The use
of Echinacea is widespread in modern herbal medicine. Echinacea is mainly
used to stimulate the body and strengthen the immune system. Clinical trials
have shown that the use of Echinacea has the potential to increase the number
of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are the body's main
"defense" against pathogenic particles that enter the human body.
Although the beneficial effects of Echinacea are due to a combination of
ingredients contained in the plant, recent evidence suggests that
polysaccharides are largely responsible for activating the immune system.
Polysaccharides are highly concentrated in the aerial parts of the plant and
not in the root "traditionally" used in various formulations. In
Germany only the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (not Echinacea
angustifolia and Echinacea pallida) are approved for the treatment of colds.