Research
Echinacea
87 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Efficacy and safety of Echinacea purpurea in treating upper respiratory infections and complications of otitis media in children: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine RCTs evaluating Echinacea purpurea for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and otitis media (OM) in children. E. purpurea significantly reduced URTI treatment duration, incidence, and antibiotic use, but increased adverse events. It lowered OM episode incidence but did not shorten treatment duration.
Echinacea Supplementation Does Not Impact Aerobic Capacity and Erythropoiesis in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis.
Meta-analysis of six studies with 107 athletes examining the effects of echinacea supplementation on erythropoiesis and maximal oxygen uptake. Echinacea did not significantly influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes.
Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial.
RCT comparing Echinacea to vitamin C in children aged 4-12 for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections and reduction of antibiotic usage. Echinacea reduced cold days, RTI episodes, antibiotic courses, and RTI complications significantly compared to vitamin C.
Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.
Meta-analysis of 24 double-blind trials with 4631 participants comparing Echinacea preparations to placebo for preventing and treating the common cold. No statistically significant difference was found in prevention, though a post hoc pooling suggests a relative risk reduction of 10% to 20%. Only one treatment trial showed a significant effect. Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups.
Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.
Systematic review of 16 trials with 3396 participants assessing Echinacea for prevention and treatment of common colds. Results suggest some Echinacea preparations may be better than placebo, but evidence is insufficient to recommend specific products.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on immune improvement effects of ethanolic extract of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench in Korean adults.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 Korean adults evaluated the immune-enhancing effects of 200mg daily Echinacea purpurea ethanolic extract (EPE). EPE consumption significantly increased NK cell cytotoxic activity and serum cytokine levels (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α) compared to placebo, with no adverse effects reported.
Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea Supplementation Combined with Vaginal Hyaluronic Acid to Boost the Remission of Cervical Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (L-SILs): A Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of Echinacea supplementation combined with vaginal hyaluronic acid on the remission of cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (L-SIL) in reproductive-aged women. The study found that Echinacea supplementation significantly boosted HPV lesion clearance and improved colposcopic, histological, and vaginal parameters at 6 and 12 months, although no significant effects were observed after 3 months.
An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
RCT of 104 adults with mild-to-moderately severe anxiety comparing placebo to 20 mg or 40 mg of echinacea angustifolia twice daily for 6 weeks. Echinacea did not significantly reduce anxiety compared to placebo but showed greater improvements in mood-related measures, suggesting potential antidepressant effects.
Effect of an Echinacea-Based Hot Drink Versus Oseltamivir in Influenza Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Multicenter, Noninferiority Clinical Trial
This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter clinical trial compared an echinacea-based formulation (Echinaforce Hotdrink) with oseltamivir in 473 patients with early influenza symptoms. Recovery rates were comparable between the two groups, with echinacea showing a reduced risk of complications and adverse events. Echinaforce Hotdrink was found to be as effective as oseltamivir for treating influenza.
Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
RCT of 755 healthy subjects comparing Echinacea purpurea extract to placebo over 4 months for common cold prevention. Echinacea reduced cold episodes, episode days, and pain-killer medicated episodes, showing maximal effects on recurrent infections and preventing enveloped virus infections. Safety was noninferior to placebo.
Placebo effects and the common cold: a randomized controlled trial.
RCT comparing the effects of open-label and blinded echinacea, blinded placebo, and no pills on common cold severity and duration. No statistically significant differences were found between groups, though participants who believed in echinacea experienced shorter and less severe illnesses.
Echinacea for treating the common cold: a randomized trial.
RCT of 719 patients with new-onset common cold comparing echinacea to placebo and no treatment. Echinacea did not significantly reduce illness duration or severity compared to placebo, with no significant changes in interleukin-8 levels or neutrophil counts.
Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis.
Meta-analysis evaluating the effect of echinacea on the incidence and duration of the common cold. Echinacea decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58% and reduced the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. Significant reductions were maintained in various subgroup analyses.
Relations among questionnaire and laboratory measures of rhinovirus infection.
