CH699653B1 - Preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections, which is characterized in that this preparation contains as active component an extract of at least one Echinacea species or their subspecies, and that this preparation is either in such a form, which is suitable for inhalation and / or for pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral, especially intravenous or subcutaneous, administration , or is present in such a form that prevents the viruses from entering the human and / or animal body.

Description

The present invention relates to a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases, which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections.

The present invention also relates to the use of an extract of at least one Echinacea species or its sub-species for the preparation of a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases, which are induced by viruses and accompanied by bacterial infections could be.

It is known that the majority of respiratory diseases are induced by viruses.

It is also known that the symptoms of respiratory diseases are due to the cytolytic activity of the viruses and the induction of inflammation.

Respiratory diseases induced by pathogenic viruses, which may be accompanied by bacterial infections, can cause severe complications such as high fever, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, haemorrhagic pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, dyspnea, shortness of breath, and even lead to cardiac arrest and death.

A particularly great danger is based on novel viral influenza strains, since these are unknown to the human and animal immune system. These viruses have a very high mutability, so they escape the immune system and can proliferate unrestrained in the respiratory tract, for example in the lungs.

Such viruses are capable of causing epidemics or pandemics. As an example, the Spanish flu mentioned, which fell in the years 1918-1920 about 30 million people. Pulmonary edema and severe inflammation in the lungs caused suffocation or circulatory collapse; see Taubenberger J. and Morens D., "1918 Influenza: the mother of all pandemics". Emerg Infect Dis 2006; 12 (1): 15-22.

Another example of a pandemic is the Asian flu, which succumbed to about 1.5 million people in 1957.

Only in recent years, the danger has been recognized that avian influenza viruses can cause severe pathological reactions, such as destruction of the lung tissue, and inflammation.

Recent studies show that secondary bacterial infections can significantly contribute to the mortality of such respiratory diseases; see Brundage J.F. and Shanks G.D., "Deaths from bacterial pneumonia during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic," Emerg Infect Dis 2008; 14 (8): 1193-1199. Influenza viruses trigger strong inflammatory reactions, which facilitate bacterial infection of the lung tissue.

For the successful treatment of such respiratory diseases, such a preparation is needed in principle, which both inactivates viruses and / or inhibits their multiplication and also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Known preparations for the prevention and treatment of influenza infections are oseltamivir (Tamiflu <®>), zanamivir (Relenza <®>) and amantadine (Symmetrel <®>). These preparations contain synthetically produced monosubstances.

These products are intended for worldwide control of influenza viruses in the face of impending epidemics and pandemics; See the review article of the Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA / CHMP / 592102/2007).

These products have the decisive disadvantage in their use that in the human body - and probably also in the animal body - viruses occur, which are resistant to these products.

Preparations containing extracts or pressed juices from Echinacea are known and are traditionally taken orally in respiratory diseases.

The peroral administration of such preparations has the great disadvantage that many ingredients of echinacea do not or only partially or completely deactivated form reach the site of infection.

According to the article by Barrett B. Phytomedicine 2003; 10: 66-86 it is questionable whether Echinacea has a direct antiviral and antibacterial effect or not.

Hudson J. et al. Pharmaceutical Biology 2005; 43 (9): 1-7 and Vimalanathan S, et al. Pharmaceutical Biology 2005; 43 (9): 1-9 subsequently published conflicting results regarding the viral activity of various Echinacea preparations.

Likewise, an anti-inflammatory effect has been described for Echinacea. This inhibition has been observed only in inflammations which have not been induced by virus.

Echinacea stimulating effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines have been reported by Burger A. et al. Int. J. Immunopharmacol. 1997; 19: 371-379, Rininger J.A. et al. J. Leukocyte Biol. 2000; 68: 503-510 and Sharma M. et al. Phytotherapy Research 2006; 20: 147-152.

However, such stimulating effects on cytokines are undesirable because they increase inflammation.

Antibacterial effects of echinacea have been described in the literature (Barnes J., et al., Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2005; 57: 929-954.

Inhibitory effects of echinacea on bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, which increase the mortality of Influenzainfektionen have not been described.

It is also known that viruses that can cause epidemics or pandemics, in humans and animals, the lower respiratory tract, especially the bronchi, the bronchioles and alveoli, the lung tissue, and the upper respiratory tract, especially the nose, the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx, infect. Likewise, these viruses can infect the eyes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections.

This preparation should simultaneously have an antiviral, an anti-inflammatory and an antibacterial active principle.

