Indications
Echinacea is used to treat the common cold, cough, bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract infections, and also fever and cold. It is used as well to stimulate the immune system, so the body is less prone to infection.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Echinacea products contain several bioactive ingredients, including echinacosides, caffeic acids, alkylamides, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Many echinacea products are standardized to their echinacoside content, but there is no general agreement on which component is responsible for its claimed medicinal properties. In vitro, echinacea activates macrophages and causes the release of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1, interleukin 6 and interferon. It has also been noted to have antiviral activity against influenza, herpes and poliovirus. The phenolic compounds in echinacea show antioxidant activity. Echinacea has been reported to have antiinflammatory activity too, through inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, and it can stimulate the anterior pituitary-adrenal cortex.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Echinacea is not recommended during pregnancy.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.