The study tested echinacea for induced rhinovirus infection in 399 participants, monitoring them over 2,088 person-days. It assessed correlations between questionnaire measures and laboratory biomarkers, finding statistically significant associations among nearly all variables, but neither questionnaire was a good predictor of induced infection.
Echinacea in the prevention of induced rhinovirus colds: a meta-analysis.
Meta-analysis of experimental rhinovirus infection studies assessing Echinacea's efficacy in preventing symptomatic colds. The analysis found that the likelihood of experiencing a clinical cold was 55% higher with placebo than with Echinacea, suggesting Echinacea's effectiveness in preventing cold symptoms.
Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.
Meta-analysis of 16 trials comparing Echinacea preparations to placebo, no treatment, or other treatments for prevention and treatment of common colds. Some evidence suggests Echinacea purpurea may be effective for early treatment of colds, but results are inconsistent. No significant effect was found for prevention.
The effect of Echinacea on upper respiratory infection symptom severity and quality of life.
Meta-analysis reviewing evidence on Echinacea's effects on upper respiratory infection symptoms and quality of life. Findings are contradictory, with some positive effects noted, but it is inappropriate to conclusively attribute quality of life benefits to Echinacea. Further research is needed.
An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections.
RCT evaluating the effect of Echinacea angustifolia extracts on rhinovirus infection in 399 volunteers. The study found no statistically significant effects on infection rates, symptom severity, or other measured outcomes.
The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review.
Systematic review of the safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species. Adverse events with echinacea are not commonly reported, but gastrointestinal upsets and rashes occur most frequently. Rare cases of severe allergic reactions are associated with echinacea, and its use during pregnancy and lactation is ill-advised due to limited data.
Efficacy of a standardized echinacea preparation (Echinilin) for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT testing a standardized echinacea preparation (Echinilin) in 282 subjects with a history of common colds. Echinacea group showed 23.1% lower symptom scores compared to placebo, indicating reduced symptom severity in upper respiratory tract infections.
Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial.
RCT of echinacea in 407 children aged 2 to 11 years for treating upper respiratory tract infections. Echinacea showed no effect on the duration or severity of URI symptoms compared to placebo, but was associated with an increased risk of rash.
Investigating the effect of echinacea extraction syrup on the outcomes of lower respiratory infections in patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial study.
This single-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Echinacea extract syrup on lower respiratory tract outcomes in 40 COVID-19 patients. The study found no significant differences in lung involvement, cough symptoms, oxygen saturation, temperature, or breathing rate between the experimental and control groups after the intervention.
Comparison between two ocular cleansing modalities in a population of newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with clinical signs of conjunctivitis: a randomized controlled trial.
RCT comparing ocular cleansing with gauze containing Echinacea angustifolia to standard sodium-chloride in neonates with conjunctivitis. Echinacea group showed reduced risk of positive culture at follow-up, suggesting potential in reducing ocular bacterial load and super-infections.
Double-blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract in volunteers with high anxiety scores. Echinacea group showed significant reduction in state anxiety scores compared to placebo, with effects maintained over a washout period. No significant changes in depression or perceived stress scores.
Alternative therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis: A review.
Systematic review of alternative therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), including baby shampoo, thyme honey, bromelain additives, and Sinupret, an oral preparation containing echinacea. While some therapies show promise, higher levels of evidence from large, well-designed trials are needed for recommendations.
Echinacea purpurea-derived alkylamides exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects and alleviate clinical symptoms of atopic eczema.
The study assessed the efficacy of Echinacea purpurea-derived alkylamides in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of atopic eczema. The Ec. extract significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and improved clinical symptoms and skin lipid content in human trials, suggesting its potential as a well-tolerated adjuvant therapy for atopic eczema.
Antitussive effect of a fixed combination of Justicia adhatoda, Echinacea purpurea and Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infection: A comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
RCT comparing the antitussive effect of Kan Jang, a combination of Justicia adhatoda, Echinacea purpurea, and Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts, with placebo and bromhexine in 177 patients with acute upper respiratory infections. Kan Jang relieved cough more effectively than placebo and showed faster improvement compared to bromhexine, with a good safety profile.
