Phytochemical quality analysis of commercial preparations containing Echinacea purpurea

Abstract

Echinacea species have been medicinally important plants from the past to the present. Echinacea is used in many diseases, especially cold and wound treatment. The root, flower, and leaf parts of the plant, especially the flower, contain medicinally important components such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, echinacoside and cichoric acid. Today, the medicinal use of the Echinacea can be achieved with its flowers and herbal teas sold in herbal markets. In addition, Echinacea preparations available in pharmacies are used especially for immune boosting and to prevent colds and flu. In the present study, it was aimed to analyze 5 different Echinacea preparations by the HPLC method. According to the HPLC results of Echinacea preparations in different forms (syrup, capsule, etc.), none of the 4 expected standards could be detected in the 2 samples stated to contain Echinacea, while 0.1% caffeic acid was detected in EP-1 and 0.4% cichoric acid, 0.6% chlorogenic acid, 0.2% caffeic acid were detected in EP-3. In the sample purchased directly as a dried herb, all four of the required standards were determined to be following the ranges specified in the European Pharmacopoeia.