Echinacea Angustifolia Root Supercritical Extract
Also known as: Echinacea angustifolia DC., Narrow-leaf coneflower, Echinacea root, Echinacea angustifolia
Overview
Echinacea angustifolia root supercritical extract is a concentrated botanical extract derived from the roots of the *Echinacea angustifolia* plant. It is produced using supercritical fluid extraction, a method that effectively preserves lipophilic bioactive compounds, particularly alkamides. This extract is primarily recognized for its role as an immune system modulator and is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. Its key characteristics include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which are attributed to its bioactive constituents like alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides. Research on *E. angustifolia* root extracts is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy in immune modulation and cold prevention, though study designs and extract types can vary.
Benefits
The primary benefit of *Echinacea angustifolia* root supercritical extract is its efficacy in reducing the incidence and duration of the common cold. A meta-analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials indicated that Echinacea supplementation decreased the odds of developing a cold by approximately 58% and shortened cold duration by about 1.4 days, demonstrating moderate efficacy in both prevention and treatment. Furthermore, a systematic review highlighted its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, showing statistically significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and modulation of IL-10 and IL-12p70 within 24 hours of administration. These cytokine reductions ranged from 24% to 39% relative to baseline. The extract supports balanced immune activation without overt immunosuppression. Benefits have been primarily observed in healthy adults, with limited data for children or immunocompromised individuals. The reduction in cold incidence is clinically meaningful, and cytokine modulation is observed rapidly.
How it works
The *Echinacea angustifolia* root supercritical extract exerts its effects primarily through its alkamide content, which interacts with cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). This interaction modulates immune cell activity and influences cytokine production. Specifically, the extract has been shown to decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, while also modulating anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10, thereby promoting a more balanced immune response. It may also enhance innate immune defenses, including the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, although direct evidence for this specific extract is still emerging. Supercritical extraction is crucial as it preserves these lipophilic compounds, enhancing their bioavailability compared to traditional aqueous extracts.
Side effects
Overall, *Echinacea angustifolia* root extracts are considered safe for short-term use in healthy adults. Common side effects, occurring in less than 5% of users, are rare and typically mild, including gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include a mild rash or headache. Rare side effects (less than 1%) involve more severe hypersensitivity reactions. While no significant drug interactions have been conclusively documented, caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants due to its immune-modulating properties. Contraindications include known allergies to *Echinacea* or related plants, and individuals with autoimmune disorders should avoid its use due to the theoretical risk of immune stimulation. Safety data for pregnant or lactating women and children are currently insufficient, warranting avoidance in these populations.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for immune modulation with *Echinacea angustifolia* root supercritical extract is not firmly established, but studies have utilized doses containing approximately 1 mg of alkamides per administration. Typical dosages in clinical trials range from a single daily dose of 10 mg of the lipophilic root extract to repeated doses throughout cold seasons. The maximum safe dose has not been well-defined, but clinical trials have not reported serious adverse events at the studied dosages. For cold prevention, daily dosing during periods of high risk (e.g., cold season) is recommended. For treatment, it should be initiated at the first signs of cold symptoms. The supercritical extract form is advantageous as it enhances the bioavailability of the lipophilic active compounds compared to traditional aqueous extracts.
FAQs
Is it effective for cold prevention?
Yes, meta-analyses indicate that *Echinacea* supplementation significantly reduces the incidence of common colds by approximately 58%.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Safety data primarily support short-term use in healthy adults; long-term safety and efficacy are less extensively studied.
When should it be taken?
For prevention, take daily during high-risk periods like cold season. For treatment, begin at the first onset of cold symptoms.
Are all Echinacea extracts the same?
No, *Echinacea angustifolia* root supercritical extracts, especially lipophilic ones, differ significantly in composition and effects from aerial or whole-plant extracts.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8320399/ – This systematic review, including a study on *E. angustifolia* root extract, found significant decreases in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and modulation of IL-10 within 24 hours post-single dose in healthy adults. The study suggests immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, though the sample size for the specific *E. angustifolia* study was small.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7106401/ – This meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving over 1000 participants concluded that Echinacea supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of common colds by 58% and shortened their duration by 1.4 days. Despite heterogeneity in extract types, the findings support Echinacea's efficacy in cold prevention and treatment.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Immunomodulation-with-echinacea-a-systematic-review-Melchart-Linde/28c5f600a212e5c026c221317915370d038a69d5 – This systematic review by Melchart & Linde (2006) assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of Echinacea in colds. It noted that while some studies showed positive results, methodological limitations and heterogeneity across studies meant that the effectiveness was not definitively established at the time, recommending cautious interpretation.