Echinacea, a herb often used to treat colds, served as the introduction for many people who later developed an interest in herbs and natural cures. Echinacea is a perennial plant that resembles a Black-eyed Susan and grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Its flower, stem, and root are cultivated both industrially and naturally, and are sold as pills, liquids, or powders.
Native Americans from the Midwest originally employed echinacea for a wide range of medical conditions, including the treatment of illnesses and lethal snakebites. Echinacea gained popularity among American doctors as early as the 1880s. Even though the American Medical Association declared echinacea useless in 1910, it continued to be well-liked in the US until the discovery of penicillin and other anti-infection medicines.
A German physician named Gerhard Madaus started looking into the therapeutic benefits of echinacea in the 1930s. He found that it contains specific intricate sugar molecules, called
He thought polysaccharides might amplify the immune system. Dr. Madaus also created an echinacea juice that was made from the bloom of the plant.
Although echinacea has been touted as a supplement that can boost the immune system, this effect has not been established. There is no proof that taking echinacea for a prolonged period of time boosts the immune system.
Echinacea is sometimes used as a cold and flu therapy, according to several research. When used at the first indication of illness, the herb may lessen your symptoms and hasten your recovery. However, it does not appear that taking echinacea on a daily basis will keep you healthy. Other illnesses, such as chronic bronchitis and ear infections, have also been researched in relation to echinacea, but more research is required in these areas.
While the specific mechanism of action of echinacea is unknown, some evidence suggests that it functions by:
Stimulating
White blood cells and lymphocytes devour (and subsequently eliminate) foreign organisms in the body through the process of phagocytosis.
- accelerating the removal of foreign germs from the body by the immune system
- Increasing the amount of immune system cells in operation
- Enhancing the output of
When a cold or flu first appears, echinacea is taken and should be continued for one to two weeks. The extracts derived from the above-ground sections of the Echinacea purpurea species have proven to be the most effective formulations. The root of Echinacea purpurea might not work well by itself. For dosage, heed the directions on the label. Other echinacea species, such as E. pallida and E. angustifolia, are not known to be as efficient.
Studies on echinacea have not revealed any substantial negative effects, however small, limited side effects have been reported, including a rise in asthma symptoms and allergic reactions like rashes. Minor digestive issues and increased urination are some additional negative effects. Reactions may occur in those who are allergic to plant families like the sunflower or daisy. Once echinacea is withdrawn, the symptoms typically disappear.
The amount of information currently available is insufficient to definitively say whether or not the plant should be fully avoided. Most cautions are overly cautious. Echinacea, for instance, is not advised for use by women who are expecting or nursing.
However, if echinacea does in fact boost the immune system, it can be harmful for those who already have specific illnesses. They consist of the following:
What are the signs of echinacea overuse?
Echinacea is probably short-term safe for the majority of people when taken orally. It is safe to utilize different echinacea products for up to 10 days. Some products, like Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG), offer a six-month safe usage period.
The most frequent adverse reactions are rash, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, and stomach pain. Some people may experience adverse responses, particularly those who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies.
Echinacea may be safe for short-term use when applied topically. Echinacea-containing cream (Linola Plus Cream) has been used safely for up to 12 weeks. Echinacea topical application may result in skin redness, itching, or rashes.
Can echinacea cause constipation?
Laurance S. Rockefeller and Jun J. Mao, MD, MSCE, serve as guest editors for Integrative Oncology.
In a controlled study, 437 participants were randomly assigned to receive prophylaxis (medication with echinacea from study day 7, before rhinovirus challenge, through study day 5), a placebo, or one of three echinacea extracts (virus challenge through study day 5, 3 times daily as a 1.5-mL tincture containing the equivalent of 300 mg of echinacea root). Echinacea did not appear to have any statistically significant benefits on infection rates or the intensity of symptoms, according to research (P values for difference in infection rate vs placebo, with the three extracts used, were .57, .46, and .22 respectively). 7
Prophylactic use of echinacea (3 capsules, twice daily for 8 weeks over the winter) had no discernible effect on the frequency of upper respiratory tract symptoms when compared to placebo in another randomized investigation involving 58 people. A individual in the echinacea group reported 9 sick days, compared to 14 in the placebo group (P =.67). 8
In addition, research testing echinacea’s potential to shorten the length and frequency of colds found conflicting results.
