Herb Blurb: Echinacea
Echinacea is also known as the purple coneflower herb. Other names include Kansas Snakeroot, Black Sampson, Sampson Root, and Rudbeckia.
What is it?
There are nine different species of Echinacea. The most common form is composed of the above ground parts of the flower known as Echinacea purpurea. Volatile oil, caffeic acid derivatives, isobutylamides, polyenens, and polyines have been recognized as plant components.
What does it do?
Although little scientific research exists to confirm the efficacy of Echinacea and the active ingredient is unknown, it is marketed to fight the common cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. Without sufficient evidence, Echinacea is also claimed to support a healthy immune function, by stimulating macrophage activity that destroys attacking organisms.
Echinacea is sold in tinctures, capsules, tablets, herbal teas or throat lozenges. For use as an occasional dietary supplement, recommended dosage of Echinacea is between 300mg and 900mg of dried extract.
Is it safe?
Thus far research suggests that use of Echinacea should not exceed 8 weeks. In addition, persons with autoimmune diseases, progressive systemic diseases, or those taking immunostimulant medications, anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate or ketoconazole should NOT take the dietary supplement.
Prolonged use of Echinacea may cause liver damage. Conflicting and inconclusive results and the poor design of much of the research indicate that further research is warranted to determine the effectiveness of Echinacea and the best dosage, administration, and preparation of supplements.
The bottom line
Although one should exert caution with dosage and prolonged usage, Echinacea may be beneficial for occasional use as an herbal remedy.
Sources: The American Cancer Society; The American Dietetic Association
Nikki Hofkens
Dietetics Program, Mount Mary College
Article Created: 2001-03-26
Article Updated: 2001-03-26
Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.
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