The anxiolytic potential and psychotropic side effects of an echinacea preparation in laboratory animals and healthy volunteers.
The study investigated the anxiolytic potential and psychotropic side effects of Echinacea angustifolia extract in rats and healthy human volunteers. In rats, the extract decreased anxiety in the elevated plus-maze and ameliorated contextual conditioned fear without affecting locomotion, memory, or rewarding potential. In humans, a high dose of the extract decreased anxiety scores within 3 days, with effects lasting for the treatment duration and 2 weeks after.
Echinacea purpurea along with zinc, selenium and vitamin C to alleviate exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: results from a randomized controlled trial.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of Echinacea purpurea along with zinc, selenium, and vitamin C on COPD exacerbations caused by acute URTI. The combination resulted in significantly less severe and shorter exacerbation episodes compared to placebo, suggesting a synergistic effect. The treatment was safe and well tolerated.
Echinacea purpurea and Allium sativum as immunostimulants in fish culture using Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).
The study evaluated echinacea and garlic supplemented diets as immunostimulants for Nile tilapia. Both supplements increased neutrophil adherence, haematocrit values, lymphocytic counts, body weight gain, and survival rate. They also improved resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection and cold stress during winter.
Echinacea purpurea and osteopathic manipulative treatment in children with recurrent otitis media: a randomized controlled trial.
RCT assessing the efficacy of Echinacea purpurea and osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for preventing acute otitis media in children with recurrent otitis media. Echinacea was associated with a borderline increased risk of acute otitis media, while OMT did not significantly affect risk.
Effects of echinacea on the frequency of upper respiratory tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT comparing Echinacea purpurea capsules to placebo in 90 hospital personnel over 8 weeks to evaluate prevention of upper respiratory tract symptoms. No significant difference in sick days was found between the echinacea and placebo groups.
Oral malodor reduction by a palatal mucoadhesive tablet containing herbal formulation.
RCT testing the effect of a palatal mucoadhesive tablet containing an herbal formulation on oral malodor and volatile sulfide compound levels in 56 healthy volunteers. The herbal formulation significantly reduced oral malodor scores and VSC levels compared to zinc and chlorhexidine. Sage, Lavender, and Mastic gum showed antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens.
Pharmacokinetics of the main alkamides after administration of three different Echinacea purpurea preparations in humans.
Pharmacokinetic study of different Echinacea purpurea formulations in humans, measuring plasma levels of alkamides after administration. The study used a sensitive LC-ESI-MS-based method to monitor trace levels of active constituents.
The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD25 expression in humans: a pilot study.
This phase 0, double-blind, repeated within subject, randomized pilot study examined CD25 expression on T cells after ingestion of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. CD25 expression was significantly increased for subjects ingesting Echinacea at 24 hours, with notable increases from Astragalus and Glycyrrhiza. CD25 expression remains elevated with daily use of Echinacea for at least 7 days.
Open, multicenter study to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of Echinaforce Forte tablets in athletes.
Open, multicenter study evaluating the tolerability and efficacy of Echinaforce Forte tablets in 80 athletes. The treatment was rated as having 'very good' or 'good' tolerability by 97.5% of investigators, and 75% rated its efficacy during a common cold as 'very good' or 'good.' 71% of subjects were free of cold episodes, suggesting effectiveness in prophylaxis and treatment of the common cold.
Oral Echinacea purpurea extract in low-grade, steroid-dependent, autoimmune idiopathic uveitis: a pilot study.
Pilot study testing the efficacy and safety of Echinacea purpurea extract in 51 patients with low-grade, steroid-dependent, autoimmune uveitis. Echinacea was used as add-on therapy in 32 patients, showing settled uveitis and stable or improved BCVA in most cases, with longer steroid-off times compared to the control group.
The effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza glabra on CD69 expression and immune cell activation in humans.
Pilot study assessing the effect of Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza glabra on immune cell activation in humans. The herbs, administered singly and in combination, stimulated immune cells as measured by CD69 expression on CD4 and CD8 T cells, with effects observed within 24 hours and lasting for at least 7 days.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical dose-response trial of an extract of Baptisia, Echinacea and Thuja for the treatment of patients with common cold.