This preparation should have its effect with appropriate administration locally in the respiratory tract, especially in the epithelial tissue and in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, including the bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli, as well as in lung tissue unfold.

This preparation should also develop their antiviral and antibacterial activity locally in such places outside of the human or animal body where viruses can settle, for example on palms, nasal tampons, nasal tampons, protective masks, medical masks, door traps, medical devices, Air filters, for example in air conditioners.

This preparation is to develop their antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect already suspected of viral respiratory infections, especially in imminent epidemics and pandemics, caused for example by parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, corona viruses and influenza viruses.

Such suspicions may be rapidly increasing fever, chills, cough, limb and muscle pain, headache and fatigue, pneumonia, shortness of breath, possibly accompanied by nausea.

This preparation should have a broad spectrum of activity against the most diverse viruses and bacteria involved in respiratory diseases.

In this case, this preparation should prevent the formation of resistant viruses or at least largely suppress and thereby inactivate known virus strains and subtypes derived therefrom equally.

This preparation should also be used for the prophylaxis of respiratory diseases, in particular taken, can be, for example, in the case of impending epidemics and pandemics.

With the present invention, these objects are achieved.

The present invention is defined by the features in the independent claims.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are defined in the dependent claims.

In the following part, possible embodiments of the present invention will be described.

A possible preparation according to the invention may contain, as the only active component, an extract of at least one Echinacea species or its subspecies, optionally mixed with auxiliaries / formulation substances.

A possible preparation according to the invention can also be combined with at least one further active substance, for example with a Cistus incanus extract, a neuraminidase inhibitor and / or an M2 inhibitor.

At present, it is not known which ingredient or combination of ingredients of an extract of at least one Echinacea species or its sub-species is responsible for the desired three principles of action.

Therefore, the total extract or optionally individual fractions thereof is used.

So far no resistance formation has been found in a total extract.

A preferred preparation according to the invention is preferably administered in a daily dose of up to 12 g, based on the dry matter of the fresh plant as a drug, preferably Echinacea purpurea.

This preparation preferably contains a mixture of - 99 wt .-% to 75 wt .-%, in particular 95 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried aboveground plant parts of Echinacea purpurea and - 1 wt .-% to 25 wt .-%, in particular 5 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried subterranean plant parts of Echinacea purpurea.

The extract of the aerial plant parts is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:12 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% ( m / m), including the water of the plant as part of the solvent mixture.

The extract of the subterranean plant parts is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:11 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% ( m / m), including the water of the plant as part of the solvent mixture.

These macerations are carried out for a period of 5 hours to 25 days, especially for a period of 5 hours to 2 days, with occasional or constant stirring at room temperature.

This preparation is in such a form which is suitable for inhalation and / or for pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral, especially intravenous or subcutaneous, administration.

This preparation may be in the form of a nasal spray, a nasal lavage, a nose ointment, a nasal powder, an eye wash, a bronchial lavage, a pulmonary spray, a pump sprayer, an inhaler, for example a powder inhaler, a nebulizer or an aerosol.

Such preparations are suitable for human and animal use, for example, in domestic animals and livestock, especially pigs, cows, horses and poultry, such as chickens, birds, especially waterfowl, such as ducks, geese.

This preparation may also be in such a form which prevents the viruses from entering the human and / or animal body.

With such a preparation surfaces can be treated, on which viruses can settle, for example, palms, nasal tampons, nasal tampons, protective masks, medical masks, door traps, medical devices, air filters, for example in air conditioners.

With such a preparation and stalls of animals, such as poultry farms, prophylactic and suspected of infections can be treated, in particular by spraying.

Based on the current state of knowledge, it can be assumed that the combination of a triple active principle, namely an antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial active principle, the optimal strategy for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases, which is induced by viruses and be accompanied by bacterial infections.

In the absence of one of these three principles of action there is a risk that viruses proliferate / proliferate unchecked and can subsequently destroy the lung tissue and develop life-threatening inflammation in the airways. These inflammations in turn favor a bacterial infestation of the respiratory tract.

With the local administration of a preparation according to the invention, inter alia, the treatment of a virus-induced respiratory disease, which may be accompanied by bacterial infections, allows.

This treatment is based on the three different principles of action described above.

The following embodiment illustrates the present invention.

example

The aerial parts of the Echinacea purpurea were harvested during the flowering period on July 31, 2007 near Roggwil in Switzerland by machine, with the least possible mechanical stress. The entire aboveground plant parts were cut about 5-10 cm from the ground. The roots remained in the soil after harvesting the aerial parts. The roots of Echinacea purpurea were machined on 17.-18. Taken from the ground in October 2007.

