Echinacea: medicinal properties and contraindications, instructions for use

Echinacea, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which for 300 years of use in medicine and cosmetology have been studied quite fully, is very popular. “The evening sun”, “golden flower”, “miracle flower of the prairies” - this is how Echinacea was called in its homeland in North America. The Indians knew about the healing properties of this beautiful flower for a very long time. There is a legend that in the Kaiova and Cheyenne tribes, the Indians noticed that sick deer gladly eat purple flowers that literally resurrect animals.

Echinacea herb - healing properties

Echinacea was brought to Europe in the 17th century and grown in gardens as an ornamental plant. Its medicinal properties were described in 1762, and in Russian chronicles the first mention of echinacea is found in 1780.

The study of the properties and composition of the plant is associated with the name of J. Lloyd, who published the results of his research in the 19th century. The study of the properties of echinacea was continued by a Ukrainian scientist, doctor of medical sciences S.A. Tomilin. He found that echinacea preparations have a powerful biostimulating effect comparable to ginseng.

The chemical composition of grass

In folk and official medicine, all parts of the plant are used - aboveground and underground.

The flowers and leaves of the plant contain:

• homoglycans;
• resins;
• mucus;
• tannins;
• oils - essential (0.15-0.50%) and vegetable (~ 1.4%);
• organic acids;
• flavonoids;
• saponins;
• phytosterols;
• acids - coffee, chicory, coumaric, palmitic, zerotinic;
• enzymes;
• vitamins
• minerals.

The roots and rhizomes of the plant contain, in addition to the listed substances, inulin (~ 6%) and betaine.

Echinacea herb contains unique substances - echinacin, echinolone, echinacoside. More than 300 drugs are available on the basis of echinacea.

In herbal medicine, echinacea is used:

• purple
• narrow-leaved;
• pale.

Less studied are the medicinal properties and composition of another 10 botanical species belonging to the genus Echinacea (Echinacea).

What diseases does it help?

The effectiveness of Echinacea preparations in the treatment of more than 70 diseases has been proven. In 1871, lay doctor Mayer from Germany demonstrated the properties of his drug, which he called the "blood purifier." In front of the public, he allowed himself to bite a poisonous snake, after which he took his medicine, which neutralized and removed biotoxin.

Echinacea helps with depression, mental overwork. Professor Tomilin S.A. established the tonic effect of the plant on the nervous system.

Echinacea improves memory and mood, relieves stress, relieves drowsiness, lethargy, apathy, stimulates mental abilities, increases learning ability, working capacity, normalizes sleep.

In the practice of treating phytopreparations for Echinacea purpurea, cases have been recorded of curing patients suffering from one of the forms of lupus erythematosus.

The plant helps to treat other autoimmune diseases:

• rheumatoid arthritis;
• hepatitis;
• nephritis;
• psoriasis.

In 1930, the brothers Gerhard and Hans Madaus founded Dr. Madaus & Co., a company specializing in the production of herbal preparations. Today, the Echinacin immunomodulator manufactured by Madaus AG is a market leader in Germany. Echinacea extract is used even in the treatment of AIDS.

Recently, Canadian and American microbiologists discovered the antioxidant effect of the action of plant juice.

Grass is used in the treatment of skin diseases:

• psoriasis
• eczema
• acne;
• VHF;
• urticaria;
• an abscess
• streptococcal infections;
• carbuncles and boils.

Ointment for external use heals burns, deep purulent wounds, trophic ulcers, frostbite, stop septic processes.

The antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal effect of echinacea is realized in the treatment of a number of infectious diseases:

• typhoid fever;
• erysipelas;
• scarlet fever;
• gonorrhea;
• osteomyelitis;
• cerebrospinal meningitis;
• polyarthritis.

Echinacea preparations are of great importance for the health of the reproductive system of men and women. Echinacea tincture treats gynecological and urological diseases, it is recommended to use it after chemo - or radiotherapy. It reduces the number of tumor markers and increases the activity of T-killers in the body of patients with malignant diseases.

