Common names  |  Eastern purple coneflower, Hedgehog coneflower 

Scientific name  |  Echinacea purpurea
Used part  |  Root

Known active compounds  |  cichoric acid, polysaccharides
Potential benefits in cosmetics  |  anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-pruritus 

Product name  |  Echinacea P Root-ANB

 

Plant Story

Echinacea purpurea, commonly called eastern purple coneflower or hedgehog coneflower, is a perennial medicinal plant native to eastern North America. It is found in eastern, southeastern, and midwestern United States, as well as eastern Canada. It was traditionally used as a painkiller for toothaches, coughs, colds, and sore throats. Echinacea is widely used in modern herbal remedies and well-known for its ability to stimulate immune responses and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Phytochemical studies isolated and identified active compounds of E. purpurea including alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides. Cichoric acid, a caffeic acid derivative, is considered a major anti-oxidant compound in E. purpurea where both its roots and aerial parts contain high level of cichoric acid. Many biological activities are reported forE. purpurea including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. Emulsions containing E. purpurea root extract shows anti-pruritus by reducing erythema and dryness of skin when applied.