The plant parts thus harvested were fresh, i. still on the harvesting day and without previous drying, extracted as follows:

2400 kg of the aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea were crushed by a shredder to a particle size of about 0.5-5 cm and immediately transferred to the 3950 kg ethanol 96% (v / v) charged extraction vessel. Based on the water content (79.8%) in the fresh plant, the added 670 kg of purified water (Ph. Eur.) Were calculated. Thus, for 1 part of dry matter of the plant, 12 parts of ethanol / water as the extractant resulted. The ethanol content during extraction (including plant water) was 57.3% (m / m) or about 65% (v / v).

1080 kg roots of Echinacea purpurea were crushed after washing with water with the help of a «cutter» to a particle size of about 0.5-2.5 cm and immediately in the with 1783 kg of ethanol 96% (v / v) loaded extraction container transferred. Based on the water content (75.4%) in the fresh plant, the added 327 kg of purified water (Ph. Eur.) Were calculated. Thus, for 1 part dry matter of the roots, 11 parts resulted in ethanol / water as the extractant. The ethanol content during extraction (including plant water) was 57.3% (m / m) or about 65% (v / v).

After 48 h of extraction with constant stirring, the macerate of the above-ground parts of plants was squeezed with a screw press. The tincture freed from the coarse, insoluble plant parts was stored for 6 days to clarify the suspended matter. Thereafter, the clear supernatant was transferred by means of a pump in a stainless steel tank and stored.

After 3 days of extraction with a single stirring on the 2nd day, the macerate of the roots was squeezed with a packing press, and the tincture was transferred to a stainless steel tank and stored.

Before the subsequent processing step, several extracts from the above-ground parts of the plant Echinacea purpurea were mixed into so-called annual mixtures.

Likewise, several extracts from the roots of Echinacea purpurea were mixed into annual mixtures.

9975 kg of Herba tincture and 525 kg of radix tincture were filtered separately through a cellulose filter. The resulting filtrates were melted together and mixed for 90 minutes with stirring at room temperature.

1.) The extract mixture thus obtained can be incorporated into disinfectant tissue as follows: A commercial paper towel with 2.71 g weight was moistened with 7 g of extract mixture and packaged in an aluminum-coated bag, which was then sealed. If necessary, this moistened handkerchief can be used for direct disinfection of hands, keyboards, telephone handsets, door handles, etc.

2.) The extract mixture thus obtained can be processed as follows to a solution / microemulsion for various applications: The extract mixture was concentrated by distillation of the ethanol under vacuum (25-75 mbar) and at a temperature of 45 ° C with a rotary evaporator to 10% of the initial amount. The concentrate thus obtained was mixed with 5% Cremophor RH 40 and stirred in a concentration of 0.1% in a physiological sodium chloride solution. The slightly opalescent, brown-yellow liquid was sterile filtered through a 0.22 μm filter.

The sterile solution thus obtained can be filled for ocular application in a dropper bottle.

This sterile solution can also be processed into a spray for nasal application.

This sterile solution can also be filled in glass bottles for pulmonary administration by means of an ultrasonic nebulizer.

Research on activities

a.) Studies on antiviral activity

This preparation of 95% aboveground and 5% subterranean parts was tested for epithelial cells in the in vitro virus infection model.

At a dilution of 1:52 000 inhibited this preparation human influenza (H3N2) viruses to 100%.

At a dilution of 1:20 000 inhibited this preparation herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) to 100%.

At a dilution of 1: 3200 inhibited this preparation respiratory syncytial viruses to 100%.

At a dilution of 1: 820, this preparation inhibited avian influenza (H5N1) viruses by 65%.

In further in vitro experiments, this preparation showed particularly at high dilutions, for example 1: 1650 to 1: 165 000, strong inhibitory effects on the influenza viruses H7N7 and H5N1.

b.) Studies on anti-inflammatory activity

This preparation of 95% aboveground and 5% subterranean parts was tested in the in vitro virus infection model for the production of inflammatory cytokines by epithelial cells.

At a dilution of 1: 100, this preparation inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6, interleukin-8, after previous infection of human epithelial cells with influenza (H3N2) viruses, with respiratory syncytial viruses, with adenoviruses ( Ad11) or with rhinoviruses.

The anti-inflammatory activity was maintained at dilutions of up to 1: 800.

