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| various skin conditions. A database review of some of these studies outlines the following chronology. In 1953, it was observed that echinacea could cause infection from streptococcus to remain localized rather than spreading. This action was attributed to echinacea's ability to inhibit hyaluronidase and increase fibroblasts. In 1954, German researchers used injectable preparations of echinacea fractions in conjunction with conventional topical treatments for psoriasis. When used with echinacea, the incidence of psoriasis reoccurring was reduced as compared to conventional therapy alone. In 1976, other German researchers observed that echinacea produced a rapid and complete restoration of skin tissue in bacterial skin infections in humans. In 1978, a study involving 4,598 German patients with skin conditions was conducted. The ointment contained the juice extracted from the fresh flowering heads of E. purpurea. Over 500 physicians were responsible for reporting the findings. The author of the study concluded that the ointment was highly effective for several types of wounds, burns, eczema, inflammatory skin conditions, herpes simplex and varicose ulcers. In 1979, a study involving 109 patients with burns, minor skin injuries and leg ulcers reaffirmed the anti-inflammatory activity and wound-healing properties of a topical application of echinacea. The most impressive results were observed in the application of echinacea preparations to abrasions. Complete healing without complications was achieved in 87 percent of cases. First-degree burns and minor injuries were observed to heal quickly.17 |
| In 1985, Italian researchers began looking at the anti-inflammatory effects of topical echinacea applications. One such preparation made up of a specific |
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