Echinacea Angustifolia Extract is a naturally derived compound from the plant Echinacea Angustifolia belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Industrial Production Process

The production of Echinacea Angustifolia extract, known for its immunostimulating properties and widely used in dietary supplements and herbal products, follows an extraction process aimed at preserving the active ingredients of the plant. This extract can be obtained from both the roots and aerial parts of the plant. 

• Harvesting and Preparation. Parts of the Echinacea Angustifolia plant, including roots and aerial parts, are harvested during the peak flowering period to maximize the content of active ingredients such as alkylamides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. The harvested parts are then dried under controlled conditions.
• Extraction. The extract is obtained using suitable solvents, such as ethanol, water, or a mixture thereof, to extract the bioactive compounds. The extraction process varies depending on the solvent used and may involve techniques like maceration, infusion, or supercritical fluid extraction.
• Filtration and Concentration. The extractive solution is filtered to remove solid residues and then concentrated under vacuum or through evaporation to reduce the solvent volume and increase the concentration of active ingredients.
• Purification. If necessary, a purification process follows to remove impurities and optimize the extract's quality. This can include steps like chromatography or selective precipitation.
• Quality Control. The final Echinacea Angustifolia extract undergoes rigorous quality control tests to confirm the presence and concentration of active ingredients, as well as to ensure the absence of contaminants. Testing methods can include chromatographic analyses, spectroscopic analyses, and biological activity tests.

Form and Color. Echinacea Angustifolia extract typically appears as a dark brown liquid or as a fine brown powder, varying depending on the extraction method and concentration.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

Moisturizing. This ingredient is responsible for preventing the evaporation of moisture from the skin and improving cellular activity. When exposed to cold or hot air currents, the skin absorbs water from its inner layer to compensate for the evaporated water. If the draught phenomenon persists, the stratum corneum is dry and, if at all, damaged.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.

Tonic. This product is used to treat the hair when the scalp is clean or after shampooing. It stimulates hair growth, revitalises the scalp for healthy hair growth and reduces hair loss. It provides a feeling of well-being on skin and hair.

CAS   84696-11-7

EC number   283-631-6

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Echinacea Angustifolia, also known as narrow-leaved coneflower, is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, it is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly for boosting the immune system.

Chemical Composition

The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkylamides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds, which provide immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Activities.

Extracts of Echinacea Angustifolia have shown significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Research has highlighted its potential in enhancing immune response and reducing inflammation.

Therapeutic Potential.

Traditionally, Echinacea Angustifolia has been used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, as well as being used to strengthen the body's natural defenses.

Applications.

Extracts of Echinacea Angustifolia are used in the production of dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products due to their health-beneficial properties. They are also used in the cosmetic industry for their beneficial skin properties.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Barnes J, Anderson LA, Gibbons S, Phillipson JD. Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt.,Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Aug;57(8):929-54. doi: 10.1211/0022357056127. PMID: 16102249.

Abstract. This paper reviews the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties of Echinacea species used medicinally. The Echinacea species Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea have a long history of medicinal use for a variety of conditions, particularly infections, and today echinacea products are among the best-selling herbal preparations in several developed countries. Modern interest in echinacea is focused on its immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. The chemistry of Echinacea species is well documented, and several groups of constituents, including alkamides and caffeic acid derivatives, are considered important for activity. There are, however, differences in the constituent profile of the three species. Commercial echinacea samples and marketed echinacea products may contain one or more of the three species, and analysis of samples of raw material and products has shown that some do not meet recognized standards for pharmaceutical quality. Evidence from preclinical studies supports some of the traditional and modern uses for echinacea, particularly the reputed immunostimulant (or immunomodulatory) properties. Several, but not all, clinical trials of echinacea preparations have reported effects superior to those of placebo in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. However, evidence of efficacy is not definitive as studies have included different patient groups and tested various different preparations and dosage regimens of echinacea. On the basis of the available limited safety data, echinacea appears to be well tolerated. However, further investigation and surveillance are required to establish the safety profiles of different echinacea preparations. Safety issues include the possibility of allergic reactions, the use of echinacea by patients with autoimmune diseases and the potential for echinacea preparations to interact with conventional medicines.

(2) Dogan Z, Ergul B, Sarikaya M, Filik L, Gonultas MA, Hucumenoglu S, Can M. The antioxidant effect of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea in rat colitis model induced by acetic acid. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2014;115(7):411-5. doi: 10.4149/bll_2014_081. 

Abstract. Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon, and reactive oxidative metabolites (ROMs) play an important role in its pathogenesis. Alternative therapies such as herbal remedies are increasingly being used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis for better clinical outcome of ulcerative colitis and less adverse effects. Echinacea has many features including antioxidant and wound-healing properties. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Echinacea spp. on experimental colitis model induced by acetic acid in Wistar albino rats....Conclusion: Echinacea may possibly have some therapeutic usefulness in the management of ulcerative colitis