Echinacea1
Echinacea is a plant native to North America. Historically, Echinacea was first used by Native American tribes. Its roots have been widely used as an immunostimulant (to boost the immune system). Echinacea is widely recognized as a herbal remedy for preventing and treating viral and bacterial infections, particularly of the upper respiratory tract.5
Morphology of Echinacea
Echinacea is a plant native to North America. Historically, Echinacea was first used by Native American tribes. Its roots have been widely used as an immunostimulant (to boost the immune system). Echinacea is widely recognized as a herbal remedy for preventing and treating viral and bacterial infections, particularly of the upper respiratory tract.
Echinacea Active Compounds
Most of Echinacea’s immunomodulatory effects are attributed to alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives (such as echinacoside), and polysaccharides.2
Health Benefits of Echinacea
Bioactive compounds in Echinacea can boost the activity of immune cells, which play a key role in identifying and eliminating infected cells. In addition, Echinacea compounds stimulate the production of signaling molecules in the body’s immune system, making it more effective at fighting viral infections.3
Literature Study:
Echinacea's mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity and maintaining body immunity.3
Meta-analysis data on 14 studies
- Subjects: 1,630 people with flu/common cold
- Research dose: Echinacea extract 100 - 900 mg/day
- Duration: 10 days - 8 weeks
- Results: The meta-analysis results show that Echinacea reduces the likelihood of patients contracting the flu by up to 58%. Echinacea was also found to reduce the duration of the flu by up to 1.4 days.2
Systematic review data of 13 clinical studies
- Subjects: 1,464 people aged 17-81 years, both healthy and infected with the virus
- Research dose: 100 mg - 1,518 mg extract/day
- Duration: 1 - 28 days
- Results: Echinacea supplementation demonstrated immune-modulating activity that may be associated with the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. No studies reported cases of cytokine storms. Overall, Echinacea tends to have a positive effect on the immune system and may inhibit molecules involved in the progression of severe COVID-19.4
Safety
Based on the results of this literature review, Echinacea is generally considered safe, with side effects occurring rarely. Most subjects experienced only mild side effects, such as stomach discomfort or skin irritation.3 Individuals with autoimmune disorders or those currently taking immunosuppressive medications (which suppress the immune system) are advised to avoid Echinacea due to the risk of interactions.
Keywords: Echinacea; Maintaining Immunity; Body Resistance; Flu; Viral and Bacterial Infections
Footer References
- References
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- Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, Rinaldi M, Coleman CI. Evaluation of Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007;7(7):473-480. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(07)70160-3.
- Ahmadi F. Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Preclinical Studies of Echinacea Extracts in Modulating Immune Responses to Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel). 2024;13(10):947. doi:10.3390/antibiotics13100947.
- Aucoin M, Cardozo V, McLaren MD, et al. A systematic review on the effects of Echinacea supplementation on cytokine levels: Is there a role in COVID-19?. Metabol Open. 2021;11:100115. doi:10.1016/j.metop.2021.100115.
- Chevallier A.Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 3rd ed. DK Publishing; 2016. ISBN: 978-1-4654-4981-8.
