Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (mixed)
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Echinacea (particularly mixed species and extracts) has been widely used and studied for its potential to prevent or treat the common cold, often attributed to its antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. The tradition of using Echinacea for colds originated with Native American herbal medicine and was later popularized in Western herbal practices. Scientific research has explored Echinacea’s effects on the immune system, such as increasing phagocytosis and cytokine production, and some in vitro studies show antiviral activity against respiratory viruses.

However, clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is mixed. Some studies suggest a modest reduction in cold duration or severity, while others find no significant benefit compared to placebo. Notably, a 2014 Cochrane review concluded that Echinacea products might have a small benefit in preventing or treating colds, but results were inconsistent due to differences in species, plant parts, extract preparations, and dosages used in studies. Overall, the evidence is not strong or consistent enough to firmly recommend Echinacea for colds, but there is a scientific basis for ongoing research. Adverse events are generally mild, though allergic reactions can occur. In summary, while Echinacea is widely used and studied, scientific support for its efficacy against the common cold is limited and best described as modest or inconclusive.

More about Echinacea (mixed)
More about Colds (antiviral)

Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)

allspice
aloe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood

Products containing Echinacea (mixed)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.