Echinacea for immunity

Echinacea purpurea has been widely recognized as an effective immunocorrector. Studies conducted by foreign and domestic scientists have proved the effectiveness of Echinacea herb preparations in increasing the non-specific resistance of humans and animals to the effects of damaging factors and environmentally caused pathologies.

A great contribution to the study of the effect of echinacea on immunity was made by the doctor of pharmaceutical sciences V.A. The scientist studied the immunomodulatory properties of plants with pathogenic effects on the body of chemical, physical and biological environmental factors. The experiments were carried out on laboratory mice, which were subjected to extreme conditions - noise, vibration, toxic substances. This led to a number of biochemical, hormonal changes and somatic diseases.

Damaging factors led to:

• liver disease
• increase the level of stress hormone - corticosterone;
• increased energy consumption and depletion of ATP and glycogen reserves.

For the study, an alcoholic infusion of the roots and rhizomes of Echinacea purpurea was used. Increasing the body's resistance was ensured by the acceleration of metabolic processes. Echinacea tincture has weakened the effect of damaging factors on the liver and regulatory hormonal mechanisms. Adaptive properties of the plant were manifested when exposure to the body of gamma radiation, toxic effects on the liver and kidneys of chemicals. Echinacea contributed to the restoration of the function and condition of the adrenal glands after inhaling vapors of toxins, stimulated immunity when infected with the highly pathogenic bird flu virus. It has been established that the immunomodulatory properties of a plant are manifested through the chain "endocrine regulation - energy metabolism."

The immunomodulatory properties of echinacea are used in the complex treatment of diseases accompanied by symptoms of secondary immune deficiency - recurrent bacterial, viral and fungal infections that are difficult to treat with traditional methods.

It was found that lipophilic (soluble in oils) substances more actively affect the immune system than hydrophilic (soluble in water).

Clinical studies carried out over 7 years have shown that echinacea extract stimulates:

• phagocyte migration to a pathogenic focus;
• phagocytosis;
• the production of reactive oxygen species, which inactivates the antigen.

These properties are due to the action of chicory acid and lipophilic substances - echinacein and echinolone.

Polysaccharides, which are contained in large quantities in the roots of the plant, increase activity:

• monocytes;
• interleukins 1, 6, 10 (anti-inflammatory, suppressing fever);
• tumor necrosis factor (TNFα);
• interferon β (INFβ) (antiviral).

Only dry powder of plant roots and its juice have similar properties. To increase secondary immunity, you need to consume about 600 ml of fresh juice from the roots of the plant daily.

Benefits for children

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) make up 90% of childhood infections. This is due to the high variability of pathogens, their diversity (adeno-rino-reo-PC viruses, influenza viruses, parainfluenza) and the ease of distribution.

Frequent acute respiratory viral infections contribute to:

• chronic pathologies of ENT organs - sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis;
• chronic pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system;
• allergic reactions;
• the development of secondary immunosuppression.

In frequently ill children, a delay in physical and mental development may occur. For the prevention of viral infections, the advantage is given to the use of immunomodulators of natural origin.

The juice of a flowering plant when administered orally helps to prevent acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children. Especially for them, the preparation of the ImmunoBaby Kid’s Formula (Canada) is produced. The medicine contains an extract of Echinacea juice and vitamin C.

Clinical studies of the effectiveness of echinacea extract have shown that in frequently ill children:

• the frequency of seasonal incidence of viral infections decreases by 1.2 times;
• 3 times less often children suffer from moderate and severe forms of diseases;
• the duration of the disease decreases by 1.5 times.

Children taking the drug noted not only an improvement in their condition, but also an increase in mood and performance.

