Potential Benefits of Echinacea
Summarize
Echinacea is widely recognized as an herbal supplement that may provide several benefits. Echinacea supplements and teas may support the immune system, especially during months when colds and respiratory illnesses are common. While echinacea’s popularity is undeniable, understanding what it is, how it works, and how to use it safely is essential before adding it to your routine.
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is in the daisy (Asteraceae) family and has a reputation as an effective supplement for preventing colds, shortening recovery time, and supporting a healthy immune system. Several echinacea plant species are used in supplements. Native to North America, Native Americans discovered the E. purpurea echinacea species and used it to treat various health issues, including toothaches and respiratory tract infections. Other common species are Echinacea pallida and Echinacea augustifolio.
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, contains a variety of bioactive compounds. They are believed to confer the wellness benefits. The primary compounds include alkylamides (fatty acid amides are anti-inflammatory), caffeic acid derivatives (antioxidants), and polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates for energy storage). Due to its properties, echinacea is a popular herbal supplement available in capsule, tincture, tea, and topical forms.
There is still a lot to learn about this plant’s benefits. For example, researchers still do not understand whether it is a single ingredient that delivers benefits or a complex mix of bioactive compounds. All parts of the echinacea plant are used in various supplements. The various parts have different amounts of active compounds.
Potential Benefits
Research indicates that echinacea immune support is one potential benefit attributed to its rich phytochemical content.
1. Healthy Phytochemicals
• Alkylamides interact with the endocannabinoid receptor type 2, which is involved in managing the immune system. Since echinacea obtained from E. purpurea roots contains the highest amount of alkylamides, it is believed that they are the primary source of immune regulation. Alkylamides have also been shown to possess other properties, such as antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activities.
• Polysaccharides may act as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antivirals. It may also protect the gastrointestinal system and the liver.
• Caffeic acid derivatives (CADs) may inhibit microbial growth, helping to prevent infection. They may also have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Plus, CADs may help prevent bone loss due to osteoporosis.
• Flavonoids are believed to have antioxidant and antiviral properties. They may also inhibit allergic reactions and the formation of ulcers.
2. Echinacea for Wellness
What is echinacea good for? What are the echinacea uses? The compounds in echinacea may deliver powerful health benefits.
• A stronger immune system helps the body fight off viruses and germs, meaning fewer infections and healthier skin, and speeds up recovery from sickness or injury.
• Does echinacea help with a common cold? Some research indicates echinacea reduces the risk of developing a cold. Other studies found it may help you recover faster from a cold or respiratory infection or reduce the severity.
• Antioxidants defend against free radical formation. Free radicals damage cells, contributing to diseases like cancer and heart disease, and play a role in aging.
• Antimicrobial activity prevents infections by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria and viruses.
• Antifungal properties can fight skin infections due to fungi.
• Neuroprotective properties mean the neurons in the central nervous system are shielded from damage.
Side Effects
Generally, echinacea is considered safe. However, some people have reported experiencing side effects after taking echinacea. They include the following.
- Minor gastrointestinal issues that include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
- Headache and dizziness
- Muscle and joint discomfort
- Insomnia
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Skin reactions when applied topically, including rash, itchiness, or redness
- Allergic reaction causing respiratory issues
If you have an autoimmune disease or disorder, you should avoid echinacea as it may activate the immune system. Your disease symptoms may worsen. Echinacea may also interact with some medications. They include immunosuppressants and liver medications. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take echinacea supplements due to a lack of definitive research on its effects.
How to Choose an Echinacea Product?
You want to choose a high-quality echinacea supplement. Supplements are not government-regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but you can take the following steps to choose the best products.
1. Root-based products
Supplements made with root-based extracts of echinacea purpurea have the highest levels of alkylamides compared to those made from flowers, leaves, or stems. Products made with the plant’s aerial parts may be high-quality, but the isolated plant compounds will not have as many alkylamides.
2. Lab tested
The best products are tested by independent third-party labs, such as NSF International and USP. The label will indicate that testing was completed. You can use the lab results to confirm that the label information is accurate and that the product is free of contaminants.
3. Review the label for fillers
One way brands cheapen their products is by using fillers. A high-quality product has a low filler content.
4. Review the label for ingredients
Related to checking for fillers and contaminants is reading the label to review the ingredients list, the type of echinacea extract, and the dosage.
5. Read consumer reviews
It is helpful to read the reviews posted by product users. They often share their thoughts on whether the supplement addressed their health issue and if they experienced any side effects.
6. Check the extraction method
Different extraction methods are used because each targets different plant compounds. For example, solvent extraction using ethanol is suitable for extracting many plant compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides. Water effectively extracts polysaccharides. Glycerol is best for extracting caffeic acid derivatives. Macerated plant material is soaked in the solvent of choice to target active compounds.
Solventless extraction methods used in commercial facilities include supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and more.
FAQs
Does echinacea boost immunity?
There is some clinical research reporting that echinacea may boost immunity and reduce the odds of catching a cold.
• A 2012 study with 755 healthy participants took a placebo or E. purpurea alcohol extract for four months. Those taking echinacea experienced fewer colds.
• Another study found echinacea may increase the white blood cell count. White blood cells are important protectors from infection.
However, conflicting research has found that echinacea does not have these effects.Can you take it every day?
There are no specific guidelines on taking echinacea. Due to a lack of clinical evidence, the recommendation on products is usually to take echinacea for a short period. Physicians discourage long-term use, i.e., beyond 8 weeks.
If exposed to someone with a cold, flu, or respiratory illness, the recommendation is to take echinacea right away. Some people take echinacea for seasonal wellness during the times of year when colds and respiratory viruses are more common.
Always check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement. This is especially important if taking medications.Tea vs. tincture vs. capsules: what’s best?
The best echinacea product form depends on personal needs and goals. Taking a sublingual tincture produces the fastest absorption. Capsules and tablets are often chosen because they offer consistent dosing. They are also convenient to carry. One of the echinacea tea benefits is its hydrating effect. Sipping tea is also comforting, reducing stress and warming the body. Tea will also soothe an irritated throat. But tea will contain less echinacea than capsules or tinctures. Echinacea topicals are also available as lotions, creams, and salves.
Bottom Line on Echinacea
Echinacea has been a popular herbal supplement for many reasons. It is a rich mix of bioactive compounds that support immune function and reduce inflammation. There is research evidence that taking echinacea may also reduce the risk of developing a cold or shorten the recovery time. The research to date is not definitive, and not everyone can or should take it. However, it may be a good addition to your wellness routine when the immune system needs a boost. Purchase high-quality products and pay attention to how your body responds.
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11085449/#abstract1
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36723904/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18258644/
- https://www.aging-us.com/article/206067/text
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23024696/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15115689/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30373170/
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/0815/p617.htm
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