Echinacea extract

Echinacea Purpurea ( latin name: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench) is well-known and famous herbs plant used in medicinal in world. It belongs the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. This plant is widely planted for medicinal mainly used for chemical prevention and chemotherapy of infectious diseases of upper and lower respiratory system. In traditionally history, this plant commonly used in the treatment of snake bite, skin disorders, toothache, seizure, bowel pain, chronic arthritis and cancer. Nowadays, after the clinical study the purple coneflower can stimulate the immune system,upper respiratory tract infections including colds. Although the isolation and structural elucidation of its main compounds have been noticed by investigators, there is no affirmation about its mechanism of action. Alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides have been considered important constituents of the plant. A number of studies revealed that alkamides are involved in the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea extracts in vitro and in vivo Additionally, caffeic acid is found in some species of Echinacea and could be applied toward authentication and quality control of the plant extracts. The polysaccharides play an important role in the anti-inflammatory effect of Echinacea preparations.Taxonomic, chemical, pharmacological, and clinical characteristics of some species of the Echinacea genus including E. angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea were reviewed in previous papers.Medicinal properties of the plant were also considered in a review paper, which suggested that more research is required for more definitive medicinal recommendations

Functions

1.High in antioxidants

Echinacea is loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid, which may help defend your body against oxidative stress.

2.Positive effect on the immune System

Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system.Numerous studies have found that this plant may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness.That’s one reason why echinacea is often used to prevent or treat the common cold.

3.May lower blood sugar levels

High blood sugar can raise your risk of serious health problems.This includes type 2 diabetes, heart disease and several other chronic conditions.Test-tube studies have found that echinacea plants may help lower blood sugar levels.In a test-tube study, an Echinacea purpurea extract was shown to suppress enzymes that digest carbohydrates. This would reduce the amount of sugar entering your blood if consumed.

4.May reduce feelings of anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem that affects close to one in five American adults.In recent years, echinacea plants have emerged as a potential aid for anxiety.Research has discovered that echinacea plants contain compounds that may reduce feelings of anxiety. These include alkamides, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid.

5.Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is your body’s natural way of promoting healing and defending itself.Sometimes inflammation can get out of hand and last for longer than necessary and expected. This may raise your risk of chronic diseases and other health problems.Several studies have shown that echinacea can help reduce excess inflammation.

6.May help treat skin concerns

Research has shown that echinacea plants may help treat common skin concerns.In a test-tube study, scientists found that echinacea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties suppressed the growth of Propionibacterium, a common cause of acne

7.May offer protection against cancer

Cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrolled growth of cells.Test-tube studies have shown that echinacea extracts may suppress cancer cell growth and even trigger cancer cell death

 Application

 Applied in pharmaceutical field, it is mainly used in preventing cancer, such as breast, prostate cancer and colon cancer.

 Applied in health product field, it is mainly used in improving osteoporosis and womens menopauses symptom.

 As an immune modulator,it is widely used in the field of cosmetics.

 As food additives, it is widely used in food industry.