Echinacea, the purple coneflower, is used as a herbal medicine against the common cold and bronchitis possessing potent virucidal activity against several membrane containing viruses, the preparation also effectively reversed virus-induced pro-inflammatory responses.

Some Echinacea-derived preparations also possess selective anti-bacterial and immune modulation activities that might also contribute to their beneficial properties . Anti-viral and cytokine-inhibitory properties vary widely among different Echinacea species and components; thus it is important to carry out research on Echinacea preparations that have been standardized and chemically characterized.

Studies have shown that preparations of this plant affect the phagocytic immune system but not the acquired immune system or the production of cytokines. The most important concern is allergy; echinacea is a member of the Asteraceae family and can cause serious reactions in susceptible patients

Loredana Cerroni

Dental Materials and Prosthetic Technologies 

University of Rome "Tor Vergata"

Head of the Education Master's degree in Natural Medicine