Page 17 - phytotherapy_ EBOOK_2025

Respiratory tract disorders

Echinacea (Echinaceae species)

• Habitat/Names: E. purpurea and E. pallida grow in the middle/eastern U.S. Also known as Purple
Coneflower.

• Chemical composition: Water-soluble immunostimulating polysaccharides, Volatile oil, Flavonoids,
Alkamides, Polyenes.

• Effects: Activity is directed toward the nonspecific cellular immune system. It exerts anti-
inflammatory, immunostimulating, bactericidal, and wound-healing actions. Active principles include
alkamides, glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides.
o Immunostimulating: Ethanolic root extracts increased the phagocytosis rate of granulocytes
in vitro.
o Anti-Inflammatory: Polyunsaturated alkamides inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-
lipoxygenase (5-LOX).
o Cytokine Stimulation: Arabinogalactan (a polysaccharide) activates macrophage cytotoxicity
against tumor cells and microorganisms. It induces macrophages to produce TNF-alpha, IL-1,
IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-beta. Extracts also stimulate cell-mediated immunity.

• Indications (Commission E): Common cold; Cough/bronchitis; Fevers and colds; Urinary tract
infections; Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx; Tendency to infection; Wounds and burns.

• Contraindications: Should not be administered in the presence of multiple sclerosis, leukosis,
collagen disease, AIDS, or tuberculosis due to possible activation of autoimmune aggressions.

• Fertility/Pregnancy: High concentrations had adverse effects on oocytes. Parenteral administration
should be avoided during pregnancy.

• Drug Interactions: The immunostimulating effect may interfere with immunosuppressant drugs (e.g.,
anti-rejection drugs) or the chemotherapeutic effect of corticosteroids.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Habitat/Names: Indigenous to temperate Europe and Asia.
• Chemical composition: Triterpene saponins, Volatile oils, Polyynes.

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