Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea
For the health condition: Infection

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Synopsis

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

Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, has a long tradition of use among Native American tribes and in traditional Western herbal medicine as a remedy to support the immune system and to help the body resist or recover from infections, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. Historical records indicate that various species of Echinacea were used for wounds, snakebites, and as a general "cure-all" for infections prior to the advent of antibiotics. Its popularity as a folk remedy for colds and other infections spread widely in North America and Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries.

From a scientific standpoint, evidence for Echinacea’s effectiveness in treating or preventing infections is inconsistent and generally of low to moderate quality. Some randomized controlled trials have suggested a modest benefit in reducing the duration or severity of the common cold, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including those by the Cochrane Collaboration, generally conclude that the evidence is not robust enough to make strong recommendations. The variability in study results is attributed to differences in Echinacea species, plant parts used, preparation methods, and dosages. While laboratory studies suggest some immunomodulatory effects, these findings have not consistently translated into clear clinical benefits.

In summary, Echinacea’s use for infection is primarily justified by tradition, with limited and inconclusive scientific support.

More about Echinacea
More about Infection

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Products containing Echinacea

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