Echinacea is a plant known to Indians in North America and used for its many benefits, including immunostimulating action. The flower is immediately recognizable thanks to its long purple petals, very similar to daisies.
Three types of Echinacea are currently used:
- Echinacea angustifolia, the most used ;
- Echinacea pallida ;
- Echinacea purpurea
among them they differ in the color of the flowers and the appearance of the leaves.
What are its characteristics?
This small but precious flower is rich in:
- Antioxidants
- Polyphenols
- Glycoproteins with immunostimulating activity
- Essential oils
In particular:
- Echinacin B: polysaccharide complex with anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, and healing properties
- Echinacoside: polysaccharide molecule with an immunostimulating action
- Arabinogalactan: promotes the body's defense by inducing macrophages to engulf microorganisms
- Isobutylamide: has a photo-toxic action against fungi and has a fair anti-inflammatory activity
- Caffeic acid And chlorogenic acid: increase the protection of collagen against free radicals.
Why is it used?
Echinacea has antiviral and immunostimulating properties thanks to the presence of glycoproteins and alkylamides, but above all to the presence of polysaccharides. It therefore goes to stimulate and strengthen the body's immune defenses , reducing flu symptoms .
The products in which we can find echinacea are Echinocaps immuno and Echinostilla spray , an optimal combo for the arrival of autumn.