Echinacea Supplement Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Echinacea is an herbal extract used mainly in traditional medicine to treat the common cold. It is thought to stimulate the immune system and help to fight off infection.

Also called Purple Coneflower and American Coneflower, Echinacea is a botanical genus that is comprised of 9 distinct species; all indigenous to North America’s midwest region.

Some American Indians in the Great Plains region have used echinacea preparations as a cure-all medicine for more than 4 centuries.

Traditional uses included cleaning wounds; and treating infections like scarlet fever, malaria, diphtheria and syphilis. [1]

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states that echinacea is used today for shortening the duration of, and ameliorating symptoms of flu and the common cold.

Herbalists commonly recommend echinacea for treating pharyngitis (sore throat), fever and coughing. Echinacea is purported to boost immunity, and enhance capacities to ward off infectious microbes. [1]

Echinacea has not been found to be consistently effective for any therapeutic purpose in humans. Little research has been completed in the past, especially since the rise of antibiotic prescriptions in the US.

However, echinacea is now being studied for its possible effects in diabetes, heart disease, cancer and chronic inflammation. It is also being investigated for effects on anxiety, warts, tonsillitis, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, gingivitis, uveitis and more. [2]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that echinacea is Possibly Effective only for the common cold. All other uses require more research to rate efficacy for. [2]

Echinacea

Herbal Supplement

Immunity

Recovery

Wellness

How It Works:

• Supports the body's immune system
• May stimulate natural resistance to colds
• Strengthen overall health & well-being

Dosage:

Varies depending on preparation

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

Top Echinacea Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Echinacea Nutritional Profile

Echinacea is made up of several types of plant chemicals (phytonutrients). Some of these include:

• Polysaccharides that stimulate immune system function;
• Lipophilic alkamides that bind to cannabinoid receptors;
• Antioxidant flavonoids that enhance cell signaling;
• Aromatic essential (volatile) oils;

Echinacea also contains various glycoproteins that are important for cell structure, formation of connective tissues, and facilitating efficient digestion. [2, 3]

Echinacea extract also contains other important nutrients, including niacin (vitamin B3), iron, manganese, chromium, zinc and selenium. [2]

UMM states that both the above-ground and under-ground parts of echinacea plants are used medicinally, although their chemical constituents differ considerably.

For example, the roots of the plant seem to contain higher concentrations of essential oils and the aboveground parts contain more polysaccharides.

UMM reports that, in Germany, aboveground components of Echinacea purpurea are government-approved for treating upper respiratory infections, wounds that are difficult to heal, UTIs (urinary tract infections) and the common cold.

How does Echinacea Work inside the Body?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states that many studies have been conducted on the effects of echinacea effects for the common cold.

However, much less research has been conducted on this plant extract for other medicinal uses and health benefits. [4]

The NCCIH is currently funding studies to isolate and identify the bioactive constituents of echinacea. Researchers are trying to determine how echinacea might help to boost immunity.

Some researchers think echinacea can strengthen immune function because of certain bacteria that live on the plants. [4]

NMCD states that echinacea may possess immunostimulatory and antiviral effects. That is why many people use it to treat colds and flu. However, there has not been any evidence to confirm these uses in humans.

The FDA has not approved Echinacea as a drug for the treatment of colds or flus. In Canada, Health Canada has approved the claims that Echinacea is, “Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract… (and) to help relieve cold symptoms.”

Some preliminary data suggests that taking echinacea is able to slow down the activities of enveloped viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, parainfluenza, corona and metapneumovirus. [2]

According to NMCD, echinacea stimulates non-specific immune responses that are believed to be caused by several bioactives present in the plant extract. Some of these include polysaccharides like arabinogalactan and heteroxylan – and caffeoyl conjugates like chicoric acid. [2]

Phagocytosis is a major immune system process that clears pathogens and waste products from cells. Heteroxylan is believed to stimulate phagocytosis. [2]

Arabinogalactan is believed to cause large phagocytic cells called macrophages to upregulate production of immunity cells called cytokines; like interferon beta-2, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). [2]

Research has shown that macrophages activated by arabinogalactan can destroy certain microorganisms, and tumor cells. [2]

Polysaccharides in echinacea also seem to upregulate activities in immunity cells like natural killer cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes. [2]

NMCD states that echinacea does not seem to affect immunity in healthy subjects whatsoever. Also, when used for more than 8 consecutive weeks, echinacea’s immunostimulatory effects may diminish significantly. [2]

Some experts recommend taking at least one week off from using echinacea after each 8-week usage cycle. However, NMCD states that there is no reliable data that supports this technique.

