Botanical Profile
Ceylon cinnamon and cassia cinnamon types differ markedly in coumarin, aroma and quality profiles; statements should therefore be interpreted in relation to the particular species and raw material.
Narrow-leaved coneflower is a pharmacognostically important Echinacea species of the North American prairies.
Echinacea angustifolia DC. is a perennial of the Great Plains with narrow lanceolate leaves, a strong taproot and purplish-pink flower heads with a spiny receptacle. The species is adapted to drought, solar exposure and temperature fluctuations of open grasslands. Pharmacognostically, the root, Echinaceae angustifoliae radix, is of particular importance.
Phytochemistry
The species contains characteristic alkamides, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid and other caffeic-acid derivatives, polysaccharides, arabinogalactans, glycoproteins, flavonoids and other plant constituents. Compared with Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia shows different alkamide and hydroxycinnamic-acid profiles that are important for authentication and quality control.
Traditional Uses
Echinacea angustifolia has particular ethnobotanical significance among various Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. In the 19th century the species was described extensively in North American Eclectic Medicine and was often regarded as a central Echinacea species in early pharmacognostic works. ESCOP, EMA/HMPC and specialist references discuss the root and species differentiation in detail.
Current Research
Research investigates alkamide profiles, echinacoside, differentiation from Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida, genetic diversity, wild populations, sustainable use, cultivation and quality control. The species is a reference point in comparative Echinacea research.
Sources
- ESCOP Monographs – Echinacea angustifolia
- Echinaceae angustifoliae radix
- Bauer R. Studies on alkamides of the genus Echinacea
- PubMed literature on alkamides, echinacoside and chemotaxonomy
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.