echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia is a species of the Echinacea genus, commonly known as a medicinal herb in North America and one of the three primary Echinacea species used in herbal medicine, alongside Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida.[1][3] Traditionally, Native Americans used it to treat a variety of ailments including respiratory infections and snakebites, later becoming popular as a general immunostimulant, particularly for the prevention and treatment of the common cold and influenza.[3] Primary *active constituents* include cichoric acid, caftaric acid, polysaccharides (such as heteroxylan and arabinogalactan), and alkylamides.[1][3] Mechanistically, echinacea angustifolia is believed to *enhance immune function* by upregulating interleukin-2 and IL-8, downregulating TNF-alpha and IL-6, stimulating phagocytosis, activating macrophages and lymphocytes to secrete TNF and IL-1, and enhancing natural killer cell activity.[1][3] It may also exert anti-inflammatory effects and has shown potential antiviral and wound-healing activities in preclinical models.[1] Common usage forms include root and aerial part extracts, available as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and teas.[2][3] Clinical data on efficacy for respiratory infections are mixed; some studies show a modest reduction in severity or duration of symptoms, while others find no effect.[1][3] Echinacea angustifolia is not approved by the FDA as a medicinal drug but is widely used as a dietary supplement.[2]

Other names

echinaceablack sampsonKansas snakerootnarrow-leaved cone flower