In-vitro studies suggest that echinacea’s cold-fighting effects could result from anti-inflammatory activities. Researchers believe certain constituents of echinacea may inhibit 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase; two proinflammatory enzymes. [2]

Some human research seems to support echinacea’s effects on inflammation. Those taking echinacea were found to have significantly lower levels of an inflammatory cytokine indicator called serum ferritin. [2]

Echinacea is purported to possess antifungal properties. Some people use it to treat vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections), and other fungal infections. [2]

Echinacea contains chemicals called echinacosides that seem to reduce oxidative stress in type III collagen. It might also suppress bacterial hyaluronidase activities which spread bacteria and viruses through the mucous membranes, and the skin. [2]

In animal studies, echinacea seems to decrease chronic systemic inflammation, and enhance wound healing. It also seems to enhance a process called epithelialization; a defining parameter of successful wound closure. [2]

Some preliminary evidence suggests that echinacea’s caffeoyl constituents may be able to prevent and/or treat skin cell damage from ultraviolet radiation. Researchers think this happens via antioxidant protection against free radical damage to collagen. [2]

Echinacea Health Benefits

UMM states that several animal and laboratory studies have suggested that echinacea can strengthen immunity, alleviate pain, reduce swelling and redness – and induce antioxidant, antiviral and hormone-regulating effects.

Because of this, some herbalists recommend echinacea for treating candida (yeast) infections, UTIs, athlete’s foot, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), sinusitis, otitis media (ear infections) and wounds that are healing slowly.

Colds and Flu Symptoms:

UMM states that some studies have shown that echinacea can reduce the duration of the common cold. However, there is not enough evidence to say for sure whether it works. Some studies have shown no effects against cold and flu symptoms at all.

More than one clinical trial has shown echinacea to reduce common cold severity – and to reduce the number of symptoms that develop.

In one study of 95 people, drinking echinacea tea several times daily for 5 days seemed to reduce scratchy throat, fever and runny nose. [1]

According to UMM, a review of 14 clinical trials concluded that echinacea is able to reduce the likelihood of developing a cold by 58%.

Further, it seems to reduce the duration of a cold by between 1 and 4 days. However, some professionals believe that this review was flawed in several ways. [1]

According to NCCIH, “Taking echinacea while you’re well may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold. Taking echinacea after you catch a cold has not been shown to shorten the time that you’ll be sick.” [4]

More research is necessary to determine the ways, if any, that echinacea can help to prevent and/or treat common cold symptoms.

Diabetes and hypertension:

One recent area of echinacea research centers on its possible effects in diabetes mellitus and blood pressure modulation.

According to 2017 research from Hungkuang University in Taiwan, “The in vitro results suggest that E. purpurea extract and CAD (caffeic acid derivatives) have good potential for managing hyperglycemia and hypertension. Overall, the data suggest it is a choice for developing antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive compounds from field-grown E. purpurea.”. [5]

Echinacea is only beginning to be explored clinically in various health conditions. All potential uses for this natural supplement require more research.

If you believe that echinacea might be helpful for a condition that affects you, it is best to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional before starting to take a supplement.

Echinacea Supplements

UMM states that the three species of Echinacea that are most commonly used in supplement manufacturing are E. pallida, E.purpurea and E. angustifolia.

Both the aboveground parts and roots are used to manufacture expressed (pressed) juice extracts, tablets, capsules, tinctures and teas. There are also formulations for topical application.

Different echinacea supplements contain different species of echinacea, as well as different amounts of chemical constituents within species. This causes significant variance between products in terms of pharmacological effects.

Some echinacea supplements also contain other herbs, especially those that are purported to boost immunity – like astragalus, garlic, ginger, turmeric and some fungi.

According to ConsumerLab.com, only 4 of 11 tested echinacea supplements contained what their labels claimed to. Roughly 10% of products tested contained no echinacea whatsoever.

NMCD reports that there are more than 1200 echinacea supplements available for purchase. The majority have not been tested in humans. Potential consumers are advised to be selective. Choose high-quality, organic echinacea supplements that are from reputable, proven companies.