For peripheral blood monocytes, greater effects on the production of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) or of interleukin-10 were seen with the combination of 95% above-ground and 5% subterranean parts than for preparations which consisted of the same amounts only above-ground or only underground parts passed.

c.) Studies on antibacterial activity

This preparation of 95% aerial and 5% subterranean parts was tested for activity in the in vitro bacterial inhibition assay.

At a dilution of 1: 100, this preparation inhibited the following bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes, Hemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile and Mycobacterium smegmatis.

The antibacterial activity was maintained at dilutions of up to 1: 400.

Claims (30)

A preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections, characterized in that this preparation contains as active component an extract of at least one echinacea species or its subspecies, and that this preparation is present either in a form suitable for inhalation and / or for the pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral, especially intravenous or subcutaneous, administration, or is in such form which prevents the viruses from entering the human and / or animal body. 2. A preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases, which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections, wherein the viruses are membrane-enveloped viruses, for example selected from the group consisting of parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, corona viruses and influenza viruses, for example human or avian influenza viruses of the formula HxNy and all thereof by "antigenic drift" or "antigen-shift" derived subtypes, where H is hemagglutinin receptors and N is neuraminidase receptors and the indices x and y are integers, such as H3N2, H5N1 or H7N7, characterized in that this preparation contains as active component an extract of at least one echinacea species or its subspecies, and that this preparation is present either in a form suitable for inhalation and / or for the pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral, especially intravenous or subcutaneous, administration, or is in such form which prevents the viruses from entering the human and / or animal body. 3. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the extract - Echinacea purpurea - Echinacea angustifolia - Echinacea pallida is available. 4. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by pressing the plant material and / or by extraction with at least one extractant, which is optionally mixed with an interface surfactant, for example a surfactant, wherein the extractant in particular is selected from the group consisting of - CO2 in the supercritical state, - Water, An alcohol or a polyalcohol, in particular an alcohol or polyalcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol or glycerol, A ketone, in particular a ketone having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably acetone, An ester, in particular an ester having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably ethyl acetate, and - oils and fats, in particular vegetable oils, for example sunflower oil, wherein a mixture of ethanol and water is especially preferred. 5. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by pressing and / or by extracting the above-ground and / or underground fresh or dried parts of plants, wherein the above-ground parts of plants have preferably been harvested at the time of flowering. 6. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the non-dried aboveground plant parts, wherein the extraction within a time of not more than 48 hours, preferably not more than 24 hours, from the time of harvest takes place, wherein the plant material is comminuted immediately before the extraction and / or in the solvent, for example, to a cut size of less than 5 cm, preferably to a cut size of less than 2 cm. 7. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the undried subterranean plant parts, wherein the extraction within a time of not more than 48 hours, preferably not more than 24 hours, from the time of harvesting takes place, wherein the plant material is comminuted immediately before the extraction and / or in the solvent, for example, to a cut size of less than 5 cm, preferably to a cut size of less than 2 cm. 8. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the extract is a mixture of a separately prepared extract of the aerial plant parts and a separately prepared extract of the underground plant parts. 9. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the whole plant or by simultaneous extraction of any mixture of above-ground and underground parts of plants. 10. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the extract is a mixture of - 99 wt .-% to 75 wt .-%, in particular 95 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried aboveground plant parts of Echinacea purpurea and - 1 wt .-% to 25 wt .-%, in particular 5 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried subterranean plant parts of Echinacea purpurea is wherein the extract of the above-ground parts of plants is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:12 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% (m / m), with the inclusion of the plant water as part of the solvent mixture, and wherein the extract of the subterranean plant parts is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:11 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% (m / m), taking into account the water of the plant as a constituent of the solvent mixture, these macerations are carried out for a period of 5 hours to 25 days, especially for a period of 5 hours to 2 days, with occasional or constant stirring at room temperature. 11. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the preparation contains the extract either without further processing or in concentrated, diluted or dry form, optionally mixed with suitable carrier materials, diluents, excipients or a vehicle, for example a physiological NaCl -Solution. 12. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preparation for the anti-inflammatory application contains the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 200- to 400-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 13. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preparation for the antiviral application contains the extract in a maximum of 800 000-fold dilution, preferably in 300- to 1650-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 14. