Echinacea: properties, uses, pros, cons, safety

Definition

“Echinacea” refers to several species within the genus Echinacea (family Asteraceae), including Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida. In an ingredient context, the most common use involves extracts obtained from aerial parts and/or roots, intended for cosmetic formulations and, in some supply chains, dietary supplements. Variability across species, plant part and extraction process strongly affects composition (polyphenols, alkylamides, polysaccharides) and therefore performance.

Production process

Production of an echinacea extract typically includes: selection of species and plant part (aerial parts and/or roots), controlled drying, milling, then extraction with suitable solvents (often hydroalcoholic mixtures or water/glycerin, depending on the intended use). This is followed by filtration, concentration, optional marker standardisation (where applied), and stabilisation (e.g., addition of cosmetic carriers/solvents or drying to obtain a powder). Critical points are repeatability of the phytochemical profile, microbiological control and carrier compatibility with the final application.

Key constituents

Composition depends on species and plant part, but the most recurring groups are: caffeic acid derivatives, alkylamides, polysaccharides/glycoproteins, plus minor aromatic components.

• Caffeic acid derivatives (e.g., echinacoside, cichoric acid, phenolic acids): associated with potential antioxidant activity within the matrix; in cosmetics they may support protection against oxidative stress and help maintain extract sensory quality. Potential downside: they can be sensitive to oxygen, light and extreme pH, with possible activity loss over time.

• Alkylamides (more typical of roots): often linked to the “bioactive” fraction and can influence sensory perception (sometimes a mild tingling note in certain extracts). Potential downside: high batch-to-batch variability and possible stability issues if the carrier is not appropriate.

• Polysaccharides and glycoproteins: associated with potential film-forming/soothing effects and support of skin comfort perception in cosmetics. Potential downside: they may increase viscosity or affect physical stability in some emulsions if formulation compatibility is not well managed.

• Volatile/minor components (trace): contribute to aroma profile; in leave-on products they can influence odour and acceptability. Potential downside: possible sensory variability across batches.

Identification data and specifications

Physico-chemical properties (indicative)

Main uses

Cosmetics

Used in products for reactive-feeling skin, “comfort” formulations, and products positioned as antioxidant or balancing for skin feel. In emulsions and serums it may support a more “soothing” perception, depending on carrier, dose and compatibility with the preservative system.

INCI functions. Skin conditioning; soothing; antioxidant (depending on composition and substantiated claim).

Pharmaceuticals/supplements

In some supply chains, echinacea is used in traditional oral preparations and supplements, with variable marker standardisation depending on species and plant part. In these contexts, quality is critically dependent on botanical identification, standardisation and contaminant controls.

Industrial use

Ingredient supply for cosmetic semi-finished products (extracts in ready-to-use carriers) and standardised bases, where repeatability of colour/odour and long-term stability are important.

Cultivation

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial cultivated in temperate climates; quality of the botanical raw material depends on cultivar, harvest timing (peak marker content), drying management and storage conditions before extraction. The distinction between “aerial part” and “root” supply chains affects cultivation time and phytochemical profile.

Health aspect

Echinacea extract is often associated with “natural support” positioning and comfort/protection (antioxidant) claims in cosmetics. For oral use, relevance depends on form, standardisation and use context.

Pros
It can provide compounds with potential antioxidant activity and support cosmetic formulations aimed at comfort and protection from oxidative stress, with generally manageable sensory impact when the carrier is well chosen.

Cons
Botanical and process variability can reduce repeatability unless robust specifications are applied. In predisposed individuals, sensitisation may occur; moreover, oral use (where relevant) requires attention to personal conditions and potential interactions, because effect and tolerability depend on the broader context.

Serving note
Not applicable for cosmetics. For oral products, serving is defined by the finished product and its standardisation, not by the ingredient in isolation.

Safety (allergens, contraindications)

It is not a typical allergen, but individual reactions can occur. In cosmetics, safety depends on purity, solvent system, preservation and the safety assessment of the finished product. For oral use, individual conditions (e.g., allergy to Asteraceae, concomitant therapies, autoimmune conditions or immunomodulation) may warrant professional evaluation before use, especially for concentrated or standardised products.

Storage and shelf-life

Store the extract tightly closed, protected from light and oxygen, preferably at controlled temperature. Polyphenol-rich extracts may darken over time; appropriate packaging and supportive antioxidants (where compatible) can improve stability.

Labelling

In cosmetics, naming depends on species and extract type (e.g., Echinacea Purpurea Extract or analogous names including plant part/solvent). Claims and descriptions should be consistent with the specification (markers, solvent, stability data) and the finished-product safety/claim substantiation.

