Echinacea pallida radix

Underground parts, roots of the pale coneflower. Echinaceae pallidae radix, an officinal preparation (Ph.Eur.8; monograph ESCOP, Commission E) from the whole or cut underground parts of the plant.

Quality is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: Internal: cold symptoms, external: pustules in mild acne
ESCOP mon ograph: recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract (common cold).
Commission E monograph: Negative monograph, efficacy not proven at the time.

Ingredients: 0.2-2% essential oils with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, also caffeic acid derivatives, echinacoside, phytomelane.

Medical indications:

Topical: Promotion of wound healing, antiphlogistic, antifungal, antiviral, non-specific immune modulation.
Internally: adjuvant therapy in recurrent infections of the urinary and respiratory tract. Also for prophylaxis of infections. Effective for flu-like infections.

Cosmetics:

Root extracts of Echinacea pallida are used in cosmetic formulations (see below Echinacea pallida extract (INCI).

900mg of the drug/day p.o.

With parenteral administration, dose-dependent fever reactions, also nausea and vomiting. Allergic reactions possible. Caution in case of allergy to composite plants.

For fundamental reasons, not to be used in progressive systemic diseases. HIV infections, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases.
Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding or in children under 12 years of age due to lack of data.

Note: It is recommended to use ready-to-use preparations.
Prep: Echinacea-ratiopharm tablets, up to 6x2 tablets/dayLymphozil
per tablet, up to 6x2 tablets/day

According to Commission E , it should not be taken for longer than 8 weeks; according to the BfArM, it should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks, followed by a 2 week break. An interval therapy of 1 week is recommended, followed by another break of 1-2 weeks.

1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-echinacea-pallida-nutt-nutt-radix-revision-1_en.pdf
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/coneflower.php

3. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, pp. 84-85