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the preparation for the antibacterial application contains the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 100- to 400-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 15. Preparation according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the preparation for simultaneous anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial application of the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 200- to 400-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution , contains. Use of an extract of at least one Echinacea species or its sub-species for the preparation of a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections, said preparation either is present in such a form which is suitable for inhalation and / or for pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral administration, in particular intravenous or subcutaneous administration, or in such a form as to invade the virus into the human and / or animal body. 17. Use of an extract of at least one echinacea species or its sub-species for the preparation of a preparation for the prevention and / or treatment and / or prevention of the spread of respiratory diseases, which are induced by viruses and may be accompanied by bacterial infections, wherein the viruses are membrane-enveloped viruses, for example selected from the group consisting of parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, corona viruses and influenza viruses, for example human or avian influenza viruses of the formula HxNy and all thereof by "antigenic drift" or "antigen-shift" derived subtypes, where H is hemagglutinin receptors and N is neuraminidase receptors and the indices x and y are integers, such as H3N2, H5N1 or H7N7, and wherein this preparation is either in such a form, which is suitable for inhalation and / or for pulmonary and / or nasal and / or ocular and / or parenteral, in particular intravenous or subcutaneous, administration, or is present in such a form, which Prevents viruses from entering the human and / or animal body. 18. Use according to one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that the extract - Echinacea purpurea - Echinacea angustifolia - Echinacea pallida is available. 19. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by pressing out the plant material and / or by extraction with at least one extractant, which is optionally mixed with an interface-active substance, for example a surfactant, wherein the Extraction agent in particular is selected from the group consisting of - CO2 in the supercritical state, - Water, An alcohol or a polyalcohol, in particular an alcohol or polyalcohol having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol or glycerol, A ketone, in particular a ketone having from 3 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably acetone, An ester, in particular an ester having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably ethyl acetate, and - oils and fats, in particular vegetable oils, for example sunflower oil, wherein a mixture of ethanol and water is especially preferred. 20. Use according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by pressing and / or by extracting the above-ground and / or underground fresh or dried plant parts, wherein the above-ground parts of plants have preferably been harvested at the time of flowering. 21. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the non-dried aboveground plant parts, wherein the extraction within a time of not more than 48 hours, preferably not more than 24 hours, from the time of harvest takes place, wherein the plant material is comminuted immediately before the extraction and / or in the solvent, for example, to a cut size of less than 5 cm, preferably to a cut size of less than 2 cm. 22. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the undried subterranean plant parts, wherein the extraction within a time of not more than 48 hours, preferably not more than 24 hours, from the time of harvesting takes place, wherein the plant material is comminuted immediately before the extraction and / or in the solvent, for example, to a cut size of less than 5 cm, preferably to a cut size of less than 2 cm. 23. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that the extract is a mixture of a separately prepared extract of the aerial plant parts and a separately prepared extract of the underground plant parts. 24. Use according to one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the extract is obtainable by extraction of the whole plant or by simultaneous extraction of any mixture of above-ground and underground parts of plants. 25. Use according to one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that the extract is a mixture of - 99 wt .-% to 75 wt .-%, in particular 95 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried aboveground plant parts of Echinacea purpurea and - 1 wt .-% to 25 wt .-%, in particular 5 wt .-%, of an aqueous ethanolic extract of fresh, not dried subterranean plant parts of Echinacea purpurea is wherein the extract of the above-ground parts of plants is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:12 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% (m / m), with the inclusion of the plant water as part of the solvent mixture, and wherein the extract of the subterranean plant parts is obtainable by a maceration in a ratio of drug to extractant of 1:11 (m / m), wherein the dry matter of the fresh plant is defined as a drug, and at an ethanol content of 57.3% (m / m), taking into account the water of the plant as a constituent of the solvent mixture, these macerations are carried out for a period of 5 hours to 25 days, especially for a period of 5 hours to 2 days, with occasional or constant stirring at room temperature. 26. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that the preparation contains the extract either without further processing or in concentrated, diluted or dry form, optionally mixed with suitable carrier materials, diluents, excipients or a vehicle, for example a physiological NaCl -Solution. 27. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the preparation for the anti-inflammatory application contains the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 200- to 400-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 28. Use according to one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the preparation for the antiviral application contains the extract in a maximum of 800,000-fold dilution, preferably in 300- to 1650-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 29. Use according to one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the preparation for the antibacterial application contains the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 100- to 400-fold dilution, for example with physiological NaCl solution. 30. Use according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the preparation for the simultaneous anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial application, the extract in a maximum of 1000-fold dilution, preferably in 200- to 400-fold dilution, for example, with physiological NaCl Solution that contains.