Antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities of extracts from different organs of Echinacea angustifolia DC (Asteracea)

Some Echinacea species are well known for their beneficial effect on human health and immune system. In Europe, the most selling products are juice preparations or alcoholic tinctures derived from either the aerial or the underground parts of Echinacea purpurea, and from the roots of E. angustifolia or E. pallida. In our study, biological activity of ethanol extracts from different organs of E. angustifolia (herba, radix and rhizome) was compared. The best antimicrobial and antimutagenic activities were from the radix extract. On the other hand, only this extract increased frequency of mutations leading to ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium in all tested concentrations. For that reason, simultaneous use of Echinacea preparations and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, should not be recommended.