Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea)

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Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Upper respiratory tract infections: treatment (adults)
Echinacea taken by mouth is frequently recommended to reduce the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) or the "common cold." However, the results of scientific studies are mixed. Additional research is needed in this area. 		B
Cancer
There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of echinacea for any type of cancer. Further studies are needed. 		C
Genital herpes
Research on the effect of echinacea for recurrent genital herpes is limited. Conclusions cannot be made without further trials. 		C
Immune system stimulation
Echinacea has been studied alone and in combination preparations for immune system stimulation. Additional studies are needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn regarding safety or effectiveness. 		C
Otitis media (children)
Results from limited research have demonstrated that in ear infection (otitis media)-prone young children, treating colds with Echinacea purpurea does not decrease the risk of acute infection. More trials are needed. 		C
Radiation-associated leucopenia (low white blood cell counts)
Limited evidence on the efficacy of echinacea in the treatment of radiation-induced leukopenia (low white blood cell counts) is not conclusive. Further research is needed. 		C
Upper respiratory tract infections: prevention (adults and children)
Some studies report that echinacea may help prevent upper respiratory tract infection. Additional research in this area is needed. 		C
Upper respiratory tract infections: treatment (children)
Initial research suggests that echinacea may not be helpful in children with cold symptoms. Rash has also been associated with echinacea use in children, and the risks may outweigh the potential benefits. Additional research is needed in this area. 		C
Uveitis (eye inflammation)
Limited research found a potential benefit of Echinacea purpurea taken by mouth for low-grade uveitis. Further research is needed. 		C
Vaginal yeast infections
When echinacea is used at the same time as the prescription cream econazole nitrate (Spectazole®), vaginal yeast infections (Candida) may occur less frequently. Additional research is needed in this area. 		C

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abscesses (puss), acne, antioxidant, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bacterial infections, bee stings, boils, burn wounds, catarrh (runny nose), diphtheria, dizziness, dyspepsia (indigestion), eczema (skin rashes), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), hemorrhoids, herpes simplex virus, HIV infection, influenza (flu), insect bites, malaria, menopause, migraine headache, mouth sores, nasal congestion, nasopharyngeal catarrh (runny nose), pain, periodontitis / gingivitis (gum disease), psoriasis, respiratory infections in dogs, rheumatism (muscle or joint stiffness), septicemia (bacterial infection of the blood), skin ulcers, skin wounds, snake bites, Staphylococcal infections, stomachache, Streptococcal infections, syphilis, tonsillitis, typhoid (typhoid fever), urinary disorders, urinary tract infection, whooping cough, wound healing.

Dosing Related terms
NS_patient-echinacea Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 1, 2012

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)

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