Echinacea purpurea as a medicinal plant: characteristics, use as a biologically active component of feed additives and specialized foods (review)

Abstract

Medicinal plants are widely used in the nutrition of farm animals. In addition, the active components of medicinal plants have always been an important source of the ingredient composition of pharmaceuticals and specialized food products, including biologically active additives. However, the study of their molecular pharmacology presents a particular challenge, since they offer a wide chemical diversity of active substances with different multipharmacological activities. The purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific developments of recent years on the use of preparations and functional products based on Echinacea purpurea in medicine and nutrition, taking into account the distribution and availability of Echinacea purpurea as a medicinal plant. Echinacea stimulates the immune system, reduces blood sugar, anxiety and inflammation, improves skin health, has anti-cancer properties, and may serve as a viable alternative to chlorhexidine. Suggested dosages depend on the form of echinacea. It can help prevent colds, shorten their duration or relieve symptoms, and be effective as a preventative treatment for CoV. Echinacea is considered safe and well tolerated when used under controlled conditions. It may be one of the most promising herbal remedies for improving the immunity of various types of farm animals and humans.