RCT of 91 adults testing the efficacy and safety of an herbal medication (SB-TOX) containing Baptisia, Echinacea, and Thuja extracts for treating upper respiratory tract infections. The study found that the total number of facial tissues used decreased with increasing extract dose, indicating dose-dependent efficacy. No adverse events were reported.
A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold.
RCT administering Echinilin, a proprietary extract from Echinacea purpurea, to volunteers at the onset of a common cold for 7 days. The echinacea group showed a more evident decrease in total daily symptomatic score and an increase in circulating immune cells compared to placebo, suggesting enhanced immune response and faster resolution of cold symptoms.
Non-antibiotic treatments for upper-respiratory tract infections (common cold).
The paper reviews seven Cochrane reviews of non-antibiotic treatments for the common cold, highlighting the variable quality of primary studies. It discusses the limited efficacy of treatments like Echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc lozenges, with some treatments showing potential benefits in specific contexts.
Randomized trial of a fixed combination (KanJang) of herbal extracts containing Adhatoda vasica, Echinacea purpurea and Eleutherococcus senticosus in patients with upper respiratory tract infections.
RCT comparing the efficacy of KanJang, a combination of Echinacea purpurea, Adhatoda vasica, and Eleutherococcus senticosus, against standard treatment and an Echinacea mixture in patients with acute respiratory infections. KanJang showed greater improvement in symptoms like coughing and mucus discharge compared to standard treatment, with a shorter recovery time.
Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
RCT of 128 patients testing 100 mg Echinacea purpurea versus placebo for common cold symptoms. No statistically significant difference was found between groups for symptom scores or time to resolution.
Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT assessing the efficacy of unrefined echinacea for treating the common cold in 148 college students. No statistically significant differences were found between the echinacea and placebo groups in terms of symptom severity or duration.
Efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in patients with a common cold. A placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial.
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of Echinacea purpurea (Echinacin, EC31J0) in 80 adult patients with common cold symptoms. The median time of illness was reduced to 6.0 days in the Echinacea group compared to 9.0 days in the placebo group, showing it was well tolerated and effective in alleviating symptoms more rapidly.
Does the extract of the plant Echinacea purpurea influence the clinical course of recurrent genital herpes?
A single centre, prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial assessed the effect of Echinacea purpurea extract on recurrent genital herpes in 50 patients over one year. No statistically significant benefit was found comparing placebo versus Echinaforce.
The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
RCT of 95 subjects with early cold or flu symptoms comparing Echinacea Plus tea to placebo. Echinacea Plus was effective in relieving symptoms in a shorter period of time than placebo, with no negative effects reported.
Ineffectiveness of echinacea for prevention of experimental rhinovirus colds.
RCT assessing the effectiveness of echinacea for preventing experimental rhinovirus colds. Echinacea had no significant effect on the occurrence of infection or severity of illness compared to placebo.
Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination phytomedicine in the treatment of the common cold (acute viral respiratory tract infection): results of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, multicentre study.
RCT of a fixed combination herbal remedy (Radix echinaceae, Radix baptisiae, Herba thujae) in 263 patients with the common cold. The herbal remedy showed superiority over placebo in improving cold symptoms, with significant effects observed as early as day 2. The study confirmed the remedy's efficacy and safety.
Echinaforce and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold. A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
RCT investigating the efficacy and safety of Echinacea purpurea in treating the common cold. 246 adults with a cold took Echinaforce, a concentrated Echinacea preparation, a special Echinacea radix preparation, or placebo. Echinaforce and its concentrated preparation were significantly more effective than the special extract or placebo in reducing cold symptoms.
Echinacea root extracts for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.
RCT investigating the safety and efficacy of echinacea extracts for preventing upper respiratory tract infections in 302 volunteers. No significant prophylactic effect was found, though participants in treatment groups perceived more benefit than placebo. Adverse effects were reported in all groups.
