PDR for Herbal Medicines

264 /ECHINACEA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

wounds and inflammatory conditions such as abscesses and
leg ulcers.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ALL VARIETIES AND FORMS
Because of a possible activation of autoimmune aggressions
and other overreactive immune responses, the drug should
not be administered in the presence of multiple sclerosis,
leukosis, collagen disease, AIDS or tuberculosis. Parenteral
administration should not be used in patients with tendencies
to allergies, especially allergies to members of the composite
family (Asteraceae). Echinacea should not be used during
pregnancy.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
ALL VARIETIES AND FORMS
General: When used parenterally, dose-dependent short-term
fever reactions, nausea and vomiting can occur. Caution
should be exercised if the drug is administered parenterally
to people with diabetes. Hypersensitivity reactions with
anaphylaxis have been reported (Mullins, 1998). Rashes,
itching, occasional swelling of the face, breathing difficul-
ties, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure have been
observed after administration of preparations containing
Echinacea.
Fertility: High concentrations of Echinacea had adverse
effects on oocytes in animal models (Ondrizek, 1999).
Pregnancy: Parenteral administration should be avoided
during pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: The immune-stimulating effect of echina-
cea may interfere with drugs that have immunosuppressant
effects. Interaction may occur when using cyclosporine or
other anti-rejection drugs. Echinacea may also interfere with
the cancer chemotherapeutic effect of corticosteroids.
DOSAGE
ECHINACEA PURPUREA HERB
Mode of Administration: Pressed juice and galenic prepara-
tions for internal and external use.
Preparation: The pressed juice is prepared in a concentration
of 2.5:1 and is stabilized with 22% alcohol. Other complicat-
ed methods of preparation are known.
Daily Dosage: When used internally, the recommended
dosage is 6 to 9 ml of the expressed juice. The recommended
dosage for parenteral administration should be individual-
ized, depending on the seriousness of the condition as well as
the specific nature of the respective preparation. Parenteral
application requires a gradation of dosage, especially for
children. The manufacturer is required to show this informa-
tion for the respective preparation. When used externally,
semi-solid preparations containing at least 15% pressed juice
are used for a maximum of 8 weeks.

ECHINACEA PURPUREA ROOT

Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug for decoctions

and galenic preparations.

Daily Dosage: When using the tincture, 30 to 60 drops

should be taken three times a day.

Storage: Echinacea should be protected from light sources,

and, if possible be uncomminuted.

ECHINACEA PALLIDA HERB AND ROOT

Mode of Administration: As a liquid preparation for oral use.

Preparation: A 1:5 tincture is made using 50% (V/V)

ethanol and native dried extract (50% ethanol in a 7 to 11:1

proportion)

Daily Dosage: The daily dose is 900 mg of drug. The drug

should be used for a maximum of 8 weeks.

Storage: Protect from light sources. If possible, store

uncomminuted.

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA HERB AND ROOT

Mode of Administration: Since the efficacy in the claimed

areas of application has not been documented, therapeutic

application cannot be recommended. Because of the risks,

the use of parenteral preparations is not justified.

How Supplied:

Capsule — lOOmg, 125mg, 250mg, 380mg 390mg, 400mg,

430mg, 450mg, 500mg

Liquid — 120mg/5mL

Preparation: The root tea is prepared using 1/2 teaspoonful

of comminuted drug with boiling water. Strain after 10

minutes.

Daily Dosage: For colds, drink 1 cup freshly made tea

several times daily.

Storage: Protect from light sources. If possible, store

uncomminuted.

LITERATURE

Bauer R, Arzneipflanzenportrat: Echinacea- welche Inhaltsstoffe

wirken immunmodulierend? In: DAZ 132(23): 1233. 1992.

Bauer R, Echinacea. In: PM 59(6):94. 1992.

Bauer R, Jurcic K, Puhlmann J, Wagner H, Immunologische in

vivo- und in vitro Untersuchnugnen mit Echinacea-Extrakten.

In: Arzneim Forsch 38:276-281. 1988.

Bauer R, Neues von "immunmodulierenden Drogen" und

"Drogen mit antiallergischer und antiinflammatorischer

Wirkung". In: ZPT 14(l):23-24. 1993.

Bauer R, Remiger P, Jurcic K, Wagner H, Beeinflussung der

Phagozytoseaktivitat durch Echinacea-Extrakte. In: ZPT 10:43-