As a result of the use of synthetic antibacterial drugs, the death of normal microflora is noted. Dysbacteriosis in children is caused not only by therapy, but also by exposure to pathogenic microflora and some gastrointestinal diseases.Scientists have explored the possibility of creating fermented milk products - yoghurt, yogurt, yogurt, fermented baked milk, acidophilus drink enriched with useful lactic acid microorganisms and extracts of medicinal plants. Products, which included juice of flowers and leaves of Echinacea purpurea, had a pleasant taste, accelerated the fermentation of starter cultures of lactic acid microorganisms and bifidobacteria. Regular intake of lactic acid products based on purple coneflower accelerated the normalization of intestinal microflora, relieved inflammation, and contributed to a more effective treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Echinacea juice is used to care for the oral mucosa, especially in infants. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Echinacea purpurea have a therapeutic and prophylactic effect on the damaged mucosa. In adolescents, Echinacea herb preparations are used to treat stomatitis, gingivitis, glossitis, which are diagnosed in 80% of small patients.

Professor A.V. Mazurkevich recommends the following dosage of water infusions of medicinal plants, depending on the age of the child:

The daily dose is applied fractionally - in 3-4 doses. To obtain a significant therapeutic effect, echinacea preparations should be taken by children for 7-8 days. Then they take a break and if the symptoms of the disease resume, repeat the drug.

In oncology

Echinacea purpurea drugs are used in cancer chemoprophylaxis. At all stages of carcinogenesis, the body's natural protective mechanisms are activated that prevent the onset and development of cancer cells.

To improve the action of the body's defenses, it is necessary to introduce bioactive substances that provide:

• anticarcinogenic;
• antimutagenic;
• antioxidant;
• immunomodulatory effects.

As a result of long-term (over 10 years) clinical studies, it was found that dragees and soft gelatin capsules with dry extract of Echinacea purpurea had a double therapeutic and prophylactic effect:

• in the primary prevention of malignant diseases;
• to reduce the toxicity of cancer therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy);
• to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

It has been established that Echinacea dragee is activated by natural or natural killer cells (NK cells) of the spleen, which are involved in antiviral and antitumor control of the body. Echinacea also stimulates the activity of peritoneal (“living” in the peritoneum) macrophages, which actively capture and destroy cancer cells.

Scientists from the medical university in Toronto (Canada) have confirmed the antioxidant properties of echinacea.

Data were obtained on increasing the effectiveness of treatment for cancer patients:

• the stomach;
• lungs;
• rectum;
• the prostate;
• mammary gland;
• ovaries;
• melanomas when introduced into the complex treatment of echinacea preparations.

Based on the extract of leaves, flowers and roots of purple coneflower with active substances of a polysaccharide nature, herbal preparations Echinacea, Echinabene, Echinacea-Hexal were created that stimulate:

• red bone marrow;
• white blood cells;
• cells of the reticuloendothelial system;
• phagocytosis of granulocytes and macrophages.

Drugs have a stimulating effect on:

• cytotoxicity of a special population of T cells that normally do not have this ability;
• blocking the enzymes responsible for tumor metastasis;
• antioxidant effect - quenching of active forms of negative radicals;
• protection of macrophages from damage;
• protective mechanisms of the liver from intoxication.

Echinacea extract accelerates the metabolic processes in the body, which leads to the activation of cytokines and tumor necrosis factors, which contribute to the destruction of malignant (malignant) cells.Studies have shown that the effectiveness of drugs decreases with their independent (monotherapy) use. However, most researchers believe that echinacea tinctures should not be taken at the stage of cancer progression and should be limited to their use after radio and chemotherapy, as well as for cancer prevention. Research is ongoing.

Echinacea with a cold

Echinacea drugs are prescribed in the treatment of colds. However, the results of clinical trials published in a scientific medical journal in England 12 years ago showed that the effect of echinacea in the treatment of colds is comparable to placebo. For a long time, priority was given to synthetic drugs, but it was later proved that the result was affected by the fact that the extract was obtained from different parts of the plant. The concentration of bioactive substances in them is not the same. In addition, the processing of raw materials, the route of administration of the drug, and the dosage are of great importance.

