€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****ARZNEIMITTEL-FORSCHUNG***** Mengs U Clare CB Poiley JA Toxicity of Echinacea purpurea. Acute, subacute and genotoxicity studies. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1991 Oct) 41(10):1076-81 ISSN: 0004-4172 Single oral or intravenous doses of the expressed juice of Echinacea purpurea (EP) proved virtually non-toxic to rats and mice. After 4 weeks of oral administration in doses amounting to many times the human therapeutic dose laboratory tests and necropsy findings gave no evidence of any toxic effects in rats. Tests for mutagenicity carried out in microorganisms and mammalian cells in vitro and in mice all gave negative results. In an in vitro carcinogenicity study EP did not produce malignant transformation in hamster embryo cells. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Wagner H Jurcic K [Immunologic studies of plant combination preparations. In-vitro and in-vivo studies on the stimulation of phagocytosis] Immunologische Untersuchungen von pflanzlichen Kombinationspraparaten. In-vitro- und In-vivo-Studien zur Stimulierung der Phagozytosefahigkeit. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1991 Oct) 41(10):1072-6 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) The activity of phagocytosis was tested in the in vitro granulocyte test and the in vivo carbon-clearance-test in the mouse for an extract combination consisting of four plant extracts (Echinacea angustifolia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Baptisia tinctoria and Arnica montana). In both immune models, a step by step stimulation of the activity of phagocytosis by the addition of the four plant extracts was shown with an increase in effectiveness of partially over 50% in comparison to the pure Echinacea angustifolia mono-extract. The extract combination showed also in both test models a higher efficiency than two other differently composed combination preparations and two Echinacea mono-preparations. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Schumacher A Friedberg KD [The effect of Echinacea angustifolia on non-specific cellular immunity in the mouse] Untersuchungen zur Wirkung von Echinacea angustifolia auf die unspezifische zellulare Immunantwort der Maus. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1991 Feb) 41(2):141-7 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) Echinacea belongs to the most usable plants in medical treatment since many years. It is applicable in the fields of homoepathy and allopathy, however, there are many different ways of treatment. Two species are listed in the European Pharmacopoea: Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. They differ in morphology and their chemical composition. There have been chemical and biological analyses of Echinacea for about 80 years. After exact investigations of these reports, the following result were found: Most chemical analyses were done with Echinacea angustifolia, especially the older ones, whereas biological activity was tested with Echinacea purpurea. In almost all of these experiments, proprietaries were preferred to use in contrast to any plant extracts. Most of the reports, which declared the stimulating biological activity of Echinacea could not resist any critical opinion. So the frequency of medical application of this drug is mainly due to delivered practical knowledge. The experiments described in this study were practised with a water- soluble plant extract of Echinacea angustifolia. Echinacosid one of its low-molecular compounds and proprietaries which contains this plant. Their influence on the unspecified cellular immunity of the mouse after intraperitoneal, intravenous or peroral application was investigated. Under various conditions no effects on the immuno system could be found using the carbon clearance test. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Gaisbauer M Schleich T Stickl HA Wilczek I [The effect of Echinacea purpurea Moench on phagocytosis in granulocytes measured by chemiluminescence] Untersuchungen zum Einfluss von Echinacea purpurea Moench auf die Phagozytose von Granulozyten mittels Messung der Chemilumineszenz. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1990 May) 40(5):594-8 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) Chemiluminescence was used as an indicator for phagocytic activity of granulocytes induced by zymosan in whole blood. Luminol was used to amplify the luminescence measured. Methods and conditions of the trial were varied and the dependence on the methods applied became evident. The effects of echinacea-extract (Echinacin) and phorbolester (PMA) in various concentrations on phagocytic activity of whole blood heparinized with 10 I.E./ml heparin as well as on phagocytic activity of erytrocytolized blood were investigated. The reaction of the granulocytes--phagocytis and therefore chemilumenescence--under the influence of echinacea extract depends on the doses and methods applied. Therefore standardized methods and investigations of various immunoparameters as well as clinical investigations are necessary to prove the immunostimulative effect of socalled immunotherapeutics. This has not been undertaken up to now. Dose and method dependent single results cannot be a convincing justification for specific therapeutic medication. Registry Numbers: 16561-29-8 (Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Bauer VR Jurcic K Puhlmann J Wagner H [Immunologic in vivo and in vitro studies on Echinacea extracts] Immunologische In-vivo- und In-vitro-Untersuchungen mit Echinacea- Extrakten. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1988 Feb) 38(2):276-81 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) Ethanolic extracts of Echinacea purpurea, E. pallida and E. angustifolia roots were examined for immunological activity in the carbon clearance test with mice and in the granulocyte test. In the in vivo experiment all extracts, administered orally, were found to enhance phagocytosis significantly. These results correlate with the stimulation of phagocytosis in the in vitro granulocyte test. The lipophilic fractions of the extracts appeared to be more active than the polar fractions. All extracts were analyzed by HPLC in order to correlate the chemical constituents with the immunological activities. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Vestweber AM Beuth J Ko HL Tunggal L Buss G Pulverer G [In vitro activity of Mercurius cyanatus complex against relevant pathogenic bacterial isolates] In-vitro-Aktivitat von Mercurius cyanatus-Komplex gegenuber relevanten pathogenen Bakterienisolaten. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1995 Sep) 45(9):1018-20 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) The antimicrobial activity of mercurius cyanatus complex (Oligoplex) and its components Mercurius cyanatus D5, Echinacea angustifolia D1, Ailanthus glandulosa D3, Ammonium bromatum D3, Baptisia tinctoria D3, Euspongia officinalis D2, alcohol 5% (dilution: D1 = 1: 10, D2 = 1 : 100 etc.) was tested in vitro by serial dilution tests against 105 clinical isolates (grampositive/negative, aerobes and anaerobes with relevance for pharyngitis). The bactericidal activity was compared with that of vancomycin when appropriate. One component of the composition (Mercurius cyanatus) exerted a considerable bactericidal activity against S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, E. faecalis in serial dilutions of the clinical relevant concentration D5. However, growth of H. influenzae, Bacteriodes sp. and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was not inhibited by Mercurius cyanatus and any other component of the composition. The composition, however, exerted a bactericidal range similar to that of Mercurius cyanatus, but less efficient. Analysis of the bactericidal effect of Mercurius cyanatus and vancomycin revealed comparability for S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus and E. faecalis for vancomycin concentrations of 0.063-2 mg/l, which are clinically relevant. Registry Numbers: 1404-90-6 (Vancomycin) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Wildfeuer A Mayerhofer D [The effects of plant preparations on cellular functions in body defense] Untersuchung des Einflusses von Phytopraparaten auf zellulare Funktionen der korpereigenen Abwehr. In: Arzneimittelforschung (1994 Mar) 44(3):361-6 ISSN: 0004-4172 (Published in German) Two preparations of Echinacea purpurea and a preparation of Eleutherococcus senticosus increased the in vitro phagocytosis of Candida albicans by granulocytes and monocytes from healthy donors by 30-45%. The chemotactic migration of granulocytes in the Boyden Chamber was increased by 45% with an Echinacea purpurea extract. The two herbal preparations had no effect in either direction on intracellular killing of bacteria or yeasts. Echinacea and Eleutherococcus preparations did not induce in vitro transformation of lymphocytes. The mistel toe preparation examined (Viscum album) did not influence the tested functions of granulocytes, monocytes or lymphocytes of healthy donors. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****BERLINER UND MUNCHENER TIERARZTLICHE WOCHENSCHRIFT***** Schutte A [Is research in veterinary homeopathy justified? Thoughts concerning principles and synopsis of 5 years of research on the subject, "Use of homeopathy in domestic animals," at the branch of the Free University of Berlin in Schwarzenbek] Ist Forschung in der Veterinarhomoopathie gerechtfertigt? Grundsatzgedanken und eine Zusammenschau uber 5 Jahre Forschung zum Thema "Anwendung der Homoopathie bei Nutztieren" an der Aussenstelle der Freien Universitat Berlin in Schwarzenbek. In: Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr (1994 Jul) 107(7):229-36 ISSN: 0005-9366 (Published in German) Supported by the Karl- and Veronica-Carstens-Stiftung and Deutsche Homoopathische Union (DHU) in summer '87 a project dealing with homoeopathic treatment of domestic animals was initialized at the field station of the Freie Universitat Berlin in Schwarzenbek. After a period of five years the studies have been completed in summer '92 and the following results were achieved: 1) Homoeopathic drugs (considering the similarity) are suitable to reduce the morbidity rate of newly housed fattening pigs effectively by metaphylactic treatments. 2) The efficiency of the combination Lachesis, Pyrogenium, Echinacea and Chlorophyll (Laseptal) for curing respiratory infections is comparable to the one of Oxytetrazycline and the combination of Sulfadimidin and Trimethoprim. 