**4. Common herbal medicines**

#### **4.1.** *Echinacea purpurea*

Today herbal medicine is still the primary healthcare system for about 80% of the world's population, especially in the developing countries [1, 5, 6]. There has been also a sudden increase in the utilization of herbs as prescription drugs in developed countries such as France and Germany [3, 7]. However, there is a concern that not all herbal medicines are safe as reported [8]. Over the years the use of traditional medicine has provided us with valuable formulas on the selection, preparation and application of herbal remedies. The same vigorous method clinically and scientifically must be implemented to verify the effectiveness and

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines herbal medicine as a practice which includes herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products, that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations [9]. These herbs

Herbal drugs contain active ingredients, plant parts or plant materials in the processed or crude state with certain excipients, i.e., dilutions, solvents or preservatives [10, 11]. These active ingredients protect plants from damage and diseases and contribute to the plants aroma, flavor and color. Scientifically, they are known as phytochemicals which include several classes such as saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, alkaloids and terpenoids [12]. Phytochemicals have been scientifically validated over the years to provide health benefits for humans [13]. For example herbal remedies used as sedative and stomachic mixtures contain mainly aromatic plant species which have therapeutic essential oils, possessing antibacterial, stomach-soothing and antispasmodic properties. Plant species which have a high tannin content are used in mixtures for diarrhea and stomach ulcers; generally showing antimicrobials, astringents and anti-inflammatory activities [14, 15]. Bioactive and disease preventing phyto-

**Class Characteristic Use Pharmacological activity Reference**

Detergent, wetting and emulsifying agent

production of ink,

infection,

Anticancer, antimicrobial,

Antifeedant, antifungal, antiobesity, antioxidant

[16, 17]

[18]

[20]

[12, 19]

amoebicidal, anti-inflammatory,

Antimutagens, anticarcinogens, antimicrobial,

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant

Biosynthesis of pharmaceuticals

safety of curative products, to be viable alternative to western medicine [4].

are derived from plant parts such as leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and seeds [10].

chemicals present in medicinal plants are shown in **Table 1**.

Alkaloids Organic nitrogenous bases,

Saponins Soap-like forming property, bitter taste,

bitter taste, colorless/yellow, crystalline solids, liquids

Tannins Water-soluble, leather hides, Used for cationic dyes,

Flavonoids Free radical scavenger Prevents microbial

**Table 1.** Properties of some major constituents of medicinal plants.

**2. Herbal medicine**

216 Herbal Medicine

*Echinacea* has an extensive history on the use as medicines, mainly for infections such as septic wounds and syphilis, also as an anti-toxin for snakebites [26]. The species *Echinacea purpurea* from this genus is a well-known medicinal plant used in treating snake bites, toothache, skin disorders, bowel pain, chronic arthritis, seizure and cancer, traditionally [27]. *E. purpurea* possesses secondary metabolites including caffeic acid derivatives, alkamides, glycoproteins and polysaccharides alleged to be biologically and pharmacologically active [26, 27]. Allergic reactions can occur and are usually mild, but individuals with a history of asthma, atopy, or allergic rhinitis may experience severe allergic reactions that include dyspnea and anaphylaxis [26, 28]. Other adverse effects include abdominal pain, urticarial, nausea, erythematous, rash and pruritus [26].
