American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy

This plant grows throughout the central and western portions of the
United States, especially on the elevated tablelands, and in the northern
portions, where it was known to the Indians as a cure for snake poison.
There is considerable confusion concerning the identity of the active
medicinal species of echinacea. The echinacea purpurea of the Eastern
States has been thought to be identical with the echinacea angustifolia of
the Western States. It is often used for the same purposes, but is
universally disappointing. King introduced it into his dispensatory as
rudbeckia purpurea.
PREPARATIONS—
Fluid Extract of the root, miscible with water without material
precipitation. Dose, one-fourth to one-half fluid dram.
Specific Medicine Echinacea. Dose, five to forty or even sixty drops.
Echafolta is a purified, assayed form of Echinacea. The dosage of
both is the same. Externally or for surgical purposes it is advised as
superior to the other preparations of Echinacea. It is prescribed for the
same conditions.
For from twenty to twenty-five years, Echinacea has been passing through
the stages of critical experimentation under the observation of several
thousand physicians, and its remarkable properties are receiving positive
confirmation. As yet, but few disparaging statements have been made. All
who use it correctly fall quickly into line as enthusiasts in its praise; the
experience of the writer is similar to that of the rest, the results in nearly
all cases having been satisfactory. The laboratory observations have been
extensive but are not yet complete.
Physiological Action—The following laboratory observations of its action
upon the blood were made by Victor von Unruh, M.D., of New York City
More than one hundred blood counts were made in cases of infectious
diseases, mainly in tuberculosis. The results showed that echinacea
increases the phagocytic power of the leukocytes; it normalizes the
percentage count of the neutrophiles (Arneth count). Hyperleukocytosis
and leukopenia are directly improved by echinacea; the proportion of
white to red cells is rendered normal; and the elimination of waste
products is stimulated to a degree which puts this drug in the first, rank
among all alteratives. The stimulation toward phagocytosis become very
evident in cases where it was impossible to find any evidence of
phagocytosis before echinacea was administered, and where after the use
Ellingwood’s American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy - Page 180