Echinacea, a plant of the Asteraceae family native to North America, has long been a traditional herbal medicine used by Indians to treat various diseases.
Its medicinal history can be traced back hundreds of years. Echinacea polyphenols are a class of compounds with multiple biological activities extracted from the roots, stems, leaves or whole plants of Echinacea.
Echinacea polyphenols are mainly composed of ingredients such as caffeic acid derivatives, and these compounds have complex and diverse structures. It is widely used in many fields such as medicine, health products, and cosmetics.
As people pay more attention to health and natural products, the importance of Echinacea polyphenols has become increasingly prominent, and has gradually become the focus of common concern of scientific researchers and the industry. It is contributing to the improvement of human health and quality of life with its unique biological activity.
Understanding Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a perennial herb belonging to the Echinacea genus in the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, it thrives in warm, dry, and sunny environments.
Echinacea is remarkably resilient—tolerant of drought, poor soil, and cold—but it is sensitive to high humidity and over-fertilisation. In the wild, it often grows in open woodlands, prairies, and arid regions.
For optimal cultivation, Echinacea prefers deep, well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. These conditions promote strong root development and robust plant growth.
Originally indigenous to North America, Echinacea is considered one of the region’s signature botanical species. As awareness of its medicinal and ornamental value has spread, Echinacea is now cultivated worldwide.
In China, it is grown in several regions, including Northwest and Central China. Notably, a large-scale Echinacea cultivation base exists in Ta Miao Village, Zhuyu Town, Zhouzhi, Shaanxi Province.
Echinacea has a rich history in traditional medicine, dating back over 400 years. Indigenous tribes of the North American Great Plains used it as a natural remedy for conditions such as snake bites, coughs, and colds. In the late 18th century, British horticulturists introduced Echinacea to Europe, initiating its spread across the continent.
Germany began cultivating and studying Echinacea as early as 1930. Since then, the plant has been introduced to countries including Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Finland. Today, Echinacea is recognised as one of the top ten herbs in the global herbal medicine market.
Sensory Characteristics of Echinacea Polyphenols
Echinacea polyphenols typically appear as a fine brown powder. When touched, the powder feels soft and delicate. A closer sniff reveals a faint, distinctive botanical aroma, while a small taste on the tongue reveals a characteristic bitterness and astringency—hallmarks of plant-derived polyphenols.
Echinacea polyphenols are primarily extracted from the stems, leaves, and roots of Echinacea, a member of the Asteraceae family. Common extraction techniques include ethanol and water-based methods, in which plant material is combined with ethanol-water mixtures in defined ratios.
Extraction occurs under controlled conditions—such as specific temperature and time—to ensure that polyphenols dissolve efficiently into the solvent. The extract is then processed (e.g., via spray drying) into a stable, easy-to-use powder form.
A more advanced technique involves the response surface methodology (RSM), which offers greater precision. In this process, Echinacea stems are pretreated with microwaves, followed by ultrasonic ethanol extraction.
By optimizing variables such as ethanol concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, and extraction cycles, this method significantly improves polyphenol yield. Compared to traditional extraction, RSM provides enhanced efficiency and higher compound purity.
The bioactive compounds in Echinacea polyphenols are diverse, with caffeic acid derivatives being particularly prominent. These molecules share a caffeic acid backbone but vary through additional group attachments, giving them distinct biological functions.
Another major class of compounds is flavonoids, characterized by a unique C6–C3–C6 structure, where two benzene rings (A and B) are connected by a three-carbon chain.
This structure underpins their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making flavonoids valuable for health-related applications.
Chlorogenic acid, an ester formed from caffeic acid and quinic acid, is also a significant component. It plays an important role in plant physiology and has recognized benefits in human health, including antioxidant and metabolic effects.
Together, these compounds give Echinacea polyphenols a broad spectrum of biological activities, reinforcing their growing value in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and health product sectors.
The magical effects of Echinacea polyphenols
Immunomodulation
Echinacea polyphenols are like a powerful booster for the immune system, and have a significant stimulating effect on immune cells.
When the body is infected by a virus, T cells will quickly identify the infected cells and launch an attack to eliminate them, thereby preventing the further spread of the virus. Echinacea polyphenols enhance the activity of T cells, allowing T cells to function more quickly and effectively when facing pathogens.
In practical applications, Echinacea polyphenols have shown great potential in the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases.
This is because Echinacea polyphenols enhance the body’s immunity, allowing the immune system to better resist the invasion of influenza viruses, effectively contain the virus at the early stage of invasion, or quickly initiate an immune response after infection to reduce the damage caused by the virus to the body.
