Positive Health Online

Abstract

GERTSCH and others, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10 CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland, juerg.gertsch@pharma.ethz.ch, have shed some light on the mechanism of action of Echinacea. Abstract: Echinacea preparations are widely used in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. However, so far no molecular mechanism of action has been proposed. This study has found that echinacea extract, added to white blood cells, alters the expression of the gene for a substance called tumour necrosis factor-alpha which is involved in the immune response. Analysis of the extract showed that this property resides in a group of substances of the alkylamide class. Further analysis also showed that this immunomodulation is mediated by the cannabinoid receptor CB2.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Gertsch J, Schoop R, Kuenzle U, Suter A. Echinacea alkylamides modulate TNF-alpha gene expression via cannabinoid receptor CB2 and multiple signal transduction pathways. FEBS Letters 577 (3): 563-569, Nov 19, 2004.

Comment

With the prevalence of many fatal infectious organisms including MRSA, other antibacterial agents such as essential oils and herbal medicines should be incorporated into the medical armamentarium to help save lives.