Last verified: 17 days ago
Echinacea
Also known as: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea angustifolia, purple coneflower, EPE
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Herbal immune supplement with modest NK cell activity benefits; limited evidence for cold or respiratory symptom relief.
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What it does
Echinacea is a flowering plant native to North America long used in herbal medicine. One clinical trial found that 200 mg/day of an ethanolic Echinacea purpurea extract increased natural killer...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
200 mg/day (ethanolic extract) based on available study data
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Found in
What the Science Says
Echinacea is a flowering plant native to North America long used in herbal medicine. One clinical trial found that 200 mg/day of an ethanolic Echinacea purpurea extract increased natural killer (NK) cell activity and certain immune signaling proteins (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α) after 8 weeks in healthy adults. Animal studies suggest it may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though these findings have not been confirmed in humans.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably shorten your cold or flu. A clinical trial in COVID-19 patients found no meaningful improvement in respiratory symptoms, oxygen levels, or lung involvement. No evidence it reduces fatigue in healthy adults. Don't expect it to replace antiviral medications.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Increases natural killer cell activity in healthy adults after 8 weeks of daily use.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 200 mg/day ethanolic extract
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Raises levels of immune signaling proteins IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in healthy adults.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 200 mg/day ethanolic extract
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Echinacea root extracts reduced inflammation markers and joint swelling in animal models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established human dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Liposomal and nanoparticle formulations are being explored in animal research to improve delivery of active compounds.
Red Flags to Watch For
- May interact with prescription drugs via CYP450 enzyme modulation — tell your doctor if you take any medications
- Most human evidence comes from small trials (n=40–80); results may not apply broadly
- Product quality varies widely — 1,000+ registered supplement products with no standardized extract
- Not proven effective for acute respiratory infections including COVID-19 based on available RCT data
- Animal studies showing protective effects against chemotherapy toxicity have not been replicated in humans
Products Containing Echinacea
See how Echinacea is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Echinacea do?
Herbal immune supplement with modest NK cell activity benefits; limited evidence for cold or respiratory symptom relief.
What is the effective dose of Echinacea?
200 mg/day (ethanolic extract) based on available study data
Is Echinacea safe?
May interact with prescription drugs via CYP450 enzyme modulation — tell your doctor if you take any medications
What doesn't Echinacea do?
Won't reliably shorten your cold or flu.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25