Functional role and rationale for use

Primarily used to deliver compounds with potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning/soothing roles and to support a “botanical” positioning with controllable sensory impact. Choosing aerial-part vs root extracts and hydrophilic vs more lipophilic carriers determines formulation compatibility and expected profile.

Formulation compatibility

Compatibility depends on the carrier: hydroglyceric extracts integrate more easily into O/W systems; hydroalcoholic extracts require attention to solubility and compatibility with polymers and preservatives. pH and oxidising environments can accelerate colour drift or marker loss; chelators and system antioxidants can improve stability where compatible.

Safety, regulatory and quality

GMP/HACCP management across the extraction chain supports traceability, contaminant control, microbiology and residual solvents where applicable. Robust specifications for botanical identity, plant part, drug/extract ratio, markers and stability reduce variability and non-conformity risks.

Conclusion

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is a botanical ingredient used mainly as an extract for cosmetic purposes (skin-conditioning/soothing and antioxidant support) and, in some supply chains, for standardised oral products. Key drivers are botanical identity, plant part selection, extraction process/carrier and marker stability, with attention to batch variability and possible individual sensitisation.

Studies

Echinacea purpurea extract has demonstrated good effects for the management of hyperglycemia and hypertension, thanks to phenols (27.04%), caffeic acid derivatives and ethanol, all components with antioxidant properties (1).

Effective against inflammation and chronic pain in osteoarthritis of the knee (2).

Most studies have not reported any significant reduction in cough symptoms. Only Cohen et al (3) found a significant improvement in nocturnal coughing. However, Echinacea decreased the symptoms of the common cold, reducing its duration (4).

This other study, which was also provided to support a commercial product, Echinaforce®, demonstrated the efficacy of Echinacea extract as an option for long-term preventive cold treatment (4 months) (5).

Pharmacodynamic studies have confirmed significant bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects of Echinacea, similar to the effects of classical synthetic drugs. Therefore, the results provide a scientific basis for the application of this herb in traditional medicine as an additional treatment for allergic respiratory disorders, such as asthma (6).

It is used as a supplement for athletes in order to increase performance. Echinacea was thought to improve oxygenation by increasing erythropoietin, a glycoprotein that regulates red blood cell formation. However, the published literature does not support the use of Echinacea as an ergogenic aid to improve aerobic capacity in untrained or healthy individuals (7).

Overall, even when ingested into Echinacea preparations up to 6 months at the recommended doses, no toxicological concern has emerged (8).

References_______________________________________________________________________

(1) Chiou SY, Sung JM, Huang PW, Lin SD. Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antihypertensive Properties of Echinacea purpurea Flower Extract and Caffeic Acid Derivatives Using In Vitro Models.  J Med Food. 2017 Jan 6. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2016.3790

(2) Rondanelli M, Riva A, Morazzoni P, Allegrini P, Faliva MA, Naso M, Miccono A, Peroni G, Degli Agosti I, Perna S The effect and safety of highly standardized Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) extract supplementation on inflammation and chronic pain in NSAIDs poor responders. A pilot study in subjects with knee arthrosis. Nat Prod Res. 2016 Oct 13:1-5.

(3) Cohen HA, Varsano I, Kahan E, Sarrell EM, Uziel Y: Effectiveness of an herbal preparation containing Echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C in preventing respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2004;158:217-221

(4) Wagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, Lauche R, Gass F, Dobos G, Langhorst J. Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(6):359-68. doi: 10.1159/000442111.

(5) Ross SM. Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold. Holist Nurs Pract. 2016 Jan-Feb;30(1):54-7. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000130.

(6) Šutovská M, Capek P, Kazimierová I, Pappová L, Jošková M, Matulová M, Fraňová S, Pawlaczyk I, Gancarz R. Echinacea complex--chemical view and anti-asthmatic profile. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Dec 4;175:163-71. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.007

(7) Baumann CW, Kwak D. Echinacea Supplementation: Does it Really Improve Aerobic Fitness? J Exerc Nutrition Biochem. 2016 Sep;20(3):1-6. 

Stevenson JL, Krishnan S, Inigo MM, Stamatikos AD, Gonzales JU, Cooper JA. Echinacea-Based Dietary Supplement Does Not Increase Maximal Aerobic Capacity in Endurance-Trained Men and Women. J Diet Suppl. 2016;13(3):324-38. doi: 10.3109/19390211.2015.1036189.

(8) Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Bauer R. Review and Assessment of Medicinal Safety Data of Orally Used Echinacea Preparations.  Planta Med. 2016 Jan;82(1-2):17-31. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1558096