3) A significant therapeutical effect was achieved by homoeopathic treatment in dairy herds so that the use of allopathic drugs can be reduced considerably. 4) Homoeopathic drugs, including nosodes, show hardly or do not at all show a positive influence on chronic mastitis in cows, especially increased cell counts combined with latent infections of pathogenic micro-organisms. 5) Drying off cows with Phytolacca D1 only does not reduce the milk quantity or prevent the occurrence of mastitis during the non-lactating period. 6) The combination Sabina, Pulsatilla, Lachesis and Pyrogenium (proposed to improve the puerperal period after placental retention) compared with standard allopathic treatment is not suitable to improve the puerperal period or fertility after retention of placenta.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****CESKOSLOVENSKA FARMACIE***** Bukovsky M Kostalova D Magnusova R Vaverkova S [Testing for immunomodulating effects of ethanol-water extracts of the above-ground parts of the plants Echinaceae (Moench) and Rudbeckia L.] Testovanie imunomodulacnych ucinkov etanolovo-vodnych extraktov z nadzemnych casti rastlin rodu Echinacea Moench a Rudbeckia L. In: Cesk Farm (1993 Oct) 42(5):228-31 ISSN: 0009-0530 (Published in Slovak) Ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of the plants Echinacea angustifolia DC, Echinacea purpurea L. (Moench), Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii, Boyton et Beadle, and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth show immunomodulating activity. The mice were treated in vivo for 5 days and the activity was tested for and observed on day 7. An immunostimulatory effect was observed on the phagocytic, metabolic and bactericidal activities of peritoneal macrophages. The ethanolic extracts of both Echinacea plants also increased the total weight of the spleens as compared to the effect of the Rudbeckia plants and the control group which received saline. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Bukovsky M Vaverkova S Kostalova D Magnusova R [Immunomodulating activity of ethanol-water extracts of the roots of Echinacea gloriosa L., Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth tested on the immune system in C57BL6 inbred mice] Imunomodulacna aktivita etanolovo-vodnych extraktov z korennov Echinacea gloriosa L., Echinacea angustifolia DC. a Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth testovana na imunitnom systeme inbrednych mysi C57BL6. In: Cesk Farm (1993 Aug) 42(4):184-7 ISSN: 0009-0530 (Published in Slovak) The ethanolic extract from the roots Echinacea gloriosa L. (Moench), Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth shows immunomodulating activity. It was seen on the seventh day after five days of in vivo treatment of mice. The most marked immunostimulatory effect was observed on the lysosomal and peroxidal activity of peritoneal macrophages, and splenic cells after in vivo treatment with the ethanolic extract of the roots of R. speciosa Wenderoth. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****FARMACO***** Facino RM; Carini M; Aldini G; Marinello C; Arlandini E; Franzoi L; Colombo M; Pietta P Mauri P Direct characterization of caffeoyl esters with antihyaluronidase activity in crude extracts from Echinacea angustifolia roots by fast atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry. In: Farmaco (1993 Oct) 48(10):1447-61 ISSN: 0014-827X Fast atom bombardment (FAB-MS) and fast atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry (FAB-MS/MS) techniques (negative ions) have been successfully applied for identification of the constituents responsible for the antihyaluronidase activity of Echinacea angustifolia roots, whose extracts are widely employed for the adjuvant therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases. Crude extracts from different solvents were tested for antihyaluronidase activity, and those with the greatest inhibitory action (the ethylacetate, butylacetate and chloroform fractions, IC50 0.44, 0.50 e 0.62 mg/ml) were directly analyzed by MS. Full scan mass spectra produced intense molecular anions: collisional activation of these resulted in tandem mass spectra rich in significant product ions. Four main caffeoyl conjugates were detected and identified by tandem mass spectrometry (daughter and parent ion mode): 2,3-O-dicaffeoyltartaric acid (chicoric acid) and 5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (cynarine) and 2-O- caffeoyltartaric acid (caffaric acid) in the ethylacetate fraction. Among these caffeoyl conjugates, chicoric and caftaric acids had the greatest antihyaluronidase activity: IC50 = 0.42 and 0.61 mM, while the IC50 of cynarine and chlorogenic acid were 1.85 and 2.25 mM. Registry Numbers: EC 3.2.1.35 (Hyaluronidase) 123-86-4 (butyl acetate) 141-78-6 (ethyl acetate) 67-66-3 (Chloroform) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY***** See DM Broumand N Sahl L Tilles JG In vitro effects of echinacea and ginseng on natural killer and antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity in healthy subjects and chronic fatigue syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. In: Immunopharmacology (1997 Jan) 35(3):229-35 ISSN: 0162-3109 Extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Panax ginseng were evaluated for their capacity to stimulate cellular immune function by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal individuals and patients with either the chronic fatigue syndrome or the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. PBMC isolated on a Ficoll-hypaque density gradient were tested in the presence or absence of varying concentrations of each extract for natural killer (NK) cell activity versus K562 cells and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against human herpesvirus 6 infected H9 cells. Both echinacea and ginseng, at concentrations > or = 0.1 or 10 micrograms/kg, respectively, significantly enhanced NK-function of all groups. Similarly, the addition of either herb significantly increased ADCC of PBMC from all subject groups. Thus, extracts of Echinacea purpurea and Panax ginseng enhance cellular immune function of PBMC both from normal individuals and patients with depressed cellular immunity. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIDS***** Domio M Sparking the decision of choice between HIV treatment regimens: Western vs. naturo- and homeopathic medicine. In: Int Conf AIDS (1996 Jul 7-12) 11(2):424 (abstract no. Th.D.5121) Issue: After the death of my son to AIDS-related PCP and meningitis, I was faced with what treatment to choose for myself. From 1990-92, I monitored my son's regimen closely; it failed in all aspects. I learned the hard way, from the disappointing results of treating my son with Western medicine, that for me, this was not the path to follow. Rather, to explore a new path. Project: While attending a local HIV clinic for monitoring of T-cells and routine tests, I was offered to begin Western regimens for HIV infection (i.e., AZT and aerosolized pentamidine). Prior to the clinic, a girlfriend skilled in naturo- and homeopathic medicine educated me on the use of natural elements for treatment of my infection. According to the physician, my T-cell count was 198; it was 3 months after my son's death. In the doctor's opinion, should I not opt for "their" regimen I would be dead by my next appointment, which was in 2 weeks. Insulted and outraged by his ignorance and insensitivity, I left the clinic with the desire to follow the path my friend had prescribed. For the next 2 weeks I would ingest, in a variety of ways: Goldenseal, Damiana, Kelp, Echinacea, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, and Chaparral* (since withdrawn by the FDA)*. Results: I returned to the clinic for my scheduled appointment and another T-cell count. My count had increased from 198 to 219 in 2 weeks. The physician still offered no support, so I never returned for further care. This was 3 years ago. Lessons Learned: I have learned a great deal on the benefits and power of herbal medicine, and have since incorporated an array of herbs into my personal regimen, including barks from the Central American rainforest. Reluctantly, I learned how Western medicine did not benefit my son, and that I should have followed my first mind regardless of my lack of scientific knowledge. I understand that "no" is not an acceptable answer when I believe one exists: and that a spiritual foundation should supersede any treatment regimen I choose. As a result, I have grown to place my faith in God, than in man. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY***** Roesler J Emmendorffer A Steinmuller C Luettig B Wagner H Lohmann-Matthes ML Application of purified polysaccharides from cell cultures of the plant Echinacea purpurea to test subjects mediates activation of the phagocyte system. In: Int J Immunopharmacol (1991) 13(7):931-41 ISSN: 0192-0561 Polysaccharides purified from large-scale cell cultures of the plant Echinacea purpurea were tested for their ability to activate human phagocytes in vitro and in vivo. These substances enhanced the spontaneous motility of PMN under soft agar and increased the ability of these cells to kill staphylococci. Monocytes were activated to secrete TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 whereas class II expression was unaffected. Intravenous application of the polysaccharides to test subjects immediately induced a fall in the number of PMN in the peripheral blood, indicating activation of adherence to endothelial cells. This fall was followed by a leukocytosis due to an increase in the number of PMN and a lesser increase of monocytes. The appearance of stab cells and some juvenile forms and even myelocytes indicated the migration of cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood. The acute phase C-reactive protein (CRP) was induced, probably due to activation of monocytes and macrophages to produce IL-6. In addition a moderate acceleration of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed. Altogether, as in mice, the polysaccharides could induce acute phase reactions and activation of phagocytes in humans. The possibility of clinical use is discussed. Registry Numbers: 9007-41-4 (C-Reactive Protein) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Roesler J Steinmuller C Kiderlen A Emmendorffer A Wagner H Lohmann-Matthes ML