Echinacea Dosage

Echinacea is an herbaceous perennial flowering plant. It is not a medicine and is not regulated by the FDA. There is no standardized dosage recommendation for echinacea.

Always follow dosing instructions of the echinacea supplement you may choose, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

There is no reliable data about the safety of echinacea in children. You should seek advice from a pediatrician or herbal expert about the best dose for your child.

Dehydrated echinacea powders are commonly used in doses between 300 mg and 500 mg, three times daily. This includes encapsulated powder. [6]

NMCD reports the following echinacea supplement doses that have been used in studies:

• 100 mg freeze-dried echinacea juice extract, three times daily;
• Two 6.78 mg tablets of Bioforce AG, three times daily;
• 6-9 mL E. purpurea juice extract daily for eight weeks;
• 20 drops of E. purpurea liquid extract every two hours;
• Equivalent of 900 mg E. pallida root tincture daily;

Various other echinacea supplements have been used in different dosages; none of which have been proven to be optimal. There is no standardized formulations or typical dosages for this natural plant medicine.

UMM advises to take echinacea supplements with food, or at least a full glass of water.

Echinacea Side Effects

NCCIH states that echinacea is most likely safe for most people when taken orally and short-term. The safety of using echinacea long-term has not been determined.

According to NCCIH, the most commonly experienced echinacea side effects are gastrointestinal – like nausea and stomach pain. Some people may also have potentially severe allergic reactions to echinacea.

NMCD states that some people have experienced diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, dry mouth, sore throat and constipation from using echinacea supplements. Headache, dizziness, insomnia, disorientation and peptic ulcers are also possible, but not likely in healthy adults.

In one study, roughly 7% of children between 2 and 11 years old developed skin rash after taking echinacea.

Echinacea is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae). If you are allergic to plants in this family, avoid using echinacea supplements. Some of the other members of this family include dandelion, sunflower, marigolds, ragweed, zinnias and chrysanthemums.

When taken via injection, echinacea has caused adverse effects including shivering, reddening at injection site, muscular weakness and fever.

Echinacea Interactions and Contraindications

According to UMM, you shouldn’t use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease like SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and MS (multiple sclerosis).

Also, avoid echinacea use with tuberculosis, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, connective tissue disorders and/or liver dysfunction.

Echinacea might interact with prescription drugs used to suppress the immune system. These drugs are often prescribed for organ transplant patients.

Those with allergies or asthma might be at higher risk for developing reactions from echinacea use, ranging from minor rashes to anaphylaxis. Watch for symptoms including labored breathing, tight throat and fainting.

There has not been a lot of research conducted on the safety of echinacea during pregnancy or breastfeeding. UMM states that evidence suggests that it will not increase the risk for birth defects, or any other health problems related to pregnancy.

However, until more research is completed, usage in pregnant and/or nursing women is discouraged.

In in-vivo studies, echinacea seems to slightly inhibit cytochrome P450 1A2 activity. One study showed that echinacea inhibited caffeine clearance by more then 26%. Another study showed that echinacea increased plasma caffeine concentrations by 30%.

Echinacea may also induce liver-based (hepatic) cytochrome P450 3A4, while simultaneously inhibiting it in the intestines. Human research suggests that echinacea also affects cytochrome P450 2C9 and/or P450 2D6 enzymes.

In theory, echinacea can interfere with drug therapies that suppress immune system function. Talk with your doctor about the safety of using echinacea with immunosuppressive drugs including:

• CellCept (mycophenolate);
• Simulect (basiliximab);
• Zenapax (daclizumab);
• Imuran (azathioprine);

Also, be cautious mixing echinacea with Neoral (cyclosporine), Orthoclone (muromonab-CD3), Prograf (tacrolimus), Deltasone (prednisone) and Rapamune (sirolimus).

Note that different echinacea supplements differ greatly in raw material quality, preparation methods and specific phytonutrient content. Experts recommend due diligence while selecting an echinacea supplement.

UMM recommends that you should begin using echinacea as soon as you begin to feel any cold or flu symptoms to maximize its possible benefits.

People have been using echinacea now for hundreds of years. Use of herbal medicines is one approach for enhancing health and decreasing risks for developing chronic disease.

Note that certain herbs are very powerful and can cause interactions with medications, other herbs, health conditions, lab tests and even foods.

You should seek advice from a healthcare professional that understands your health history before beginning to use echinacea for any purpose, especially if you have a serious medical condition or take prescribed medications.

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)