American Herbal Pharmacopoeia ~ E. pallida Monograph

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP) released monograph standards and a therapeutic compendium for Echinacea pallida root (E. pallida (Nutt.) Nutt.). AHPs monographs are designed to establish national standards for assuring authenticity, purity and quality control of botanicals. The Therapeutic Compendium provides a complete critical review of the pharmacological and safety data currently available, including information on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, actions, medical indications, historical and modern and traditional use, structure and function claims, dosages, interactions, side effects, contraindications, toxicology and more.

The E. pallida root monograph wraps up AHPs Echinacea monograph series, with E. angustifolia root released in early 2010, E. purpurea root in 2004 and E. purpurea arial parts in 2007. According to AHP, E. pallida was traditionally treated as interchangeable with other related species; however, it has a unique chemistry profile and may have different physiologic activity and therapeutic applications than other Echinacea species more commonly used in trade. The new monograph includes a detailed characteristic of the constituent profile, with an exhaustive focus on ketoalkenynes, the main constituents of interest in the botanical. The analytical methodology developed by AHP is geared towards fast and conclusive differentiation of E. pallida from potential adulterants and other medicinal Echinacea species. The method is based on the unique profile of caffeic acid derivatives typical for E. pallida root.

The Therapeutic Compendium included with the monograph describes the latest on the medicinal applications of the root, as well as historical data. Several in vitro studies have shown a promising activity of these compounds against cancer cells, including reduction of drug resistance. Animal data highlights the possibility of use of E. pallida for decreasing the toxicity of pharmaceutical chemotherapy drugs. Together with the more popular and well-known uses, such as for prevention and treatment of respiratory infections, and for control of inflammation, the section provides a comprehensive view of varied, albeit sparsely researched, potential applications of the species.