As a broad-spectrum immune modulator and immune booster, Echinacea Purpurea Extract has been widely valued by researchers. The most important immune active components include macromolecular components such as polysaccharides and glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives, and various alkylamides. These major immunologically active ingredients stimulate the body's immune system, thereby enhancing the body's resistance to viral and bacterial infections.
Immune Active Ingredients of Echinacea Purpurea
1. Polysaccharides and Glycoproteins
Polysaccharides and glycoproteins are important active components in Echinacea. The polysaccharides obtained from Echinacea are mainly xylose-glucan, inulin, xylan, and pectin-like polysaccharides. Among them, the highest content is inulin, which is mainly composed of 6 kinds of monosaccharides such as rhamnose, sorbose and xylose. So far, a number of studies have reported that the polysaccharides and glycoproteins in Echinacea have significant immunomodulatory effects. Echinacea polysaccharides and glycoproteins are very obvious immune enhancers.
2. Caffeic Acid Derivatives
Caffeic acid derivatives (CADs) are the main polar components in the active ingredients of Echinacea purpurea, which are metabolites of glutaric acid esters and cinnamate esters with caffeic acid as the basic active structural unit. So far, researchers have isolated and identified 18 CADs, including caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cichoric acid, isochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyl tartaric acid, echinacea, and artichoke acid, from Echinacea purpurea extract.
3. Alkylamide Compounds
Alkylamides are the most prevalent lipophilic compounds in the active ingredients of Echinacea purpurea, which are present in very low amounts in plants and are difficult to isolate. However, alkylamides can significantly increase the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index of alveolar macrophages, and the immunomodulatory effect is more pronounced in the lung than in the spleen.
Summary
Echinacea extract has now become a relatively safe "immune" herb. More and more studies are proving the immune-boosting effects of echinacea. Its effect is comparable to that of many traditional Chinese medicines for enhancing immunity in China, and its outstanding medicinal value has been gradually recognized.