II. Epidemiology
- Use is popular in Germany
III. Indications (Purported benefits)
- Systemic use
- Immunostimulant for preventing and treating infection
- Topical use
- Stings and bites
- Wounds including Burn Injury
- Inflammation
IV. Efficacy
- Variable results in studies with some effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of respiratory infection
- May be effective in Common Cold
- Decreases Common Cold symptom duration
- May have slight benefit in preventing the Common Cold
- Some studies suggest no benefit in Common Cold
V. Mechanism
- Echinacea genus is closely related to sunflowers and ragweed
- Increases Phagocytosis
- Increases lymphocytic activity
- Increases activity against tumor cells
- No known bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties
VI. Dosing
- Echinacea 300 mg orally three times daily
VII. Contraindications
- Daisy Allergy
- Progressive autoimmune or systemic disease
- Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS)
- Tuberculosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Multiple Sclerosis
VIII. Adverse Effects
-
Immunosuppression may occur with prolonged use
- Opportunistic infections
- Impaired Wound Healing
- Hepatotoxicity risk with prolonged use
IX. Safety
- Some experts recommend limiting to under 8 successive weeks
- Unknown safety in pregnancy (limit to <7 days if used)
- Unknown safety in Lactation
X. Drug Interactions
XI. References
- (2023) Presc Lett 30(11): 66
- Shaughnessy (1997) Fam Practice Recert 19(10):53-6
- Ang-Lee (2001) JAMA 286:208-16 [PubMed]
- Asher (2017) Am Fam Physician 96(2): 101-7 [PubMed]
- Zink (1998) Am Fam Physician 58(5): 1133-40 [PubMed]