological activity of Echinaceae:

• Echinacea activity is directed towards the non-specific cellular immune
system.

• The herb exerts anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and wound healing actions,
depending on the type of plant species.

• The main active principles of the immunostimulating, antibacterial and
virostatic drug are the alkamides, glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives
(chicoric acid and echinosides) and polysaccarides.

ECHINACEA PALLIDA ROOT uses approbed by Commission E:
• Fevers and colds
• Echinacea pallida root is used as a supportive therapy for influenza-like

infections.

116