## 3 Plant Raw Materials and Compounds with Proven Immune-Enhancing Effects
### Echinaceae Purpureae Herba Recens--Echinacea purpurea (L) [PERSON]
#### 3.1.1 Pharmacological Properties  
Purple coneflower herb juice at the concentration of 5 mg/mL significantly increased phagocytosis in human granulocytes. Stimulation of T lymphocytes in their transformation assay was also observed [26; 40]. The juice of fresh purple coneflower herb at a concentration of 5 to 500 g/mL stimulated the incorporation of labeled 1H-thymidine, whereas the concentration exceeding 2500 g/mL caused its suppression. The same preparation inhibited the intrusion of _influenza_, _Herpes_-type viruses, and oral mucosal viruses into isolated animal cells. Moreover, the increased globulin levels after intraperitoneal administration as well as the stimulated leukocytosis and granulocytes by 55% were observed in vivo [27].  
It is also worth noting that the fresh herb juice administered to professional athletes significantly altered the concentration of interleukin 6 and affected the receptor for interleukin 2, two cytokines (with a protein structure) that stimulate serum immune function and increase serum immune concentrations. It has been observed that intense exercise causes an increase in cortisone levels, which tends to reduce NK (natural cytotoxic cell) levels and inhibit macrophage activity. In a group of athletes taking the plant-based drug, no decrease in NK was observed one hour after the sporting event. This experience may suggest that purple coneflower herb counteracts the immunosuppressive activity of cortisone and reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections [41].  
In clinical trials, 120 patients with the first symptoms of acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract were administered 20 drops of purple coneflower herb juice every 2 h on the first day, followed by 20 drops three times daily. A significantly reduced treatment period was observed in the treated subjects versus the placebo group (4 and 8 days, respectively) [42].  
In pharmacological studies with humans (559 adults prone to colds), three preparations of purple coneflower were administered: 1. dry extract of the herb (95% of the raw material) and root (5% of the raw material) in tablet form (6.78 mg per tablet); 2. the same extract in a tablet of 48.27 mg of the drug; 3. dry extract of the root in tablet form of 29.60 mg per tablet. Participants used the drugs at the first symptoms of a cold (three times, one tablet per day) and dosed them until the symptoms disappeared, but for no longer than 7 days. Treatment with preparations 1 and 2 yielded significant differences in efficacy compared to placebo. A smaller number of cures were obtained after treatment with formulation 3. It should be noted that despite the use of 7\(\times\) higher dosage in formulation 2 compared to 1, both had almost the same effect. The therapeutic effect of the intramuscular administered fresh purple coneflower herb juice was compared with the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in patients with respiratory tract infections. It has been demonstrated that after 10 days of therapy, an 81% cure rate in patients treated with the plant preparation and 41% in those taking the antibiotic was observed [43]. However, it should be noted that coneflower herb can be contaminated with mold and common mycotoxins, which has been recently reported [44].  
Several review studies and clinical meta-analyses suggest that the serum can be recommended for the treatment of the first symptoms of the common cold, but also for the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections [45].