The most effective are preparations obtained from flowers and roots - they contain the largest amount of fat-soluble substances that have greater activity.

In addition, when administered orally, bioactive substances act on digestive juices, which reduces the effectiveness of the drug and requires an increase in dosage.

With the exact observance of all conditions of production and administration of medicines from echinacea, the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment of colds is represented by the following data:

• increases immunity - in 100% of cases;
• a decrease in the severity of symptoms - 2 times;
• reduction in the duration of the disease by 72 hours.

Bioactive substances of Echinacea stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory substances - cytokines. The plant boosts immunity, helping the body fight infection. In addition, derivatives of caffeic acid reduce vascular permeability in the focus of inflammation. According to their anti-inflammatory properties, 0.04 ml of echinacea extract correspond to 1 mg of cortisone.

According to the Cochrane Review (Oxford), echinacea is effective in treating colds in adults at an early stage of the disease. Studies conducted in a number of Russian research institutes have proven the positive use of Immunal based on echinacea juice in the complex treatment of colds and viral diseases.

During pregnancy

Oral administration of echinacea during pregnancy is not recommended.

Bioactive substances of the plant have an immunostimulating effect. During pregnancy, a physiological decrease in immunity is noted, which helps to maintain pregnancy and prevents fetal rejection. Echinacea may have the opposite effect and cause premature birth or miscarriage.

If necessary, pregnant women can take echinacea only in the form of tea in the second half of the gestation and for a period of not more than 10 days. Since studies of Echinacea preparations in pregnant women have not been conducted, there is no data on the effect of the plant on the fetus. Therefore, it is not worth risking and applying echinacea to women in position.

Instructions for use Echinacea

Instructions for the use of echinacea are indicated on each type of drug. The dosage and duration of treatment depends on many factors.

Tincture

Echinacea tincture is prepared for alcohol. Therefore, its use is contraindicated in young children (<2 years old) and pregnant women.

It is recommended to dilute the tincture with water, since the finished pharmacological form contains 60% alcohol. The drug is taken orally, depending on the disease and the age of the patient. Tincture is also used for external use. Tincture diluted with water or a solution of sodium chloride is used as a rinse, lotion or compress.

Echinacea Pills

Echinacea in tablets is taken regardless of the meal.Tablets can be absorbed, chewed or swallowed with water. The amount of active substance depends on the drug.

Decoction

Echinacea broth is prepared in a water bath to maximize the preservation of bioactive substances. It is prepared from flowers at the rate of 1 tbsp. l to 0.5 liters of water. They choke in a water bath for 1/4 hour and take ¼ cup 2 times a day.

A decoction of the flowering aerial parts of the plant is prepared from 2 tsp. dry raw materials in 2 cups of water. Boil in a water bath ½ hour and take 1 tablespoon. 3 times a day before meals.

The broth is used both externally and orally.

In ampoules or capsules

In ampoules Echinacea (Echinacea Compositum C) is used for intramuscular, subcutaneous, and, if necessary, intravenous (jet) administration. They inject the drug 1-3 times a week in an amount determined by the age of the patient.

The drug in capsules is recommended for adults to take 1 capsule per day with meals.

Echinacea: side effects

There are practically no side effects with the use of echinacea. Sometimes an allergic reaction to the plant itself or to excipients in the composition of tablets or capsules may be noted.

Taking echinacea in conjunction with synthetic drugs requires a consultation with a doctor, since the plant can change the effect of drugs.

Contraindications

There are more contraindications to the use of echinacea than side effects.

Doctors do not recommend the use of plant preparations for:

• pregnancy and lactation;
• children under 2 years old;
• progressive systemic diseases;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• progressive malignant processes.

With HIV / AIDS, it is recommended to constantly monitor blood counts.

Echinacea is a strong natural biogenic stimulant, therefore, herbs should be used carefully, because, despite a fairly long study of its properties and composition, some mechanisms of action are not fully disclosed.