Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (unspecified)
For the health condition: Infection (viral)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Echinacea, particularly Echinacea purpurea, has a long history of traditional use by Native American groups for treating infections and respiratory illnesses. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Echinacea became popular in the United States and Europe as an herbal remedy for infections, including those of viral origin such as colds and influenza. The traditional rationale is based on Echinacea's purported ability to stimulate the immune system and help the body ward off illness.

Scientific investigations have produced mixed results. Some small clinical trials and laboratory studies suggest that certain Echinacea extracts may have modest immunomodulatory effects and could reduce the duration or severity of upper respiratory tract infections, which are commonly viral. However, larger and more rigorous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have generally found little or no statistically significant benefit for the prevention or treatment of viral infections like the common cold. The variability in product composition, species, preparation methods, and dosing complicates interpretation of results.

Overall, the primary justification for use is traditional. While there is some preliminary scientific evidence, it is inconsistent and not robust enough to be considered a validated treatment for viral infections. Health authorities generally do not recommend Echinacea as a proven therapy for viral infections. The evidence rating reflects modest traditional support and limited, inconclusive scientific findings.

More about Echinacea (unspecified)
More about Infection (viral)

Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)

2'-Fucosyllactose
Ajoene
alpha-pinene
arabinogalactan
barberry
myrobalan
berberine
Beta-Glucan
betel
black cumin
burdock
cassia bark
cat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
ginger
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
iodine
honeysuckle
L12-myoviridae
lactobacillus paracasei
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
licorice root
mangosteen
monolaurin
reishi mushroom
selenium
spirulina
sweet wormwood
T4D-myoviridae
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
xylitol
zinc
sarsaparilla
yellow root
boneset
pistacia integerrima gall
swertia
pau d'arco
yerba santa
oriental arborvitae
eucalyptus
Abies spectabilis
geranium
Agarikon Mushroom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Agave
Anamu
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
AHCC
Aucubin
Andrographolide
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Asarum sieboldii
Artepillin C
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Betulinic acid
Blepharis
Baccharis dracunculifolia
Brazilian peppertree
Bauhinia
Baicalin
Belamcanda
Coriolus mushroom
Carvacrol
Cymbidium goeringii
Casticin
Centipeda
Cistus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
European Elder
Echinacea
Fucoidan
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fernbush
Glucan peptides
Globulins
Graviola
Galangin
Gallesia
Golden Shower Tree
Hypericin
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Immunoglobulin G
Ivy
Java Brucea
Kachnar
Knotgrass
Lentinan
Lomatium
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lichen
Lapachol
Liverwort
Labdanum
Mountain horopito
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Mangostin
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Naphthoquinones
Phellodendron
Premna
Phragmites
Polysaccharides
Phlorotannins
Pelargonium
Piper retrofractum
Quebracho
Rhabdosia rubescens
Ravinsara
Shikonin
Sanguisorba
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Simaruba
Sulfated polysaccharide
Shikimic Acid
Smoketree
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thuja
Trametes
Thiosulfinate
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
Xanthorrhizol
Xanthoparmelia
Zingerone

Products containing Echinacea (unspecified)

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