By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
10 Medicinal Constituents Of Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea purpurea has active constituents such as alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and phenolic acids.
These constituents contribute to the plant's medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. The constituents may help improve lives by alleviating symptoms of the common cold, reducing inflammation, and protecting against infections, thereby enhancing overall health and well-being.
This can lead to improved quality of life and reduced recovery time from illness.
This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Echinacea purpurea.
1. Cichoric acid
Echinacea purpurea cichoric acid is a unique compound found in the plant's flowers and leaves.
It has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in herbal supplements and skincare products.
Cichoric acid has also been studied for its potential immune-boosting effects and may help to support overall health and well-being.
2. Alkylamides
Echinacea purpurea alkylamides is a class of compounds found in the herb's flowers and leaves.
These molecules have been shown to possess numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
Alkylamides are believed to contribute to Echinacea's traditional uses, such as supporting respiratory health and boosting immune function, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects on human health.
3. Polyphenols
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple conefflower, polyphenols is a class of bioactive compounds found in its leaves, flowers, and roots.
These polyphenolic compounds include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lignans, which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Echinacea's polyphenols have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory effects, modulating the body's response to infections and inflammation, making it a popular herbal remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
4. Flavonoids
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple conefflower, flavonoids is a type of plant-derived compound found in its flowers and leaves.
These flavonoids include quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
They are believed to contribute to the herb's potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress, and boosting the immune system.
5. Phenolic acids
Echinacea purpurea phenolic acids is a group of bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties.
These acids include caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.
They are believed to contribute to Echinacea's ability to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and protect against infections.
6. Chlorogenic acid
Echinacea purpurea chlorogenic acid is a phenolic compound found in the plant's aerial parts.
It has been extensively studied for its potential medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Chlorogenic acid has been shown to have inhibitory effects on various enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, and may play a role in protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
7. Quinic acid
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple conefflower, quinic acid is a type of organic compound that is naturally found in its leaves and flowers.
This acid has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to soothe and calm irritated tissues and cells.
Research suggests that quinic acid may also exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral activities, making it a valuable component of Echinacea's therapeutic effects.
8. Kaempferol
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple conefflower, kaempferol is a flavonoid compound extracted from the flowers and leaves of the plant.
This potent antioxidant has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties.
Kaempferol has been shown to exhibit strong activity against various pathogens and may help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage, making it a promising natural remedy for a range of applications.
9. Isoquercetin
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple conefflower, isoquercetin is a bioactive flavonoid compound extracted from its flowers.
It has been extensively studied for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in herbal supplements and traditional medicine. Isoquercetin is believed to provide immune system support, reduce the severity of colds and flu, and alleviate symptoms of allergies and sinusitis.
Its bioavailability and efficacy make it a valuable component in modern natural healthcare.
10. Echinacoside
Echinacea purpurea echinacoside is a bioactive compound isolated from the roots of this plant.
It has been shown to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects.
Echinacoside has also been found to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of respiratory and inflammatory diseases.