Reduction of Viral Load in Patients with Acute Sore Throats: Results from an Observational Clinical Trial with Echinacea/Salvia Lozenges.
Observational study of 74 patients with acute sore throat treated with Echinacea/Salvia lozenges. The treatment reduced throat pain by 48% and tonsillopharyngitis symptoms by 34%. Viral loads in virus-positive patients were reduced by 62% after a single lozenge and by 96% after 4 days.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench with antioxidant profile
The paper demonstrates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Echinacea purpurea and evaluates their antioxidant activity. The synthesized AgNPs showed excellent antioxidant activity in various assays, suggesting potential for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Combined extracts of Echinacea angustifolia DC. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe in softgel capsules: Pharmacokinetics and immunomodulatory effects assessed by gene expression profiling.
RCT studying the pharmacokinetics and immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea angustifolia and Zingiber officinale extracts in softgel capsules. The study found rapid absorption of bioactive components and highlighted immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects similar to hydrocortisone.
Echinacea-Based Dietary Supplement Does Not Increase Maximal Aerobic Capacity in Endurance-Trained Men and Women.
RCT of 45 endurance-trained athletes testing echinacea-based dietary supplement at two doses on VO2max and blood markers. No significant improvement in VO2max or blood parameters was observed, suggesting no benefit for performance enhancement.
Pharmacokinetics and immunomodulatory effect of lipophilic Echinacea extract formulated in softgel capsules.
Pharmacokinetic and immunological study of Echinacea angustifolia lipophilic extract in softgel capsules administered to 10 human volunteers. The study found a 3.5-fold improvement in tetraene oral bioavailability and immunomodulatory effects, including down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory molecules.
Echinacea purpurea supplementation does not enhance VO2max in distance runners.
RCT with 16 trained endurance runners testing Echinacea purpurea supplementation at 8,000 mg/day for 6 weeks. The study found no significant differences in VO2max, hematocrit, or hemoglobin between the Echinacea and placebo groups, indicating no effect on physical performance.
The effect of Echinacea purpurea on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel.
RCT investigating the effect of Echinacea purpurea on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in 10 cancer patients. Echinacea purpurea did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel, suggesting it may be safely combined with docetaxel.
Administration of botanicals with the diet regulates gene expression in peripheral blood cells of Sarda sheep during ACTH challenge.
The study investigated the effect of dietary botanicals on gene expression in Sarda sheep during ACTH-induced cortisol release. Botanicals such as Larix decidua bark and Echinacea angustifolia roots modulated transcriptome modifications in polymorphonucleate cells, suggesting their potential as feed supplements to manage stress and immune response in ruminants.
Herb-drug interaction between Echinacea purpurea and darunavir-ritonavir in HIV-infected patients.
Open-label, fixed-sequence study investigating the interaction between Echinacea purpurea and darunavir-ritonavir in 15 HIV-infected patients. Echinacea was added to antiretroviral therapy, and darunavir pharmacokinetics were assessed. Echinacea was well tolerated, and while individual patients showed a decrease in darunavir concentrations, overall pharmacokinetics were not affected.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects.
Open-label, randomized, cross-over clinical trial in 12 healthy male subjects assessing interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin. Echinacea significantly increased the clearance of S-warfarin but did not lead to a clinically significant change in INR. Policosanol did not significantly affect warfarin pharmacokinetics or response.
Echinacea purpurea and mucosal immunity.
RCT examining the effects of Echinacea purpurea on mucosal immunity and URTI in 32 subjects undergoing an exercise protocol. Echinacea supplementation attenuated exercise-induced reductions in s-IgA and reduced the duration of URTI compared to placebo.
Effects of echinacea on electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurements.
RCT evaluating the effects of a single 350-mg dose of Echinacea purpurea on electrocardiographic and blood pressure measurements in healthy volunteers. No differences in maximum posttreatment electrocardiographic or blood pressure variables were noted between the echinacea and placebo groups.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of Echinacea purpurea preparations and their interaction with the immune system.
