40 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 9/10
Pham TP et al. • Clinical nutrition ESPEN (2025)
The meta-analysis of nine studies found that E. purpurea was effective in reducing the duration of treatment, the incidence of episodes, and antibiotic usage for URTI in children, with some positive effects on OM.
Karsch-Völk M et al. • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014)
Some echinacea products may offer small benefits for colds.
Weiner JD et al. • Lupus science & medicine (2025)
We identified 227 herbal supplements with immunostimulatory properties, of which 15 were most strongly supported by the evidence.
Deccy S et al. • Nutrients (2024)
Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.
Anheyer D et al. • Academic pediatrics (2018)
Because of conflicting evidence in the included studies no concrete conclusion on effects of Echinacea could be drawn so far.
Yuan Y et al. • Journal of integrative medicine (2021)
High-quality evidence showed that garlic or vaccine had advantages in preventing influenza, and that vitamin C is not effective.
David S, Cunningham R • Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019)
Echinacea products reduced the risk of recurrent respiratory infections and complications including pneumonia, otitis media, and tonsillitis.
Tsai HH et al. • International journal of clinical practice (2012)
Although HDS-drug interactions and contraindications primarily concerned a relatively small subset of commonly used medications and HDS entities, this review provides the summary to identify patients, HDS products, and medications that are more susceptible to HDS-drug interactions and contraindications.
Baidya R et al. • Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology (2025)
The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
Ayrle H et al. • BMC veterinary research (2016)
Several medicinal plants bear a potential for novel treatment strategies for young livestock.
Crawford C et al. • Nutrients (2022)
As we move toward a vision of health promotion and resilience rather than a sole focus on disease prevention and treatment, further work in this area of dietary supplements is of utmost importance.
Awortwe C et al. • Pharmacological research (2019)
John's wort (SJW) significantly decreased the AUC (p < 0.0001) and clearance (p = 0.007) of midazolam.
Griffin AS et al. • Ear, nose, & throat journal (2018)
However, higher levels of evidence gleaned from large, well-designed, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed before any of these therapies can be recommended.
Izzo AA et al. • Phytotherapy research : PTR (2016)
A critical evaluation of the clinical data regarding the adverse effects has shown that herbal remedies are generally better tolerated than synthetic medications.
Arroll B • BMJ clinical evidence (2011)
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants for short-term and for long-term relief, decongestants plus antihistamines, echinacea, steam inhalation, vitamin C, and zinc (intranasal gel or lozenges).
Choi S et al. • PloS one (2017)
It was difficult to determine whether ten herbal medicines had significant effects on the PK-PD parameters of warfarin.
Agbabiaka TB et al. • Drugs & aging (2017)
The prevalence of concurrent prescription drugs and HMP use among older adults is substantial and potential interactions have been reported.
Shah SA et al. • Lancet Infectious Diseases (2007)
Echinacea reduced odds of developing a cold by 58%.
Chan V et al. • Nutrients (2021)
Overall, 12 of 183 ingredients contained in 199 products had evidence to support claims.
Schoop R et al. • Clinical therapeutics (2006)
This meta-analysis suggests that standardized extracts of Echinacea were effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation, compared with placebo.