Popularly known as echinacea,
there are three species of this
plant in use as therapeutic
supplement. These
species include; Echinacea pallida,
Echinacea purpurea, and
Echinacea angustifolia. All
three are native North American
plants and have a rich history of
use by the Great Plains Indian
tribes. [1] The use of echinacea as a
medicinal herb was passed on to early white settlers.
Soon After, echinacea angustifolia and
pallida were
included as official medicines in
the United States National Formulary
until 1950. [2]
The use of echinacea declined with
the rise of antibiotics in the
United States; however it has seen continual
use in Europe.
The
relatively recent advent of
antibiotic resistance has led to a
resurgence in the use of echinacea;
increasing its popularity as an
effective botanical
medicine. As one of the first herbal
medicines to be ‘rediscovered' in
the late 1980's and early 90's, many echinacea products were impure and
adulterated with other similar, but
less effective herbs. Because of
this discrepancy, clinical
studies conducted on echinacea dating
prior to 1991 (when the adoption of
stricter standardization regulations
for this herb began) may be
considered unreliable. [3]
Historical use of echinacea involved
treatments of many different
infectious processes, allergic
disease, rheumatism, and even
rattlesnake bites. As a treatment
for skin irritations, echinacea
was also widely used on boils,
abscesses, skin ulcers, eczema,
psoriasis and bee stings.
Parts Used
The
roots, leaves, and
flowers of echinacea are
used as medicine. Typically, echinacea is standardized according
to one of its main constituents,
echinacoside. The majority of
echinacea's primary/active
constituents of have not
yet been identified, however. As
mentioned previously, many earlier echinacea products were adulterated. Despite the increasingly available
means used to identify echinacea species,
some products continue to be mislabled. [4]
Echinacea Uses
Modern
clinical investigations have
elucidated specific uses for echinacea; many of these conditions
are somewhat similar to its historic
applications. Despite these
findings, other studies have
revealed antagonistic results as to
the efficacy of echinacea. One of
the main uses of echinacea is for
upper respiratory tract infections
(i.e. colds and influenza).
Echinacea has
been shown to exhibit certain antiviral and immune system modulatory effects. More
specifically, echinacea can increase
the activity of white blood cells by
increasing the release of tumor
necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1
(IL-1), and interferon. There are
several different constituents of
echinacea that are responsible
for these effects. [5,
6]
Some
research regarding Echinacea's
effects on cold symptoms
suggests that it is effective due to
its purported anti-inflammatory effect.
Furthermore, evidence
suggests that it may inhibit the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase
enzyme pathways - the two main
inflammatory pathways in the body. [7,
8]
In the
area of wound and tissue repair,
echinacea appears to stimulate the
production of tissue precursors and
anti-inflammatory hormones found
within the body (e.g. cortisol). [9] Other echinacea constituents
may
prevent bacteria-induced breakdown
of infected tissue and promote
tissue healing. Research also points
to the ability of echinacea to
assist the skin in recovering from
ultraviolet radiation damage, or as
it is most commonly referred to as, sun
burn. [10]
Echinacea is also useful in
treating fungal infections. Some
of echinacea's known constituents have been shown to have
antifungal activity and may be effective against the main cause of
yeast infections, Candida albicans. [11]
Overall, echinacea is an excellent
antibacterial, antiviral, and
antifungal herb with wide-reaching
application. Benefits can be
obtained from taking echinacea
either
acutely, or over an extended period
of time, for immune enhancement.
For example, persons often
supplement with echinacea over a
period of weeks to garner protection
against winter illness.
Contrary
to popular belief, echinacea can be
taken for periods longer than eight
weeks without risk of decreased immunostimulatory efficacy of the
herb. This information was
propagated based on flawed analysis
of several studies in which patients
took the herb. There is no evidence
to back this claim. [12]
Multiple
dosing recommendations have been
made based on various clinical studies.
Tablets may be taken (each one
containing roughly 6.78 milligrams
crude herb) in sets of two, three
times a day, for the duration of
symptoms. [13]
Freeze dried extract is available in
capsules; dosages for this form of
echinacea have been set at 100 milligrams,
taken three times per day. [14]
The tincture extract form of the
herb may be taken as often as
needed; usually equaling 20 drops,
administered every
2-3 hours. These dosages are then
reduced to three times daily for the
duration of symptoms. [15]
|
Echinacea Toxicities and
Contraindications |
Echinacea Side Effects:
Echinacea is usually well tolerated
by the majority of people that wish
to supplement with this herb. [16]
There have been some reported side effects, including
nausea, fever, vomiting, heartburn,
unpleasant taste, dry mouth,
headache,
and a tingling and numbness of the tongue. [17]
Allergic reactions are also of
concern with echinacea. These, like
other side effects, are highly
uncommon. However, some
individuals with underlying medical
conditions (i.e. those
with atopic disease, allergy,
eczema, and asthma) appear to be
more sensitive to echinacea than
healthy individuals. [18]
Additionally, people that are
allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae
family of plants (ragweed,
chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies,
and others) may be more susceptible
to echinacea allergy. [19] Research has shown that large doses
of echinacea therapy do not seem to
induce any toxic or carcinogenic
processes. [20]
Echinacea General Interactions:
There
are no known interactions with other
herbs or supplements, foods, or lab
tests.
Echinacea Drug
Interactions:
There
are no specific drug interactions
known, however echinacea may
increase the availability of certain
drugs in the body by down regulating
the liver enzymes that typically
dismantle them. [21] If
prescription medications are taken
while supplementing with echinacea, one should be monitored
for side effects, as echinacea has
been shown to increase the
availability of drugs within the
system.
Taking
echinacea with immunosuppressive
drugs contraindicated (largely on a
theoretical basis). Because of
Echinacea's immune-stimulating
properties, it should not be taken
by people on immunosuppressive drug
regimens, include high dose
corticosteroids.
Echinacea Disease
Conditions:
As previously stated, people with allergies,
asthma, or eczema may be more
susceptible to echinacea allergy. In
total, there are 23 reports of
allergic reactions from taking echinacea, in which 34% of subjects
had atopic disease. [18]
The following table lists various
products that contain a safe and
reliable source of Echinacea:
|
Manufacturer |
Ingredient |
Amount |
US RDA |
Learn More |
|
GNC |
Echinacea Angustifolia Root
Extract |
300mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
|
Nature's Way
|
Echinacea |
250 mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
|
Nature's Way
|
Echinacea Root |
900mg |
-- |
Click Here
 |