A randomized, single-dose, crossover study with 10 volunteers compared the bioavailability of alkamides from liquid and tablet preparations of Echinacea purpurea. Both preparations led to significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-8 in LPS pre-stimulated whole blood, indicating effects on the immune system.
Effect of oral administration of freshly pressed juice of Echinacea purpurea on the number of various subpopulations of B- and T-lymphocytes in healthy volunteers: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study with 40 healthy male volunteers investigating the effects of oral Echinacea purpurea juice on lymphocyte subpopulations. The study found only minor effects on two out of 12 lymphocyte subpopulations, with small differences in CD8+ T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells deemed of questionable physiological relevance.
Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of alkamides from the roots of Echinacea angustifolia in humans.
Pharmacokinetic study of alkamides from Echinacea angustifolia roots in 11 healthy subjects. The study developed a method to identify and quantify alkamides in human plasma, showing maximum concentration of the main alkamides 30 minutes after oral administration.
Echinacea intake induces an immune response through altered expression of leucocyte hsp70, increased white cell counts and improved erythrocyte antioxidant defences.
Pilot study of 11 healthy individuals consuming Echinacea tablets for 14 days. Echinacea supplementation enhanced leucocyte hsp70 expression, increased white cell counts, and showed a preventative effect against erythrocyte haemolysis, suggesting an immune response and antioxidant effect.
Echinacea purpurea for prevention of experimental rhinovirus colds.
RCT evaluating Echinacea purpurea for prevention of rhinovirus type 39 infection in 48 healthy adults. Echinacea did not significantly decrease infection rates or cold development compared to placebo.
Regulation of human immune gene expression as influenced by a commercial blended Echinacea product: preliminary studies.
Preliminary study on the effects of a commercial blended Echinacea product on immune gene expression. In vitro and in vivo analyses showed changes in expression of immunomodulatory genes, suggesting an anti-inflammatory and antiviral response. Echinacea consumption was associated with a reduction in the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Immunological activity of larch arabinogalactan and Echinacea: a preliminary, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
RCT examining the immunomodulating effects of Echinacea species and larch arabinogalactan in 48 healthy female volunteers. Complement properdin increased significantly in groups receiving Echinacea and Echinacea plus larch arabinogalactan, indicating immune system stimulation.
Immunological and haematinic consequences of feeding a standardised Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) extract to healthy horses.
Double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial investigating the effect of standardised Echinacea extract on 8 horses over 42 days. Echinacea increased phagocytic ability of neutrophils, boosted lymphocyte counts, and improved blood parameters, suggesting enhanced immunocompetence and exercise physiology.
[Applications of immunomodulators in complex of treatment of the soft tissue purulent wounds].
RCT involving 31 patients with purulent soft tissue wounds. The study found that the combination of immunomodulator thymogen, siliceous sorbent sillard, and Echinacea Purpurea tincture led to more rapid wound cleansing, healing, and normalization of immunity indexes.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections.
RCT of 108 patients with a history of frequent colds or respiratory infections, comparing 4 mL fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea to placebo twice a day for 8 weeks. Echinacea did not significantly decrease the incidence, duration, or severity of colds and respiratory infections compared to placebo.
Results of five randomized studies on the immunomodulatory activity of preparations of Echinacea.
This article discusses five placebo-controlled randomized studies on the immunomodulatory activity of Echinacea preparations in 134 healthy volunteers. Significant enhancement in phagocytic activity was observed in two studies, while the other three showed no significant effects. Leukocyte numbers were not significantly influenced, and no side effects were detected.
Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Echinacea angustifolia Extract against Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae through Niosome Encapsulation
The study prepared niosome-encapsulated Echinacea angustifolia extract and evaluated its efficacy against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. The encapsulated extract showed up to 16-fold higher antibacterial activity compared to the free extract and exhibited negligible cytotoxicity against human foreskin fibroblasts.
In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2
In vitro study investigating the virucidal and antiviral potential of Echinacea purpurea (Echinaforce®) against coronaviruses, including HCoV-229E, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2. Echinaforce® was found to inactivate these viruses upon direct contact, suggesting potential as a prophylactic treatment.
