Echinacea purpurea
Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a resilient perennial herb celebrated for its therapeutic properties. Native to North American prairies, this vibrant flowering plant is widely utilized in herbal medicine to bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation, and help the body combat common respiratory infections naturally.
- Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified in the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific biological identity is defined by the genus Echinacea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Echinacea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Echinacea purpurea, is recognized by a variety of common names across different languages and cultures. In Poland, it is referred to as Jeżówka purpuraowa, while in Hungary, it is called bíbor kasvirág. Japanese speakers identify it as ムラサキバレンギク, whereas in the Netherlands, it is commonly known as rode zonnehoed. Additionally, in Sweden, the plant is known as Röd solhatt.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Jeżówka purpurowa | Wikidata |
| hu | bíbor kasvirág | Wikidata |
| ja | ムラサキバレンギク | Wikidata |
| nl | rode zonnehoed | Wikidata |
| sv | Röd solhatt | Wikidata |
| ar | قنفذية أرجوانية | Wikidata |
| ru | Эхинацея пурпурная | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Ehinacea | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Ехинацеа | Wikidata |
| fi | kaunopunahattu | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Echinacea purpurea, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several European regions. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing in countries such as Austria, Germany, and Poland. Its presence extends into Southwestern Europe, where it is documented in France. Additionally, the species reaches into Eastern Europe, specifically within the Baltic States. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit various European landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Baltic States | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Tadzhikistan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as purple coneflower, possesses several distinct morphological features that are utilized in traditional medicine. The most frequently used medicinal component is the roots, specifically the sturdy, underground root system which is known for its concentrated bioactive compounds. Above the ground, the plant features elongated, fibrous stems/leaves that support the structure of the herb. The broad, green leaves are often studied for their chemical properties, while the striking, cone-shaped flowers provide the plant's most recognizable aesthetic.- Total parts
- 36
- Scientific sources
- 71
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| leaves | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| root | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flowers | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| stem/leaves | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| stems | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root extracts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Echinacea purpurea has 94 reported phytochemicals identified across 184 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cichoric acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, caftaric acid, echinacoside.
- Total chemicals
- 94
- Scientific sources
- 184
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cichoric acid | 17 | ★★★★★ |
| chicoric acid | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| chlorogenic acid | 12 | ★★★★★ |
| caftaric acid | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| echinacoside | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| flavonoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| cynarin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| glycoproteins | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| germacrene D | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Echinacea purpurea has 15 reported activities identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Immunostimulant, Antimicrobial, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 34
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Immunostimulant | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Adaptogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antianxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Echinacea purpurea has 91 reported medicinal uses identified across 142 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include common cold, upper respiratory tract infections, inflammation, infections, respiratory infections.
- Total uses
- 91
- Scientific sources
- 142
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| common cold | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| upper respiratory tract infections | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| infections | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| respiratory infections | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| upper respiratory infections | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cough | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| insulin resistance | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |