Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Activities of Dried Extracts of Echinacea Purpurea

Abstract The use of Echinacea purpurea (EP), a plant native from North America, is widely diffused throughout the world, presenting many pharmacological applications, mainly for the treatment of infections of respiratory and urinary tracts. Due to the widespread commercialization of EP-based products, an effective evaluation of their pharmacological properties is essential to assure efficacy during clinical use. In this study, in vitro tests were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of dried extracts of EP by the microdilution method. In addition, a phagocytosis model was employed to assess the immunomodulatory potential of the extracts. The increase in reactive oxygen species production, as well as the intracellular proliferation rate of Cryptococcus gatti after phagocytosis by macrophages in the presence of EP dried extracts were also evaluated. The analyzed samples showed no significant antibacterial activity; however, a slight antifungal activity was verified. Positive effects of EP extracts on the modulation of cellular immune response were observed in different experiments, indicating that this mechanism may contribute to the control and treatment of infections.

Effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea extract on immune deficiency induced by azathioprine in male albino rats

This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea (E.P.) on azathioprine (AZA)-induced immune deficiency in albino rats. Thirty six male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. The first group served as normal control, the second and third groups were treated with two doses of AZA (3 and 5mg/kg/b.w/day IP), respectively for six weeks. The fourth group was treated with 50 mg kg/b.wt/day of Echinacea. The fifth and sixth groups were treated with3 and 5 mg AZAm respectively followed by50 mg E.P. administration. At the end of the experimental period, both doses of AZA revealed a significant reduction in total body and spleen weights, increase in tissue total protein with a significant increase in serum total protein and albumin, a marked decrease in the number of WBCS associated with a decrease in the number of lymphocytes, a significant decrease in serum total anti-oxidant capacity. Also,concentration of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and interleukins (IL4 &IL6) showed a significant increase, while the level of IL10 decreased significantly in splenic tissue. The dose of AZA (5 mg /kg b.wt.) only resulted in a highly significant increase in serum level of T3 and T4. However, treatment with Echinacea purpurea extract had a significant influence on immune deficiency induced by azathioprine. These findings demonstrated that E.P. extract is a promising immunomodulatory agent with a potent therapeutic value in stimulating the immune response.

Cichoric acid from extracted Echinacea purpurea induces the proliferation and apoptosis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from yaks

BACKGROUND: Cichoric acid (CA) is extracted from Echinacea purpurea. It is well known and widely used for its immunological function. However, the effect of CA on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from yaks is still unclear. This study investigated the potential influences of CA on the proliferation, cytokine induction, and apoptosis of PBMCs from Datong yak in vivo, and aimed to provide a basis for exploring the pharmacological activities of CA on yaks. RESULTS: In this study, CA promoted PBMCs proliferation by combining concanavalin A (Con A) and exhibited a dose-dependent effect as demonstrated by a Cell Counting Kit-8. The concentration of 60 µg/ml CA was the best and promoted the transformation from the G0/G1 phase to the S and G2/M phases with Con A. Furthermore, 60 µg/ml CA significantly increased IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ levels and PCNA, CDK4 and Bcl-2 expression levels, but it significantly inhibited the TP53, Bax, and Caspase-3 expression levels. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 6807 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the CA treatment and control groups. Of these genes, 3788 were significantly upregulated and 3019 were downregulated. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis revealed that DEGs were enriched in cell proliferation and immune function signaling pathways. The expression level of some transcription factors (BTB, Ras, RRM_1, and zf-C2H2) and genes (CCNF, CCND1, and CDK4) related to PBMCs proliferation in yaks were significantly promoted after CA treatment. By contrast, anti-proliferation-associated genes (TP53 and CDKN1A) were inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, CA could regulate the immune function of yaks by promoting proliferation and inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis of PBMCs.

Appraisal of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) extract on production performance, internal organs, and gut microflora of japanese quail / Avaliação do extrato de equinácea (Echinacea purpurea) no desempenho de produção, órgãos internos e microflora intestinal de codornas japonesas

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) extract at 5 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 mL L-1 of drinking water) on performance, internal organs and gut microflora of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). The results showed that EP extract decreased feed intake and body weight gain of quails. The feed conversion ratio of quails fed with EP extract at the level of 0.5 ml L-1 drinking water was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Adding EP extract at the levels of 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mL L-1 drinking water decreased carcass yield of the birds (p < 0.05). The relative weight of internal organs of the birds fed different levels of EP extract was not significantly different. Birds consumed EP extract at the levels of 1 or 2 mL L-1 drinking water had lower ileal aerobic bacteria population compared to the control group; however, the ileal Coliform population increased by EP extract supplementation (p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that using EP extract at the level of 0.5 mL L-1 drinking water could improve feed conversion ratio of quails; however, it decreased the carcass yield of the birds.

