J Pharm Pharmacol 1987 Jul;39(7):567-9

The anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharidic fraction (EPF) obtained from Echinacea angustifolia roots has been examined using the carrageenan paw oedema and the croton oil ear test. EPF (0.5 mg kg-1 i.v.) almost inhibited the carrageenan-induced oedema over 8 h and furthermore, EPF, topically applied, inhibited mouse ear oedema induced by croton oil. EPF also reduced the leukocytic infiltration of the croton oil dermatitis, evaluated both as peroxidase activity and histologically. After topical application EPF appears to be slightly inferior in potency to indomethacin. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of E. angustifolia resides in its polysaccharidic content.

Voaden D and Jacobson M:

Tumor inhibitors. 3. Identification and synthesis of an oncolytic hydrocar bon from American coneflower roots.

J Med Chem 15:619-23, 1972 Wacker A Hilbig W [Virus-inhibition by echinacea purpurea (author's transl)]

Planta Med 1978 Feb;33(1):89-102 (Published in German)

Wagner V, Proksch A, Riess-Maurer, et al:

Immunostimulating polysaccharides (heteroglycanes) of higher plants - preliminary communications. Arzneim Forsch 34:659-660, 1984 [Proceedings: Echinacea activates the properdin system] Echinacea aktiviert das Properdinsystem

Med Monatsschr 1976 Jan;30(1):32-3 (Published in German)