Phytomedicine. 2002 Apr; 9(3): 249-53.

Bioactivity of alkamides isolated from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.

Clifford LJ, Nair MG, Rana J, Dewitt DL.

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.

Alkamides from the roots of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench were examined for anti-inflammatory activity in an in vitro model system. Cyclooxygenase-I (COX-I) and cyclooxygenase-II (COX-II) inhibitory activities were assessed at pH 7 for alkamides isolated from E. purpurea roots to compare inhibitory activities between the two cyclooxygenase isozymes. At 100 microg/ml, several E. purpurea alkamides inhibited COX-I and COX-II enzymes in the range of 36-60% and 15-46%, respectively, as compared to controls. Mosquitocidal activity was assessed at 100 and 10 microg/ml, with 100% mortality against Aedes aegyptii L. larvae noted for several E. purpurea alkamides at 100 microg/ml.