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Planta Med 1991; 57(4): 384-388
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-960123
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© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Echinacea: Anatomy, Phytochemical Pattern, and Germination of the Achene

Brigitte H. Schulthess, Eva Giger, Thomas W. Baumann
  • Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zürich, CH-8008 Zürich, Switzerland
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Publication History

1990

Publication Date:
05 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The achenes (fruits) of the therapeutically used Echinacea species E. purpurea. E. angustifolia, and E. pallida can be differentiated structurally (shape, anatomy) as well as phytochemically (essential oil components, alkamides). During germination in all three species dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E(10Z)-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (8/9) is mainly formed. Besides this a number of alkamides typical for the root of E. purpurea are synthesized in moderate amounts. Also, alkene derivatives of isovalerianic acid are produced. It is an interesting fact that neither 2-monoene alkalmides nor polyacetylenes could be detected during achene germination.

Key words

Echinacea species - dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E (10Z)-tetraenoic acid - structural differentiation of achenes - phytochemical differentiation of achenes