Echinacea polyphenols are also used to assist in the treatment of some diseases with low immune function, such as AIDS patients. Although AIDS cannot be completely cured at present, Echinacea polyphenols can enhance patients’ immunity to a certain extent, helping them better fight infection and improve their quality of life.
Antioxidant
The antioxidant principle of Echinacea polyphenols is based on its unique chemical structure and reaction characteristics. In our body, normal metabolic processes and external environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, chemical stimulation, etc., will produce a large number of free radicals.
Free radicals are like a group of extremely destructive “little monsters”. They are highly chemically reactive and will frantically attack various biological molecules in cells, including DNA, proteins and lipids.
Echinacea polyphenols are like a brave “guardian”. They can react with free radicals by providing hydrogen atoms or electrons, converting these dangerous free radicals into relatively stable molecules, thereby terminating the chain reaction of free radicals.
Certain components in Echinacea polyphenols, such as flavonoids, can quickly combine with hydroxyl free radicals and convert them into harmless substances such as water, thereby protecting cells from damage by hydroxyl free radicals. Echinacea polyphenols can also activate the body’s own antioxidant enzyme system.
Echinacea polyphenols can upregulate the gene expression of these antioxidant enzymes or enhance their enzyme activity, enabling them to work more efficiently and further enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity.
It is precisely because of the powerful antioxidant effect of Echinacea polyphenols that it plays an important role in delaying aging and preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.
In terms of preventing cardiovascular diseases, free radicals will oxidize low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to form oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Ox-LDL is easily phagocytosed by macrophages, leading to the formation of foam cells, which in turn causes atherosclerosis.
Echinacea polyphenols reduce the production of ox-LDL and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis through antioxidant effects. In terms of cancer prevention, although it cannot directly kill cancer cells, it can reduce the possibility of cell canceration by removing free radicals, reducing DNA damage and mutations.
Antibacterial and antiviral
Echinacea polyphenols have inhibitory effects on many common bacteria and viruses. In the season when influenza viruses are rampant, echinacea polyphenols can effectively inhibit the activity of influenza viruses and reduce their ability to infect human cells.
Echinacea polyphenols can also play a role in herpes viruses. Echinacea polyphenols can inhibit the replication of herpes viruses in cells, just like setting up many obstacles in the “production factory” of the virus, so that the virus cannot reproduce in large numbers, thereby alleviating the symptoms caused by herpes virus infection.
The antibacterial and antiviral mechanism of echinacea polyphenols is mainly reflected in many aspects. On the one hand, it can hinder the binding of viruses to cell surface receptors, which is a key step in viral infection of cells. On the other hand, echinacea polyphenols can also inhibit the activity of key enzymes in the growth of pathogens.
Other Benefits
Echinacea polyphenols also have significant anti-inflammatory effects. When the body is damaged or infected, an inflammatory response will be triggered, and symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and fever will appear at the site of inflammation.
Echinacea polyphenols can inhibit the production and release of inflammatory mediators. The caffeic acid derivatives in Echinacea polyphenols can inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
COX is the key enzyme for the synthesis of PGE₂, and LOX is involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes.
By inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, Echinacea polyphenols can reduce the production of inflammatory mediators such as PGE₂ and leukotrienes, thereby alleviating inflammatory symptoms.
In terms of promoting wound healing, Echinacea polyphenols also show potential application value. Studies have shown that Echinacea polyphenols can stimulate the growth of fibroblasts, which are very important cells in the wound healing process.
Fibroblasts can synthesize extracellular matrices such as collagen and promote wound contraction and healing. Echinacea polyphenols can also promote the synthesis of glucosaminidase, which plays an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the extracellular matrix and helps repair wounds.
Echinacea polyphenols also have a certain effect on improving gastrointestinal function. Echinacea polyphenols can regulate the microecological balance of the gastrointestinal tract, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and inhibit the reproduction of harmful bacteria.
It can also enhance the barrier function of the gastrointestinal mucosa and reduce the damage of harmful substances to the gastrointestinal mucosa, thereby helping to maintain the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
Application areas of Echinacea polyphenols
Pharmaceutical field
In the field of medicine, Echinacea polyphenols have shown their talents and are widely used in the research and development and production of various drugs. Echinacea polyphenols are often seen in cold medicines. With its powerful antiviral and immunomodulatory abilities, it has become a powerful weapon against cold viruses.
On the other hand, it activates the immune system, accelerates the proliferation and activity of immune cells, helps the body identify and eliminate viruses faster, thereby relieving symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, etc. caused by colds, shortens the course of the disease, and allows patients to recover as soon as possible.
