Immune-modulation and Anti-infection Properties of the Phytomedicine Echinacea

Abstract

Extracts of

Echinacea species were used traditionally in North America for

the treatment of infections and wounds, and preparations derived from

Echinacea

purpurea

â€Âcytotoxic concentrations.

The immune modulation is manifest in two ways: as a stimulation of phagocytosis

and other functions in various types of immune cells, and as an antiinflammatory

agent in epithelial and other cells infected with proinflammatory

viruses and microbes. Studies of gene expression in infected

and uninfected cells have revealed that

Echinacea extracts can bring about

numerous changes in expression of cytokine, chemokine, and many other

immune

â€Ârelated genes. Thus Echinacea causes many alterations in signaling

pathways involved in control of various immunological functions, resulting in

control of the invading pathogen and amelioration of associated symptoms.