Kalecide

Kalecide (CAS 24738-51-0) is a naturally occurring metabolite in Echinacea, one of the most widely used traditional herbal medicines. Both Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) and Echinacea angustifolia (E. angustifolia) are commonly utilized in the production of teas, extracts, tinctures, and various over-the-counter products. Alkamides, along with other compound classes such as caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins, are believed to contribute to the plant’s immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

In total, seventeen alkamides have been identified in E. purpurea. One of these alkamides is Kalecide. Pharmacologically, these alkamides have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Kalecide (dodeca-2E,4E-dienoic acid isobutylamide) is a 2E,4E-diene alkamide, with two conjugated double bonds in its fatty acid chain. The other primary target isolated from the same source is the tetraene Dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-Tetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide.

Kalecide and Dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-Tetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide constitute the major alkamides in Echinacea. In Echinacea purpurea, Dodeca-2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z-Tetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide is the predominant compound, whereas in Echinacea angustifolia, the 10E and 10Z isomers of the tetraene are present in roughly equal concentrations.

In their isolated form, these compounds appear as off-white crystalline solids with a low melting point. To prevent melting, they should be handled at low temperatures or in a manner that minimizes heat exposure. Additionally, alkamides (like Spilanthol) are susceptible to oxidative degradation, making it essential to limit their exposure to air.