Effects of Echinacea purpurea on liver and kidney of rat and mouse

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the purple coneflower, red sunflower and rudbeckia has been used for a number of years to treat the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and some inflammatory conditions. However, there is little information about its effects on liver and kidney. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effects of this agent on hepatic enzymes activities and BUN in Rat and mouse. Moreover, its histopathologic effects on liver and kidney of these species were evaluated. For this purpose, 60 Rats and 60 mice were used. The animals of each species were divided randomly into three groups. Group 1 and 2 of each species were given 1% and 5% dried powdered Echinacea purpurea for 15 days, respectively. Groups 3 of rats and mice were used as controls groups. All animals were sacrificed on day 16 and blood samples were collected in test tubes. Moreover, samples of liver and kidney were collected in 10% formaline. All samples were analysed and the results were assessed statistically using ANOVA. The results of present study showed that Echinacea purpurea have no effect on hepatic enzymes activity and cause no histopathologic changes in liver and kidney. In conclusion, these results suggest that Echinacea purpurea has no toxic effects on liver and kidney of rats and mice.