Application of purified polysaccharides from cell cultures of the plant Echinacea purpurea to mice mediates protection against systemic infections with Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans. In: Int J Immunopharmacol (1991) 13(1):27-37 ISSN: 0192-0561 Purified polysaccharides from cell cultures of the plant Echinacea purpurea were investigated for their ability to enhance phagocytes' activities regarding nonspecific immunity in vitro and in vivo. Macrophages (M phi) from different organ origin could be activated to produce IL-1, TNF alpha and IL-6, to produce elevated amounts of reactive oxygen intermediates and to inhibit growth of Candida albicans in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo the substances could induce increased proliferation of phagocytes in spleen and bone marrow and migration of granulocytes to the peripheral blood. These effects indeed resulted in excellent protection of mice against the consequences of lethal infections with one predominantly M phi dependent and one predominantly granulocyte dependent pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes and C. albicans, respectively. Specific immune responses to sheep red blood cells (antibody production) and to listeria (DTH) were not affected by the polysaccharides. The possibility of clinical use is discussed. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Steinmuller C Roesler J Grottrup E Franke G Wagner H Lohmann-Matthes ML Polysaccharides isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea enhance the resistance of immunosuppressed mice against systemic infections with Candida albicans and Listeria monocytogenes. In: Int J Immunopharmacol (1993 Jul) 15(5):605-14 ISSN: 0192-0561 Polysaccharides (EP) isolated from large scale plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea, have been shown to activate human and murine phagocytes. In this study we investigated the influence of EP on the nonspecific immunity in immunodeficient mice. EP was effective in activating peritoneal macrophages isolated from animals after administration of cyclophosphamide (CP) or cyclosporin A (CsA). EP- treated macrophages exhibited increased production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor target WEHI 164 as well as against the intracellular parasite Leishmania enrietti. After a CP-mediated reduction of leukocytes in the peripheral blood, the polysaccharides induced an earlier influx of neutrophil granulocytes as compared to PBS-treated controls. EP treatment of mice, immunosuppressed with CP or CsA, restored their resistance against lethal infections with the predominantly macrophage-dependent pathogen Listeria monocytogenes and predominantly granulocyte-dependent Candida albicans. Further, the effects of EP in allogeneic bone marrow chimeric mice are discussed. These findings may have therapeutical implications in prophylactic treatment of opportunistic infections. Registry Numbers: 50-18-0 (Cyclophosphamide) 59865-13-3 (Cyclosporine) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS***** Elsasser-Beile U Willenbacher W Bartsch HH Gallati H Schulte Monting J von Kleist S Cytokine production in leukocyte cultures during therapy with Echinacea extract. In: J Clin Lab Anal (1996) 10(6):441-5 ISSN: 0887-8013 We measured the levels of the cytokines IL-1-alpha, IL-1-beta, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma in culture supernatants of stimulated whole blood cells derived from 23 tumor patients undergoing a 4-week oral treatment with a spagyric extract from Echinacea angustifolia, Eupatorium perfoliatum, and Thuja occidentalis (Echinacea complex). All patients had had curative surgery for a localized solid malignant tumor. Blood was taken before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy. Twelve untreated tumor patients at the same clinical stage, also after curative surgery, served as a control group. In the blood cell cultures of all patients, a rather wide range of cytokine levels was found. After therapy with Echinacea complex, no significant alteration in the production of the cytokines could be seen in comparison to the controls, and also the leukocyte populations remained constant. We conclude that at this application and dosage, the therapy with Echinacea complex has no detectable effect on tumor patients' lymphocytes activity as measured by their cytokine production. Registry Numbers: 82115-62-6 (Interferon Type II) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE***** Luettig B Steinmuller C Gifford GE Wagner H Lohmann-Matthes ML Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. In: J Natl Cancer Inst (1989 May 3) 81(9):669-75 ISSN: 0027-8874 In this study, acidic arabinogalactan, a highly purified polysaccharide from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea, with a molecular weight of 75,000, was effective in activating macrophages to cytotoxicity against tumor cells and micro-organisms (Leishmania enriettii). Furthermore, this polysaccharide induced macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon-beta 2. Arabinogalactan did not activate B cells and did not induce T cells to produce interleukin-2, interferon-beta 2, or interferon-gamma, but it did induce a slight increase in T-cell proliferation. When injected ip, this agent stimulated macrophages, a finding that may have therapeutic implications in the defense against tumors and infectious diseases. Registry Numbers: 9036-66-2 (arabinogalactan) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMACY WORLD AND SCIENCE***** Hill N Stam C van Haselen RA The efficacy of Prrrikweg gel in the treatment of insect bites: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. In: Pharm World Sci (1996 Jan) 18(1):35-41 ISSN: 0928-1231 OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the efficacy of Prrikweg gel, a homeopathic after-bite gel, in relieving the effects of mosquito bites, in particular itching and erythema. