Echinacea Purpurea Extract

1. Core Functions in Animal Health

Echinacea Purpurea Extract (main active ingredients: cichoric acid, echinacoside, polysaccharides, and alkylamides) plays a pivotal role in animal health management with the following key functions:

Immunomodulation:

Stimulates the activity of macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in animals, enhancing non-specific immunity. It promotes the production of cytokines (e.g., interleukin, interferon) to strengthen the animal’s resistance against viral and bacterial infections, reducing the incidence of respiratory, digestive, and reproductive system diseases.

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Activity: 

The polyphenols and polysaccharides in the extract scavenge free radicals in animal bodies, alleviate oxidative stress, and protect cell membranes from damage. It also inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins), relieving inflammatory responses in tissues such as the skin, joints, and intestines.

Gut Health Regulation:

Improves the balance of intestinal flora in animals by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Salmonella). It enhances intestinal mucosal barrier function, boosts nutrient absorption, and reduces the risk of diarrhea and enteritis.

Post-illness Recovery Enhancement: 

Accelerates the recovery of sick animals by supporting immune system function, mitigating the side effects of antibiotics, and restoring appetite and physical strength quickly—especially suitable for animals recovering from surgeries, infections, or stress.

2. Clinical Tests in Animals

Numerous clinical trials have verified the efficacy of Echinacea Purpurea Extract in poultry, livestock, and companion animals. Below are representative test results:

2.1 Poultry (Broilers, Layers, Ducks)

Test Object: 1-day-old broilers (n=200, divided into control group and test group)

Test Protocol:

The test group was supplemented with Echinacea Purpurea Extract in the feed at 500 mg/kg for 42 consecutive days; the control group received no extract.

Test Results:

Compared with the control group, the test group showed a 12-15% lower mortality rate (mainly due to reduced Newcastle disease and E. coli infections), a 8-10% higher average daily gain, and a 5% improvement in feed conversion ratio.

The antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus in the test group was significantly higher (P<0.05) at 21 and 42 days of age.

2.2 Livestock (Dairy Cows)

Test Object: Lactating dairy cows (n=30, with subclinical mastitis)

Test Protocol: The test group was given Echinacea Purpurea Extract (echinacoside ≥ 2.0%) at 2 g/head/day via drinking water for 14 days; the control group was treated with conventional antibiotics.

Test Results:

The cure rate of subclinical mastitis in the test group reached 86.7% (similar to the control group’s 83.3%), but the milk somatic cell count in the test group decreased faster (from 520,000/mL to 210,000/mL in 14 days). Notably, the test group had no antibiotic residues in milk, meeting international food safety standards.

2.3 Companion Animals (Dogs, Cats)

Test Object: Adult dogs (n=20, with recurrent skin allergies)

Test Protocol:

The test group was administered Echinacea Purpurea Extract (polysaccharide content ≥ 10%) at 10 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days; the control group received anti-allergy drugs.

Test Results:

The itching score of the test group decreased by 65% after 21 days, and the number of skin lesions (erythema, scaling) was reduced by 70%. The immune organ index (thymus, spleen) of the test group was significantly higher than that of the control group, with fewer recurrence cases within 3 months.

3.Dosage Recommendations