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Echinacea

Description

Echinacea is a natural herb that has been used for centuries as a medicinal agent, and many scientific studies have documented its ability to enhance the immune system. It is known to stimulate macrophages (large, immune-fighting cells) and antibodies. By increasing the number and enhancing the activity of bacteria scavenging cells, echinacea, "mediates protection against systemic infections" (Int. J. Immunophar. 13:27-37). Also used for fevers and wound healing, echinacea boosts the power of vitamin C to combat infection. Current pharmacology indicates echinacea is antitumor, antiviral, and an immunostimulant. It is also effective against herpes and influenza, is used for wound healing, has been proven to speed the formation of antibodies, and increases the rate of phagocytosis (attacking bacteria) (Weiner, M. Herbs That Heal. Quantum Books, Mill Valley, Ca. 1994 p. 141). Over the centuries, echinacea has been commonly used to treat typhoid, meningitis, malaria, and diptheria, among others, destroying germs directly and bolstering the white blood cell count (Ellingwood, F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy. Eclectic Medical Publications, Portland Oregon. 1983). It is antiseptic, anesthetic, and temperature normalizing. It exhibits interferon-like activity, which is believed to account for its antiviral activity against herpes, influenza, canker sores, etc. (Planta Medica. 1978;33;89-102). Echinacea seems to work on several areas of the immune system; it increases white blood cell count, increases the rate of bacteria elimination, increases antibody formation, and has interferon-activity. Additionally, it stimulates T-cell activity, another important arm of the immune system, and has cortisone-like activity, which could account for some of its anti-inflammatory properties (A. Angew. Phytother. 1981;2:166-178; Keller H. Ger. 950,674, Oct. 11, 1956). Echinacea has compounds which have demonstrated potent inhibition of hyaluronidase, a component in snake venom that destroys the main substance of bone and connective tissue. This is why it is reputed to heal snakebites (Mayell. The Natural Health First Aid Guide. Pocket Books, NY, NY. 1994. p. 422). In fact, hyaluronic acid (HA) is the substance that occurs in the tissues between cells to "cement" them together, forming a very effective barrier against infection. There is now a theory that destruction of this protective barrier is one of the precursors to rheumatoid arthritis. There is an enzyme that attacks HA, and when it does, the HA quickly loses viscosity (like jello turning to water). If the enzyme is allowed to destroy the integrity of the HA barrier, pathogenic bacteria such as staph and strep penetrate the tissues and cause disease. A similar mechanism is thought to be involved in rheumatism and tumor formation and at the beginnings of malignancy. Echinacea has been shown to prevent the enzyme from dissolving HA. The herb acts to close down one of the major routes of bug-invasion, and inhibits the spread of infection that may have already occurred. It is possible that echinacea and HA combine together to form a complex that is resistant to enzyme invasion and that facilitates fibrous connective tissue regeneration. In addition, echinacea accelerates the production of tissue that is necessary for healing, and has a stimulating effect on the lymph system, increasing waste tissue carried away from areas of infection (David B. Mowry, PhD. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. 1986. Keats Publishing, New Canaan, Conn. p. 119).

Clinical Applications/Research

Immune-stimulating, antibacterial, antiviral, colds, influenza, fever, herpes, canker sores, infection, wound healing, antiseptic, anesthetic.

Suggested Dosage

Since echinacea does stimulate various arms of the immune system, it is controversial as to whether or not this would be disadvantageous in autoimmune diseases, where there is an abnormal immune response. However, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, and there does appear to be an indication for echinacea in that condition. Echinacea should not be taken continuously for extended periods of time; this is not because echinacea has toxicity, rather, it is believed (but not proven) that some immune cells may develop a tolerance to the sugar molecules in echinacea and reduce effectiveness.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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