Adding Echinacea polyphenols to anti-inflammatory drugs can play its excellent anti-inflammatory effect. It inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators, reduces symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain and fever at the site of inflammation, and prevents inflammation from causing further damage to body tissues and organs.
As an immunomodulator, the regulatory effect of Echinacea polyphenols on the immune system is of great significance in the field of medicine.
It can enhance the immune function of people with low immunity, such as the elderly, children and patients with chronic diseases, help them resist the invasion of pathogens and prevent the occurrence of diseases; for autoimmune diseases caused by overactive immune systems, Echinacea polyphenols can also play a certain inhibitory role, balance the immune system and alleviate the condition.
However, Echinacea polyphenols are not without side effects. When using medicines containing Echinacea polyphenols, be sure to follow the doctor’s advice and strictly control the dosage and duration of use.
Especially pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with severe liver and kidney diseases should use them with caution to avoid adverse effects on themselves and the fetus.
Health care products
In the field of health care products, Echinacea polyphenols are also very popular and have become the core ingredient of many health care products. Echinacea polyphenol health care products in the form of oral liquid are deeply loved by consumers for their convenience and rapid absorption.
During the season change and the high incidence of influenza, taking an appropriate amount of Echinacea polyphenol oral liquid every day can build a solid line of defense for the body and reduce the risk of influenza virus infection.
Capsules and tablets are also common dosage forms of Echinacea polyphenol health care products. They are easy to carry and store, and can be easily taken at home, at work or when traveling, meeting people’s health needs anytime and anywhere.
These health care products perform well in enhancing immunity. By activating immune cells, promoting the secretion of immune factors, improving the overall immune level of the human body, making the body more resistant, and effectively preventing common diseases such as colds and influenza.
With the continuous improvement of people’s health awareness and the growing demand for health care products, the market prospects of Echinacea polyphenol health care products are very broad.
More and more consumers are aware of the health benefits of Echinacea polyphenols and are willing to choose health products containing Echinacea polyphenols to maintain their own health.
This has also prompted the health care product industry to continuously increase its research and development and promotion of Echinacea polyphenol products.
Food and beverage sector
In the field of food and beverages, Echinacea polyphenols have been widely used due to their unique advantages. Adding Echinacea polyphenols to functional beverages gives the beverages more health value.
The antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea polyphenols enable functional beverages to not only replenish water and energy, but also help consumers enhance immunity, resist fatigue, and improve physical vitality.
In health foods, Echinacea polyphenols, as an important nutrient, add a unique selling point to the product. It enriches the nutritional composition of health foods, so that health foods can meet people’s pursuit of health while also improving taste and quality.
Echinacea polyphenols can also be used as food additives, playing multiple roles such as improving food quality, extending shelf life, and increasing nutritional value.
The antioxidant properties of Echinacea polyphenols can reduce the loss of nutrients in food during processing and storage, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, etc., increase the nutritional value of food, and allow consumers to enjoy more health benefits while enjoying delicious food.
Feed additives field
In the field of feed additives, Echinacea polyphenols have shown great potential and advantages. Adding Echinacea polyphenols to livestock and poultry feed can significantly improve the immunity of livestock and poultry.
In the breeding environment, livestock and poultry are vulnerable to various pathogens, and Echinacea polyphenols can stimulate the immune system of livestock and poultry, enhance the activity of immune cells, and improve the resistance of livestock and poultry themselves, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of diseases.
Echinacea polyphenols can also promote the growth and development of livestock and poultry. It regulates the metabolism of livestock and poultry, improves the utilization rate of feed, and enables livestock and poultry to better absorb the nutrients in feed, thereby promoting growth and increasing weight.
In aquaculture, Echinacea polyphenols also play an important role. It improves the immunity of aquatic animals and enhances their resistance to environmental changes and pathogens.
With people’s pursuit of green, safe and efficient breeding, Echinacea polyphenols, as a natural and green feed additive, has broad development prospects and is expected to be more widely used in animal husbandry and aquaculture.
Echinacea polyphenols are suitable for people
Core applicable population
1. People with low immunity
- People who are prone to colds/flu: By activating macrophages and promoting lymphocyte proliferation, the defence against viruses (such as influenza virus, herpes virus) is enhanced, and the course of colds is shortened (clinical data show that the healing process can be accelerated by 20%-30%).
- Patients in the postoperative/physical recovery period: Assist in improving immune function and reducing the risk of infection.
2. Patients with respiratory diseases
- Bronchitis/tonsillitis: A study of 1,280 cases of bronchitis in children showed that Echinacea extract relieved cough and sore throat symptoms faster than antibiotics (especially suitable for viral infections).