Um experimento foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos do extrato de Echinacea purpurea (EP) em 5 concentrações (0, 0,25, 0,5, 1 ou 2 mL L-1 de água potável) sobre o desempenho, órgãos internos e microflora intestinal de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Os resultados mostraram que o extrato diminuiu a ingestão alimentar e o ganho de peso corporal de codornas durante todo o período de estudo. A taxa de conversão alimentar de codornas alimentadas com extrato EP ao nível de 0,5 mL L-1 foi significativamente menor em relação ao grupo controle. A adição de extrato EP aos níveis de 0,25, 0,5 ou 1 mL L-1 diminuiu o rendimento de carcaça das aves (p < 0,05). O peso relativo dos órgãos internos das aves alimentadas com diferentes níveis de extrato EP não diferiu significativamente. As aves que consumiram o extrato EP nas concentrações de 1 ou 2 mL L-1 apresentaram uma menor população de bactérias aeróbicas no íleo em comparação com o grupo controle; no entanto, a população ideal de Coliform aumentou nas aves suplementadas com extrato EP (p < 0,05). Nossos resultados indicaram que o uso de extrato EP no nível de 0,5 mL L-1 de água potável melhora a taxa de conversão alimentar das codornas, no entanto, diminui o rendimento de carcaça dos animais.

Appraisal of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) extract on production performance, internal organs, and gut microflora of japanese quail / Avaliação do extrato de equinácea (Echinacea purpurea) no desempenho de produção, órgãos internos e microflora intestinal de codornas japonesas

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) extract at 5 levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 mL L-1 of drinking water) on performance, internal organs and gut microflora of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). The results showed that EP extract decreased feed intake and body weight gain of quails. The feed conversion ratio of quails fed with EP extract at the level of 0.5 ml L-1 drinking water was significantly decreased compared to the control group. Adding EP extract at the levels of 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mL L-1 drinking water decreased carcass yield of the birds (p < 0.05). The relative weight of internal organs of the birds fed different levels of EP extract was not significantly different. Birds consumed EP extract at the levels of 1 or 2 mL L-1 drinking water had lower ileal aerobic bacteria population compared to the control group; however, the ileal Coliform population increased by EP extract supplementation (p < 0.05). Results of the present study indicated that using EP extract at the level of 0.5 mL L-1 drinking water could improve feed conversion ratio of quails; however, it decreased the carcass yield of the birds.(AU)

Um experimento foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos do extrato de Echinacea purpurea (EP) em 5 concentrações (0, 0,25, 0,5, 1 ou 2 mL L-1 de água potável) sobre o desempenho, órgãos internos e microflora intestinal de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Os resultados mostraram que o extrato diminuiu a ingestão alimentar e o ganho de peso corporal de codornas durante todo o período de estudo. A taxa de conversão alimentar de codornas alimentadas com extrato EP ao nível de 0,5 mL L-1 foi significativamente menor em relação ao grupo controle. A adição de extrato EP aos níveis de 0,25, 0,5 ou 1 mL L-1 diminuiu o rendimento de carcaça das aves (p < 0,05). O peso relativo dos órgãos internos das aves alimentadas com diferentes níveis de extrato EP não diferiu significativamente. As aves que consumiram o extrato EP nas concentrações de 1 ou 2 mL L-1 apresentaram uma menor população de bactérias aeróbicas no íleo em comparação com o grupo controle; no entanto, a população ideal de Coliform aumentou nas aves suplementadas com extrato EP (p < 0,05). Nossos resultados indicaram que o uso de extrato EP no nível de 0,5 mL L-1 de água potável melhora a taxa de conversão alimentar das codornas, no entanto, diminui o rendimento de carcaça dos animais.(AU)

Molecular Phylogeny, Diversity, and Bioprospecting of Endophytic Fungi Associated with wild Ethnomedicinal North American Plant Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae).

The endophytic fungal community associated with the ethnomedicinal plant Echinacea purpurea was investigated as well as its potential for providing antifungal compounds against plant pathogenic fungi. A total of 233 endophytic fungal isolates were obtained and classified into 42 different taxa of 16 genera, of which Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum dematium, and Stagonosporopsis sp. 2 are the most frequent colonizers. The extracts of 29 endophytic fungi displayed activities against important phytopathogenic fungi. Eight antifungal extracts were selected for chemical analysis. Forty fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis. The compounds (-)-5-methylmellein and (-)-(3R)-8-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin were isolated from Biscogniauxia mediterraneaEPU38CA crude extract. (-)-5-Methylmellein showed weak activity against Phomopsis obscurans, P. viticola, and Fusarium oxysporum, and caused growth stimulation of C. fragariae, C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides, and Botrytis cinerea. (-)-(3R)-8-Hydroxy-6-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroisocoumarin appeared slightly more active in the microtiter environment than 5-methylmellein. Our results indicate that E. purpurea lives symbiotically with different endophytic fungi, which are able to produce bioactive fatty acids and aromatic compounds active against important phytopathogenic fungi. The detection of the different fatty acids and aromatic compounds produced by the endophytic community associated with wild E. purpurea suggests that it may have intrinsic mutualistic resistance against phytopathogen attacks in its natural environment.

