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Page 24
| echinacea constituent (Echinacein B) was found to be more effective than a common nonsteroidal anti-nflammatory for reducing edema and inflammation.18 The same researchers, in 1987, demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory activity in reducing edema and the infiltration into tissue of inflammatory cells using a polysaccharide fraction obtained from E. angustifolia.19 Again, in 1988, these researchers confirmed that several polysaccharide fractions obtained from E. angustifolia are at least partly responsible for the topical anti-inflammatory effects of echinacea preparations.20 Other German researchers have confirmed the wound healing effects of E. purpurea.21 Combination products which include echinacea have been used successfully to lessen the swelling and itching associated with mosquito bites.22 There is some direct evidence as to the potential efficacy of echinacea for the treatment of snakebite. Some of the caffeic acid derivatives contained in most species of echinacea have been shown to possess some anti-venom activity.23 Considering its documented pharmacological activities and widespread Native American use for snakebites, it is likely that echinacea would be an effective herb to include in a snakebite kit, although appropriate emergency care should be sought immediately. |
| Because of these effects, echinacea is commonly used externally in antiseptic washes, cosmetics, salves and ointments, and can be used for all of the conditions mentioned above as well as in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, trichomonas and herpes simplex.24,25 In addition to the positive effects on tissues using external echinacea applications, when used internally echinacea can help to increase tissue resis- |
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