Which Echinacea species is most commonly utilized in clinical trials?

Answer

*Echinacea purpurea*

The species *Echinacea purpurea* stands out as the one most frequently employed when researchers conduct clinical trials investigating the efficacy of this herb. This prominence in research means that much of the existing data relating to immune support and cold mitigation specifically pertains to preparations derived from this particular species. The text notes that *E. purpurea* is often what people visualize when they think of the classic, vibrant purple flower, and its aerial parts, specifically the flowers and leaves, are typically the source material for these studies. Understanding this distinction is vital because the chemical composition and concentration of bioactive compounds can differ significantly between species, meaning results found using *E. purpurea* may not directly translate to products made from *E. angustifolia* or *E. pallida*.

Related Questions

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