Effects of extracts from Echinacea purpurea (L) MOENCH on mice infected with different strains of Toxoplasma gondii.

In recent years, due to the growing concern about recurrent epidemics by Toxoplasma gondii and other pathogens in Brazil, there has been an increase in the use of different preparations obtained from Echinacea purpurea in order to test their effectiveness against these infections. Although studies have suggested the beneficial effects of this species against the influenza virus, no data are available on the use of E. purpurea aqueous extract in T. gondii infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of its administration in Swiss mice submitted to acute and prolonged infection with different T. gondii strains. This study showed that E. purpurea extract induced a significant reduction in the number of tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver imprints from mice infected by the RH strain. Moreover, prolonged treatment significantly increased the number of brain cysts of animals infected with ME 49 strain. The results obtained in this study suggest that the crude extract obtained from E. purpurea has important protective activities against infection with different T. gondii strains.

Estudio del efecto inmunomodulador de la Equinácea purpúrea en pacientes con herpes labial recurrente / Imunomodulatory effects of Echinacea purpurea in patients with recurrent herpes labialis

Introducción: El Herpes Labial Recurrente supone una condición inmunológica alterada, tal como una hiperactividad de células T-reguladoras CD4+CD25+ (Treg). Éstas ejercen control sobre la tolerancia periférica y reducen el riesgo inmunopatológico, suprimiendo otras líneas celulares. Por ende, la supresión ejercida sobre la reacción inmune antiviral podría afectar negativamente el curso de la infección. Este contexto ha impulsado la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas inmunomoduladoras como la Equinácea purpúrea. Dada su propiedad inmunosupresora, se propone en el tratamiento del Herpes Labial Recurrente. Metodología: Estudio clínico prospectivo que analiza las subpoblaciones linfocitarias en 12 pacientes con Herpes Labial Recurrente, antes y después de recibir Equinácea purpúrea (30 gotas tres veces al día durante siete días).Resultados: En comparación con individuos sanos, los pacientes presentan una respuesta aumentada de células Treg. Esta condición se reduce significativamente tras recibir Equinácea purpúrea (515 + 145 y 432 + 113 cel/mm3 antes y después del tratamiento, respectivamente, p < 0,005). Conclusión: La hiperactividad de células Treg podría explicar el estado de inmunosupresión de estos pacientes y favorecería la persistencia viral. Se propone esta fitomedicina como una alternativa inmunoterapéutica beneficiosa.

Background: Recurrent Herpes Labialis patients may suffer from immunological alterations, such as CD4+CD25+Regulatory-T Cell (Treg) hyperactivity. These cells control peripheral tolerance and reduce immunopathology risk by suppressing other immunological cells. Hence, the Treg cell suppression on the antiviral immune reaction may perturb adversely the herpes infection outcome. This scenario has forced physicians to explore new immunomodulatory alternatives in Phytomedicine, such as Echinacea purpurea. Regarding the immunosuppressive property, it has been challenged to be employed in the Recurrent Herpes Labialis management. Methods: Clinical prospective study that analyzed lymphocytic subpopulation profile in twelve patients with Recurrent Herpes Labialis, before and after receiving E. purpurea (30 drops three times a day during seven days). Results: Comparing to healthy subjects, patients presented an enlarged Treg cell response. This condition became significantly reduced after receiving E. purpurea. (515 + 145 and 432 + 113 cel, before and after treatment respectively, p < 0.005). Conclusion: The intensified Treg cell activity may elucidate the immune suppression these patients undergo, aiding the viral persistence and survival. This proposes E. purpurea asa beneficial immunotherapeutic alternative.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae) aqueous extract on antibody response to Bothrops asper venom and immune cell response

The effect of aqueous extract of Echinacea purpurea roots on the murine antibody response to Bothrops asper snake venom in vivo was studied. Three groups were used. Group #1, baseline control, was treated with snake venom plus PBS. Group #2 was treated with snake venom plus sodium alginate as adjuvant (routine method used at Instituto Clodomiro Picado), and group #3 or experimental group, was treated with snake venom plus aqueous extract ofE. purpurea root as adjuvant. In all groups, the first inoculation was done with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). By the time of the second bleeding, mice in group #3 showed a remarkable increment in the level of anti-venom antibodies compared with those in groups #1 or #2. In vitro immune cell proliferation as a response to aqueous extract of E. purpurea root was studied using human lymphocytes activated with different lectins (Con A, PHA and PWM). In all cases, increase in percentage of lymphoproliferation was greater when E. purpurea root extract was used in addition to individual lectins.