Echinacea species effect

Clinical herbalists have reported differing information on the use of Echinacea species in autoimmune conditions. Exacerbation of symptoms has been reported in systemic lupus, ulcerative colitis (autoimmune etiology uncertain), glomerular nephritis, and multiple sclerosis. In "some" cases, effects reoccurred on rechallenge. In rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with Echinacea species for 10 days did not exacerbate the condition (Upton and Graff 2007). A survey of 25 medical herbalists indicated that 12 had used Echinacea species in persons with autoimmune conditions. Of these 12, 11 indicated a beneficial effect and 1 indicated a worsening of symptoms (Upton and Graff 2007). 

The major activity for Echinacea species and chemical fractions thereof is nonspecific stimulation of the immune system, hmnunos-timulant activity involves an overall increase in phagocytosis by macrophages and granulocytes. Oral dosage is as effective as parenteral dosage forms, though acts more slowly. ... 

When dealing with the pharmaceutical quality and pharmacological activity of Echinacea preparations, it is important to distinguish between the different species, parts of the plants, and the various extraction modes. Since aerial parts and roots of Echinacea purpurea, and the roots of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida are the most important raw materials of Echinacea phytopharmaceuticals, the constituents and immunological effects of these parts shall be especially reviewed. 

Three species of Echinacea are in medicinal use Echinacea ( .) purpurea E. angustifolia and . pallida. Depending on the species, the part of the plant (roots, herb) and the method of extraction (hydrophilic, lipophilic), the commercially available preparations of Echinacea contain varying concentrations of flavonoids, essential oils, polysaccharides, derivates of caffeic acid, polyacetylenes, alkylamides and alkaloids. Apart from a very few exceptions these preparations are not standardized in their content of any of these substances. The evidence available so far indicates that it is not a single component but the mixture of various groups of substances which is responsible for the observed immunomodulatory effects [5]. 

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