- Chronic rhinitis/pharyngitis: Anti-inflammatory properties can reduce mucosal edema and increased secretions.
3. People with skin problems
- Eczema/chronic ulcers: Inhibit bacteria (such as Staphylococcus) and fungi (such as Candida) and promote wound healing.
- Acne/dermatitis: Improve redness and swelling symptoms by reducing inflammatory factors (such as IL-6).
4. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection/pelvic inflammatory disease: Ingredients such as chicoric acid have the effect of inhibiting Escherichia coli and streptococci, and can assist in antibiotic treatment.
Special considerations
Usable but with caution
Children: The dose needs to be reduced (usually 1/3-1/2 of that for adults), and long-term use should be avoided.
People with allergies: It is recommended to test with a small dose before the first use to observe whether a rash or low-grade fever occurs.
Contraindications
People with autoimmune diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus, which may over-stimulate the immune response.
Pregnant and lactating women: Insufficient safety data, avoid use.
People allergic to Asteraceae plants: May cause cross-allergic reactions.
Research status and challenges
The research on Echinacea polyphenols is rapidly expanding, with several areas becoming prominent research hotspots. In terms of optimizing extraction processes, ongoing innovations are being explored by researchers.
To address these challenges, supercritical CO₂ extraction technology has garnered increasing attention. This method uses CO₂ in its supercritical state as an extractant, offering benefits such as high extraction efficiency, reduced extraction time, high product purity, and no solvent residues.
By precisely controlling parameters such as pressure and temperature, polyphenols can be more effectively separated from plant materials, enhancing both extraction efficiency and product quality.
In terms of mechanistic research, significant progress has been made in understanding the specific molecular mechanisms behind Echinacea polyphenols’ immune regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, Echinacea polyphenols have shown promising potential in new application developments. As consumer interest in health and beauty grows, there has been a surge in research exploring their use in the beauty and skincare industry.
However, several challenges remain in the research on Echinacea polyphenols. One pressing issue is the high cost of extraction. While supercritical CO₂ extraction offers numerous advantages, its high equipment and operational costs hinder its large-scale industrial application.
Some novel extraction methods are still in the experimental stage, and technical hurdles must be overcome to scale these processes from the lab to industrial production.
Another significant challenge is the lack of standardized quality control. Factors such as plant variety, growing conditions, and harvest season can affect the quality and content of Echinacea polyphenols.
The absence of a unified and comprehensive quality control standard has led to variability in product quality, which not only impacts consumer safety and efficacy but also limits the sustainable growth of the Echinacea polyphenol industry.
Looking ahead, the future of Echinacea polyphenol research and applications appears promising. In the realm of extraction technology innovation, researchers are focused on developing more efficient and eco-friendly methods.
Exploring new bio-enzyme extraction techniques could also enhance extraction rates while preserving the biological activity of polyphenols.
Further research on the mechanisms of Echinacea polyphenols will continue to deepen. Advanced molecular biology tools, including gene editing technologies, will be employed to elucidate the specific mechanisms behind their immune-regulating, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels.
In terms of expanding application areas, Echinacea polyphenols are poised to make a significant impact in various emerging fields. In precision medicine, personalized treatment plans incorporating Echinacea polyphenols will be tailored to individual genetic profiles and health conditions, providing more accurate and effective disease management.
In the beauty and skincare industry, Echinacea polyphenols, with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are expected to play a key role in developing new anti-ageing and skin barrier repair products as consumers increasingly demand natural and safe skincare options.
In pet healthcare, Echinacea polyphenols can be incorporated into pet food and health products to improve immunity, prevent common diseases, and address pet owners’ concerns about their pets’ health.
In the booming health and wellness industry, Echinacea polyphenols, as a natural ingredient with diverse biological activities, are positioned to play a crucial role.
They will be a driving force in the innovative development of the industry, offering consumers a wider array of higher-quality health products and services.
Conclusion
In the fields of medicine, health products, food and beverages, and feed additives, the application of Echinacea polyphenols not only enriches the types of products, but also improves the quality and efficacy of products.
It brings new ideas to pharmaceutical research and development, injects vitality into the health products market, adds health elements to the food and beverage industry, and provides green and safe feed additive options for animal husbandry and aquaculture.
Although the research and application of Echinacea polyphenols still face some challenges, with the continuous advancement of science and technology and the in-depth development of research, these problems are expected to be gradually solved.
I believe that in the near future, Echinacea polyphenols will play a greater role in more fields and bring more benefits to human health and life.