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. SUBJECTS: 100 healthy volunteers. METHODS: All subjects were bitten under laboratory conditions by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at one spot on the ventral aspect of the left forearm and another on a corresponding position on the right forearm. One spot was treated with the homeopathic after- bite gel and the other with a placebo gel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Itching was assessed on a 5-point discrete rating scale at 0, 0.5, 1, 26.5, and 48 h post-bite to compare the itch-relieving efficacy of the two treatments. Erythema development was assessed by photographing the bite sites, measuring length and width of the erythema with a calliper, and comparing the ratio of the erythema surface at baseline T(0) to the mean erythema surface at 0.5, 1, 26.5, and 48 h post-bite (T mean) for the two treatments. RESULTS: Testing erythema development by comparing the ratio T(0)/T (mean, after-bite gel) and the ratio T(0)/T (mean, placebo gel) gave a two- tailed p = 0.098(95% Cl, -0.031-0.361) in favour of the after-bite gel. There was not a statistically significant difference between the itch relief provided by the two treatments (two-tailed p = 0.424; 95 percent Cl, -0.541-0.191). The correlation between itching and erythema was significant (r = 0.46; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS. There are strong indications that the homeopathic after-bite gel reduces erythema development following mosquito bites. The homeopathic mother tinctures of Echinacea angustifolia DC., Ledum palustre L., Urtica urens L. as well as the Hamamelis extract in this gel, whether alone or in combination, are the biologically active ingredients. The homeopathic after-bite gel was not demonstrated to relieve itching; however, based on the correlation between erythema and itching, an effect on itching is not inconceivable. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS***** Tragni E Galli CL Tubaro A Del Negro P Della Loggia R Anti-inflammatory activity of Echinacea angustifolia fractions separated on the basis of molecular weight. In: Pharmacol Res Commun (1988 Dec) 20 Suppl 5:87-90 ISSN: 0031-6989 Five fractions of an aqueous extract obtained from the roots of Echinacea angustifolia were separated on the basis of molecular weight. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions has been evaluated in mice using the Croton oil ear test. The fraction with a molecular weight between 30,000 and 100,000 was the most active in inhibiting the oedema; it also reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The activity of this fraction was comparable with that of a raw polysaccharidic extract obtained from E. angustifolia roots by differential solubility. The high-molecular weight polysaccharides are therefore proposed as the anti-inflammatory principles of the plant. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****PLANTA MEDICA***** Egert D Beuscher N Studies on antigen specifity of immunoreactive arabinogalactan proteins extracted from Baptisia tinctoria and Echinacea purpurea. In: Planta Med (1992 Apr) 58(2):163-5 ISSN: 0032-0943 In a series of experiments the cross-reactivity of antibodies raised against arabinogalactan proteins from Baptisia tinctoria and Echinacea purpurea was studied in order to prove the antigen specificity of the extracted glycoproteins/polysaccharides. Using the antigen-antibody reaction in a competitive ELISA it was evident that antibodies against glycoproteins from Baptisia tinctoria were specific because none of the other antigens like those from Echinacea purpurea, Thuja occidentalis, arabinogalactan from larch, LPS from E. coli 055:B5, and from Salmonella typhimurium were able to inhibit the antigen-antibody reaction. The same results were obtained from ELISA experiments with Echinacea purpurea. From these studies it was concluded that the antigenic regions of immunoreactive proteins from both medicinal plants show structural differences. Registry Numbers: 9036-66-2 (arabinogalactan) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Bauer R Foster S Analysis of alkamides and caffeic acid derivatives from Echinacea simulata and E. paradoxa roots. In: Planta Med (1991 Oct) 57(5):447-9 ISSN: 0032-0943 The constituents of the roots of Echinacea simulata and E. paradoxa were examined by HPLC. The major lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds could be identified. E. paradoxa contained several ketoalkenynes and proved to have almost identical constituents as E. pallida. E. simulata contained alkamides as found in E. angustifolia and in addition ketoalkenynes as in E. pallida. Echinacoside was found in both species. