Compound Monograph

Echinacoside

Echinacoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside found in Echinacea and in Cistanche, studied for antioxidant activity.

Classification

Echinacoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside (phenolic), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.

Where Does It Come From? (4)

Echinacoside is a naturally occurring phenylethanoid glycoside (phenolic), found in Purple coneflower, Cistanche species and 2 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).

CistancheCistanche speciesEchinaceaPurple coneflower

Research & Evidence

Echinacoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside present in Echinacea species and, in larger amounts, in Cistanche plants used in traditional medicine. It is one of the major water-soluble phenolic constituents of these herbs and has been investigated in laboratory studies for antioxidant and neuroprotective-type activities, though clinical evidence for the isolated compound is limited.

Toxicity & Safety

As a constituent of widely used herbal preparations, echinacoside is generally regarded as low risk; its isolated human safety profile has not been extensively characterised.