Additional analyses came to the conclusion that is not helpful in the treatment of colds11 and that the strength of the existing data does not support its recommendation for prevention.
12
An interesting finding was that an echinacea formulation (25 mL for 3 days, followed by 15 mL for 7 days) was just as effective as oseltamivir capsules in a multicenter randomized study of patients with early influenza symptoms (taken for 5 days, followed by 5 days of placebo, twice daily). Both groups experienced a same amount of time for symptom relief, however the echinacea group experienced fewer problems than the oseltamivir group (2.46 percent vs. 6.45 percent; P =.076). 13
The pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and IL-6 are downregulated, whereas interleukins (IL) 2 and 8 are upregulated as a result of the immune-modulating actions of echinacea, according to mechanistic studies.
14 Additionally, echinacea extracts were discovered to promote phagocytosis, raise leukocyte mobility, encourage macrophage and lymphocyte secretion of TNF and IL-1, and enhance respiratory function. 15,16 Bioactive substance cichoric acid decreased telomerase activity and promoted death in human colon cancer cells by DNA fragmentation, caspase-9 activation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and downregulation of beta-catenin. 6
Echinacea frequently causes side effects such headache, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, and rash.
17-20 Dermatitis and anaphylaxis are rare responses. 20,21
- Use of echinacea concurrently with chemotherapy (cisplatin and etoposide) in a 61-year-old man with non-small cell lung cancer led to severe thrombocytopenia. 22
- A 32-year-old was diagnosed with severe thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after taking echinacea for symptoms of an upper respiratory tract illness.
- 23
- Echinacea use worsened a 55-year-old man’s pemphigus vulgaris. After receiving immunosuppressant therapy once more, he was able to regain partial remission. 24
- A 51-year-old woman who used echinacea regularly developed asymptomatic leukopenia. Seven months after stopping the echinacea, her white blood cell count was back to normal. 25
- A 45-year-old guy who took heavy doses of echinacea had severe acute hepatitis as a result.
- 26
- A 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with severe acute liver failure, which was most likely caused by echinacea toxicity.
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- A 58-year-old man experienced hypereosinophilia after using echinacea, but his symptoms subsided once he stopped taking it.
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- A 41-year-old man has been diagnosed with acute cholestatic hepatitis after taking echinacea to boost his immune system. He stopped taking echinacea, and his condition became better. 29
- Topical echinacea use has been linked to reports of conjunctivitis and eye irritation, with symptoms going away once use was stopped.
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- Use of echinacea was linked in a large population-based study to a modest rise in diastolic blood pressure.
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Are there any echinacea drug interactions?
The purple coneflower is another name for the genus of native North American plants known as echinacea. An extract made from the root of the herb Echinacea purpurea is the most popular herbal product in the country. Commercial echinacea products are typically not standardized to any specific component because the plant’s active ingredient has not been discovered. The heterogeneity of the products used in different studies makes it challenging to evaluate the echinacea research literature. The herb is frequently used for this purpose and has been suggested as a preventative therapy for upper respiratory infections. However, it appears from the available research that taking preventive echinacea has little to no effect on the frequency, severity, or duration of upper respiratory infections. The evidence for treating upper respiratory infections seems to point to a slight favorable impact. Echinacea has not been associated with any significant herb-drug interactions, and the few and mild side effects that have been documented include nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal distress.
The purple coneflower is another name for the genus of plants known as echinacea, which are indigenous to the Midwest of North America. Three of the nine species of echinacea—Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida—are used to make echinacea preparations. The preparation that is used the most frequently in this nation is a liquid extract made from E. purpurea root. There are many different trade names used to market echinacea.
