echinacea purpurea root extract

Echinacea purpurea root extract is a botanical preparation derived from the roots of the purple coneflower, a perennial herb native to North America. It is widely utilized as a dietary supplement and nutraceutical for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract's chemical profile is characterized by a concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids, most notably chicoric acid and caftaric acid, alongside alkylamides and polysaccharides. Its primary mechanism of action involves the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). While traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections like the common cold, recent research has explored its potential in managing intestinal inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ulcerative colitis. However, the bioactivity of the root extract is sensitive to gastrointestinal digestion, which can significantly reduce the bioaccessibility of its phenolic constituents compared to other parts of the plant.

Other names

Echinacea purpurea rootpurple coneflower root extract