Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmacodynamics:

General (See Studies listed in this section below):

Echinacea is thought to create activity in the immune system by stimulating T-cell production, phagocytosis, lymphocytic activity, cellular respiration, activity against tumor cells (though it’s application is debatable) and inhibiting hyalurinadase enzyme secretion.

In inhibiting hyalurinadase, one of the constituents that is thought to effect this activity is the polysaccharide, Echinacin B. .In one study, Caffeoyl conjugates, chicoric and caftaric acids demonstrated the greatest anti-hyaluronidase activity. The enzyme hyaluronidase is produced by some pathogens to penetrate tissues and cause infection. Anti-hyaluronidase action is involved in the regeneration of connective tissue destroyed through infection and the elimination of the pathogenic organism responsible.

Macrophages are said to initiate the destruction of pathogens and cancer cells. Pollysaccharides purified from Echinacea have been noted in some studies to activate macrophages independent of T-cells.

The anti-tumor activity often attributed to echinacea but as yet unproven, has been listed as attributable to the both Echinacin and an oncolytic lipid-soluble hydrocarbon in Echinacea’s essential oil.

Echinacea is said to have the ability to increase the level of phagocytosis by raising levels of white blood cells s.c. as the neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B-lymphocytes. It also has been reported have an effect on properidin levels, indication of an activation of the complement system.

Antibiotic qualities attributed to the echinacosides glycosides are thought to be immuno – stimulating and perhaps anti-viral. It should be noted that there is still debate occurring regarding the efficacy of the echinacosides (see Microbiology).

Published Studies:

Stimulate Phagocytosis and Cytokine Secretion/ Immunological Activity:

"Echinacea exhibits the ability to stimulate neutrophil phagocytosis and cytokine secretion by macrophages.Transient lymphopenia and changes in the CD4/CD8 ratio are considered the result of redistribution of lymphocytes to areas of infection in response to echinacea." ( Echinacea purpurea) ¹⁵

Acidic arabinogalactan was effective in activating macrophages to cytotoxicity against tumor cells and micro-organisms (Leishmania enriettii). It also induced macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1),and interferon-beta 2. Arabinogalactan did not activate B cells and did not induce T cells to produce interleukin-2, interferon-beta 2, or interferon-gamma, but it did induce a slight increase in T-cell proliferation. "When injected ip, this agent stimulated macrophages, a finding that may have therapeutic implications in the defense against tumors and infectious diseases. ( Echinacea purpurea)" ¹⁶

Echinacea purpura polysaccharides were tested for their ability to activate human phagocytes in vitro and in vivo. They enhanced the spontaneous motility of PMN under soft agar and increased the ability of these cells to kill staphylococci. Given IV to test subjects immediately induced a fall in the number of PMNs in the peripheral blood, indicating activation of adherence to endothelial cells. "This fall was followed by a leukocytosis due to an increase in the number of PMNs and a lesser increase of monocytes. The appearance of stab cells and some juvenile forms and even myelocytes indicated the migration of cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood." It was observed that these polysaccharides could induce acute phase reactions and activation of phagocytes in humans ¹⁷

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