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Schulthess BH Giger E Baumann TW Echinacea: anatomy, phytochemical pattern, and germination of the achene. In: Planta Med (1991 Aug) 57(4):384-8 ISSN: 0032-0943 The achenes (fruits) of the therapeutically used Echinacea species E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida can be differentiated structurally (shape, anatomy) as well as phytochemically (essential oil components, alkamides). During germination in all three species dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10E(10Z)-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (8/9) is mainly formed. Besides this a number of alkamides typical for the root of E. purpurea are synthesized in moderate amounts. Also, alkene derivatives of isovalerianic acid are produced. It is an interesting fact that neither 2-monoene alkalmides nor polyacetylenes could be detected during achene germination. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Facino RM Carini M Aldini G Saibene L Pietta P Mauri P Echinacoside and caffeoyl conjugates protect collagen from free radical-induced degradation: a potential use of Echinacea extracts in the prevention of skin photodamage. In: Planta Med (1995 Dec) 61(6):510-4 ISSN: 0032-0943 The protective effect of caffeoyl derivatives (echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid, cynarine, and caffeic acid, typical constituents of Echinacea species) on the free radical-induced degradation of Type III collagen has been investigated. The macromolecule was exposed to a flux of oxygen radicals (superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical) generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase/Fe2+/EDTA system and its degradation assessed qualitatively by SDS-PAGE and quantitatively as the amount of soluble peptides (according to the 4-hydroxyproline method) released from native collagen after oxidative stress. The SDS-PAGE pattern of native collagen is markedly modified by free radical attack, with formation of a great number of peptide fragments with molecular masses below 97 kDa: in the presence of microM concentrations of echinacoside, there is a complete recovery of the native profile. Collagen degradation was, in fact, dose-dependently inhibited by all the compounds, with the following order of potency: echinacoside approximately chicoric acid > cynarine approximately caffeic acid > chlorogenic acid, with IC50 ranging from 15 to 90 microM. These results indicate that this representative class of polyphenols of Echinacea species protects collagen from free radical damage through a scavenging effect on reactive oxygen species and/or C-, N-, S-centered secondary radicals, and provide an indication for the topical use of extracts from Echinacea species for the prevention/treatment of photodamage of the skin by UVA/UVB radiation, in which oxidative stress plays a crucial role. Registry Numbers: EC 1.1.3.22 (Xanthine Oxidase) 69-89-6 (xanthine) 82854-37-3 (echinacoside) 9007-34-5 (Collagen) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Muller-Jakic B Breu W Probstle A Redl K Greger H Bauer R In vitro inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase by alkamides from Echinacea and Achillea species. In: Planta Med (1994 Feb) 60(1):37-40 ISSN: 0032-0943 Polyunsaturated alkamides isolated from Achillea species, Echinacea angustifolia DC., Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Link, and Aaronsohnia pubescens (Desf.) Bremer & Humphries, (Compositae) were shown to possess inhibitory activity in in vitro cyclooxygenase (sheep seminal microsomes) and 5-lipoxygenase (porcine leukocytes) assays. Activity appeared to depend on the particular structure of the alkamides. Registry Numbers: EC 1.13.11.34 (Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****POLISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY***** Bukovsky M Vaverkova S Kost'alova D Immunomodulating activity of Echinacea gloriosa L., Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth ethanol-water extracts. In: Pol J Pharmacol (1995 Mar-Apr) 47(2):175-7 ISSN: 1230-6002 The effect of the ethanol-water extracts of Echinacea gloriosa L., Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Rudbeckia speciosa Wenderoth on immunological system of inbred mice was investigated. The extract of the root of Rudbeckia speciosa had the highest immunostimulatory activity. