Antitumor and Antioxidant Effects of Cannabimimetics from E. purpurea: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Ayanna Davis

Co-Presenters: Asia Vasileva, Jessica Lashley

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.BIO/CELL/MOLEC

Faculty Research Mentor: Rana Zeine

Abstract:

500 words) See Abstract Writing Guidelines Here See the 17 goals here This preliminary report examines cross-species immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and
neuroprotective properties of Echinacea purpurea by synthesizing results from recent
mammalian, aquatic, and cellular studies. Evidence from 2023–2025 literature demonstrates that
E. purpurea derivatives—including polysaccharides, aqueous extracts, alcoholic extracts, and
ethanolic extracts—modulate immune pathways, inhibit tumor progression, and protect against
oxidative and neurochemical damage in diverse biological systems. Antitumor findings from
colorectal cancer and glioma models, paired with immunological and antioxidant results from
rodents, livestock, and fish, suggest a broad physiological potential for E. purpurea across
species. This report serves as a foundation for a full systematic review evaluating how
cannabimimetic and bioactive compounds from E. purpurea influence neurobiology, toxicology,
immunology, and animal health.