Native Americans were the first to use this plant medicinally, using E. angustifolia to treat everything from respiratory infections to snakebites. Echinacea was employed as a blood purifier and a dizziness remedy during the 19th century. Up until the invention of modern antibiotics, it was used as a cold and flu remedy as well as an anti-infective. Echinacea is one of the top three herbs sold in the US thanks to its recent resurgence as a remedy for upper respiratory infections (URIs). 1
Does echinacea benefit the kidneys?
If you have renal illness, stay away from herbal medications because they can increase blood pressure.
Some, like St. John’s Wort (for poor mood), may interfere with renal disease medications.
Before using some, such as the cold and flu treatment echinacea, consult with your doctor or pharmacist because they may have an adverse effect on kidney function.
Another issue is that the amount of the active ingredient in herbal remedies can vary significantly across brands (and even between batches of the same brand). This makes it challenging to anticipate how potent a dose will be.
Adult
Take echinacea three times daily for the first ten days of a cold, flu, upper respiratory infection, or bladder infection to stimulate the immune system generally.
Echinacea should NOT be taken on an empty stomach. Take it with food or a big glass of water instead.
Do stimulants exist in echinacea?
The daisy family includes nine species under the genus Echinacea. Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea are the three species that are commonly used in herbal remedies. This plant was regarded by Native Americans as a blood purifier. Echinacea is one of the most well-liked herbs in the United States today and is mostly used as an immune booster to prevent colds, the flu, and other diseases. Commercially accessible herb options include fresh herb, freeze-dried herb, and alcoholic extract of the herb. Echinacea tea can also be made using the plant’s fresh or dried roots and aerial parts. Arabinogalactan, one of the ingredients in echinacea, may be able to strengthen the immune system [41]. Clinical studies on the ability of echinacea to prevent colds, however, have produced conflicting results. 302 participants from a manufacturing facility and numerous military institutions participated in a study to assess the ability of an oral echinacea preparation to delay the start of an upper respiratory infection versus a placebo. Rigid statistical analysis failed to find any substantial effect of echinacea in postponing the start of upper respiratory tract illness, even though subjects felt noticeably better after taking it [42]. In a different study, the scientists analyzed data from three clinical investigations and came to the conclusion that patients who got a placebo were 55 percent more likely to experience clinical cold symptoms than those who received an echinacea supplement. According to the scientists’ findings, echinacea extract can stop cold symptoms from developing after being clinically exposed to cold viruses [43].
What contraindicates the use of echinacea?
What foods and medicines should I stay away from while taking echinacea? Avoid anything that contains caffeine, including coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and other items. Echinacea can intensify the negative effects of caffeine, including headache, rapid heartbeat, and jitteriness.
Those who shouldn’t use echinacea
The more frequent echinacea adverse effects are as follows:
- headaches
- dizziness
- feeling unwell
- belly pain
- constipation
- skin repercussions (redness, itchiness and swelling)
- Children are more likely to have them.
Echinacea use for longer than 8 weeks at a time may cause liver damage or immune system suppression. If you are taking medications known to have an adverse effect on your liver, herbalists advise against taking echinacea.
If you use any additional medications, herbs, or supplements, check with your doctor first.
Using echinacea safely
If you want to substitute echinacea for your cancer therapy, let your doctor know. Additionally, if you are considering taking it concurrently with your cancer treatment.
In some people, it may not be safe to use in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
Echinacea may impair the effectiveness of some chemotherapy medications, including etoposide.
Pharmacists and doctors sometimes recommend people with lymphoma not to take echinacea. This is so that it won’t affect how they’re being treated.
Researchers discovered that echinacea and etravine were safe to ingest together in HIV-positive individuals.
If any of the following apply to you before consuming echinacea:
- are breastfeeding or pregnant
- have a medical condition like autoimmune illness, HIV, or AIDS that impairs your immune system
- are medicating to weaken your immune system because it might fight them
- are under 12 years old
- There is a possibility of allergic responses including skin rashes, according to the medical health regulatory association (MHRA).
Always discuss the use of complementary or alternative cancer therapy with your doctors and nurses. They could affect how well your other therapies work.
Your treatment team can point you in the direction of further resources if they don’t have the knowledge you need.