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****RADIATSIONNAIA BIOLOGIIA, RADIOECOLOGIIA***** Paranich AV Pocherniaeva VF Dubinskaia GM Mishchenko VP Mironova NG Gugalo VP Nazarets VV [Effect of supposed radioprotectors on oxidation-reduction of vitamin E in the tissues of irradiated rats] Izuchenie vliianiia predpolagaemykh radioprotektorov na sostoianie redoks-sistemy vitamina E v tkaniakh obluchennykh krys. In: Radiats Biol Radioecol (1993 Sep-Oct) 33(5):653-7 ISSN: 0869-8192 (Published in Russian) In experiments with mature Wistar male rats under irradiation by dose of 5 Gy the effect of emoxypine, citomedine and echinacea purpurea on the content of liposoluble vitamin A, carotene, vitamin E and its metabolites (quinone and oxidized tocopherol) in blood plasma, spleen, liver and testes was studied. It was shown the drugs under study mobilized the internal reserves of these vitamins and promoted effective functioning of vitamin E redox system. Mechanisms of their action are different. The drugs might be used as radioprotectors, but they exhaust the reserves of the liposoluble vitamins. Therefore they should be used in a combination with vitamin preparations. Registry Numbers: 106-51-4 (benzoquinone) 11103-57-4 (Vitamin A) 1406-18-4 (Vitamin E) 2364-75-2 (6-methyl-2-ethyl-3-hydroxypyridine) 36-88-4 (Carotene) 8001-18-1 (Echinacin) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARZTLICHE FORTBILDUNG***** Dorsch W [Clinical application of extracts of Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea pallida. Critical evaluation of controlled clinical studies] Klinische Anwendung von Extrakten aus Echinacea purpurea oder Echinacea pallida. Kritische Wertung kontrollierter klinischer Studien. In: Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena) (1996 Apr) 90(2):117-22 ISSN: 0044-2178 (Published in German) The phytotherapy should be understood as being integrated into the rational pharmacotherapy. The modern phytotherapy tries hard to proof effects with pharmacological and clinical studies. The task force E of the federal bureau of health of Germany has made a statement regarding this problem. This article reviews only controlled clinical trials about the application of extracts of echinacea purpura or echinacea pallida. Registry Numbers: 8001-18-1 (Echinacin) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Bauer R [Echinacea drugs--effects and active ingredients] Echinacea-Drogen--Wirkungen und Wirksubstanzen. In: Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena) (1996 Apr) 90(2):111-5 ISSN: 0044-2178 (Published in German) Echinacea-containing drugs have to be classified according to the used plant species (Echinacea purpurea, E. pallida or E. angustifolia), the processed part of the plant (root, upper parts or whole plant), and the mode of processing. Significant pharmacological effects have been found in vitro and in vivo for the expressed juice of the upper parts of E. purpurea and for alcoholic extracts of the roots of E. pallida, E. angustifolia and E. purpurea. The activity is mainly directed towards the nonspecific cellular immune system. Several active constituents are discussed: polysaccharides, glycoproteins, caffeic acid derivatives (cichoric acid) and alkamides. Registry Numbers: 8001-18-1 (Echinacin) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ *****ZENTRALBLATT FUR VETERINARMEDIZIN. REIHE B***** Stahl M Reifenberg K Okpanyi S Losch U Porcine granulocyte functions: evaluation and modulation. In: Zentralbl Veterinarmed [B] (1990 Jun) 37(4):261-7 ISSN: 0931-1793 Functions of porcine polymorphonuclear neutrophils are evaluated with in vitro test systems. Results are compared with those from human PMN and the relevance for in vivo conditions is discussed. Ethanol was inhibitory to all porcine PMN functions investigated here. Influex, a combination product, containing extracts of Echinacea, Aconitum, Apis and Lachesis stimulated adherence, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, but inhibited chemiluminescence. These results suggest an effect of the product in the generation of reactive oxygen species. Registry Numbers: 64-17-5 (Alcohol, Ethyl) €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€ Schranner I Wurdinger M Klumpp N Losch U Okpanyi SN [Modification of avian humoral immunoreactions by Influex and Echinacea angustifolia extract] Beeinflussung der aviaren humoralen Immunreaktionen durch Influex und Echinacea Angustifolia Extrakt. In: Zentralbl Veterinarmed [B] (1989 Jul) 36(5):353-64 ISSN: 0931-1793 (Published in German) Medicinal complex drugs as well as single ethanolic or aqueous extracts of several plants are commonly used to increase the natural resistance to various infections, though their efficacy and mechanism of action are not yet well elucidated. In the present study, we investigated two problems: firstly, whether the complex drug (Influex) and Echinacea angustifolia extract do stimulate the immunoglobulin and antibody synthesis in chickens immunized with human serum albumin; and secondly, whether a restoration of IgG- synthesis in immunodefective (dysgammaglobulinemic) UM-B 19 chickens is possible with these plant preparations, i.e. if the BG cells which may possibly be present can be polyclonally or antigen specifically stimulated. The preparations were administered orally in two doses, after which the complete immunoglobulin concentration was determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and the antibody production by ELISA. The effect of ethanolic solvent was taken into account. The administration of the complex drug to normal Leghorn chickens induced a rise in the serum immunoglobulin concentration, as well as an increase in the three classes of antibody. By the immunodeficient chickens (IgG concentration was below the level of test sensitivity at the start), the administration of the drug led to a slight production in IgG and antibody. €€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€€