What’s in the box? Authentication of Echinacea herbal products using DNA metabarcoding and HPTLC
The study used high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and DNA metabarcoding to authenticate Echinacea herbal products marketed in Europe. It found that DNA metabarcoding can detect Echinacea species and other plant constituents, revealing discrepancies between labeled and actual ingredients with an ingredient fidelity of 43%.
Nonspecific immunostimulation with low doses of cyclophosphamide (LDCY), thymostimulin, and Echinacea purpurea extracts (echinacin) in patients with far advanced colorectal cancers: preliminary results.
RCT involving 15 outpatients with advanced colorectal cancers receiving immunotherapy with low-dose cyclophosphamide, thymostimulin, and echinacea purpurea extracts. Partial tumor regression was observed in one patient and stable disease in six others. Mean survival time was 4 months, with two patients surviving more than 8 months. The treatment was well tolerated without side effects.
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review
This review provides a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of Echinacea purpurea. It highlights the immunomodulatory effects and suggests further research to develop efficient and safe products.
Ethanolic Echinacea purpurea Extracts Contain a Mixture of Cytokine-Suppressive and Cytokine-Inducing Compounds, Including Some That Originate from Endophytic Bacteria
The study evaluated the effects of a 75% ethanolic root extract of Echinacea purpurea on cytokine and chemokine production from RAW 264.7 macrophage-like cells. The extract displayed dual activities, stimulating and suppressing TNF-α production, with alkylamides and xanthienopyran contributing to the suppressive activity. The study suggests that macrophage-stimulating activity may originate from endophytic bacteria.
Anti-viral properties and mode of action of standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against highly pathogenic avian Influenza virus (H5N1, H7N7) and swine-origin H1N1 (S-OIV)
The study investigates the anti-viral properties of a standardized Echinacea purpurea extract against various influenza virus strains, including H5N1 and H1N1. The extract inactivated the viruses in cell culture assays and inhibited viral entry into cells, showing potential as an alternative to existing anti-viral drugs.
Genomics and proteomics of immune modulatory effects of a butanol fraction of echinacea purpurea in human dendritic cells
The study investigated the gene expression in human immature dendritic cells in response to a butanol fraction of Echinacea purpurea. Results showed upregulation of cytokines and chemokines, and increased expression of antioxidant and cytoskeletal proteins, suggesting immune-modulatory activities.
Echinacea powder: treatment for canine chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections.
An open multi-centered veterinary clinical trial in Switzerland evaluated the efficacy of Echinacea purpurea powder in 41 dogs with chronic and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections. Significant improvement was observed in 92% of dogs after 4 weeks, with reductions in symptoms such as nasal secretions, lymph node enlargement, and cough. The study suggests Echinacea as a well-tolerated alternative treatment for canine respiratory infections.
Polysaccharides isolated from Echinacea purpurea herba cell cultures to counteract undesired effects of chemotherapy--a pilot study.
Open prospective study with matched historical controls evaluating a polysaccharide fraction from Echinacea purpurea to counteract chemotherapy effects. Patients receiving the polysaccharide showed higher leukocyte counts compared to historical controls, suggesting potential efficacy in reducing chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.
Bactericidal and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Ethanol Extracts Derived from Selected Medicinal Plants against.
The study assessed the bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity of ethanol extracts from medicinal plants, including sage leaf and purple coneflower flower, against bacterial growth and biofilm formation. The extracts showed promising antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities, suggesting potential for developing natural therapies for streptococcal pharyngitis.
Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods
Narrative review of Echinacea purpurea, highlighting its immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potential antianxiety and antidepression effects. The review discusses controversial findings regarding side effects and various biological activities, including antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It also covers the phytochemistry and analysis methods of the plant.
Herbal supplements and athlete immune function--what's proven, disproven, and unproven?
The paper critically evaluates literature on the effects of herbal supplements, specifically ginseng and Echinacea, on athlete immune function. It reviews usage rates, examines immune influences, and proposes a framework for understanding discrepancies in data, using Echinacea as a model. It also discusses prospective data on Echinacea's effects on cytokine production and cell proliferation in athletes.