ECHNACEA

 ECHNACEA

Synonyms

Black Sampson, Cone flower purple, Cone flower Brauneria.

Biological Source
Echinaceae consists of dried underground parts of Echinacea purpurea or E. augustifolia at E. pallida collected when the plant is in full bloom family - Asteraceae (Compositae)

Geographical Source
It is a perennial herb of South Western and Central parts of the United States of America especially Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. It is also found in Canada.

Macroscopic Character

Colour             :  Pale brown to yellowish brown
Taste                 : Right in the beginning sweet followed by bitterness with a tingling effect on
                             the tongue.
Odour             : Aromatic (mild)
Size                : Rhizomes 15 mm in diameter
Roots              : 5 - 10 mm in diameter
Shape              : Roots are cylindrical slightly tapering spirally twisted.
Extra Features : Rhizomes are crowned with the attachment of aerial stems, show
annulations at times. While roots are wrinkled longitudinally and deeply
furrowed, fracture is short and pliable. Microscopic Characters

Chemical Constituen

Echinacea species contain various types of phytochemicals, among which the polysaccharides present in cell wall) namely Arabinogalactan and two fucogalactoxyloglucans have been found to be mainly involved in immunostimulant activities. The other constituents are echinacoside (caffeic acid glycoside), high molecular weight polysaccharide called echinacin, polyacetylene, tussilagine and isotussilagine (both pyrrolizidine alkaloids), etc.



Uses

Echinacea is used as immunostimulant, mainly for prevention or in the treatment of viral infections causing colds and flu. It also acts as antiseptic and peripheral vasodilator.



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