Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower or snakeroot is a prairie flower native to central North America.
Claimed health benefits
Stimulates the immune system.
Evidence for health benefits
Echinacea's stimulation of the immune system is well documented in respectable scientific studies, for example, one double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the immunostimulating influence of an Echinacea preparation on the course and severity of cold-like symptoms in patients having greater than normal susceptibility to infection.
Patients taking the Echinacea were found to benefit significantly and recover more rapidly than the placebo group [1]. In another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the efficacy and safety of different doses and preparations of Echinacea purpurea in the treatment of common cold was examined. The results were so convincing that the article concluded that Echinacea concentrate represents a low-risk and effective alternative to the standard symptomatic medicines in the acute treatment of the common cold [2].
Although this is all very convincing, more research into the effects of Echinacea for various conditions and in various situations must be carried out before a definite statement about its effects can be made [3]. Its clinical value is still under scrutiny.
Cautions
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There have been no reports of serious reactions to the consumption of Echinacea other than mild allergic reactions and fever in clinical trials where massive doses were administered.
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People with kidney disease or disorders should not take it for more than 10 days at a time due to potential mineral imbalance through excretion. Should not be taken for extended periods by people with compromised immunity.
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It is recommended that potential consumers of Echinacea should make every effort to obtain the highest quality product available. One way of ensuring this is to find out about the product manufacturer's reputation.
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It is important to remember that dietary supplements do not have to be manufactured to any standards, and thus supplements from different manufacturers are likely to vary in quality. [tell me more]
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There is a distinct lack of scientific data on the safety of herbal supplements when taken by children and pregnant or breast feeding women. If you fit into these categories do not take herbal supplements.
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As with all dietary supplements, make sure that you inform your physician of what you are taking when you visit.
Dose
The dosage of Echinacea depends on the potency of the particular preparation. Research suggests that 8-9 mL of liquid preparations be used daily and that the dosage of capsules or tablets is 1g 3 times daily. many commercially available capsules sold in the U.S. contain 380 mg of Echinacea, and therefore 3 capsules should be taken 3 times a day [4].
Choosing the brand
Species
There are three species of Echinacea found on the market:
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Echinacea purpurea
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Echinacea pallida
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Echinacea angustifolia
Significant immunostimulant effects have been found for the juice of the upper parts of E. purpurea and for alcoholic extracts of the roots of E. pallida, E. angustifolia and E. purpurea.
Contamination
The people who harvest herbs for these products are not qualified botanists and there have been many reports of unwanted and sometimes poisonous parts of the plants or other plants being picked and added to herbal remedies. Some journals have speculated that liver damage of unknown origin might stem from herbs more often than doctors realize, and a representative for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even suggested that some herbal supplements may be contaminated with real drugs for extra "punch".
Cost per month
$66.90 (based on prices in a mid-western city, March, 2000)
References
1. Tyler VE, Foster S: Herbs and phytomedicinal products, in Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs, Ed 11. Washington, American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996, pp 695-713.
2. Brinkeborn RM, Shah DV, Degenring FH: Echinaforce and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold. A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Phytomedicine 6(1):1-6, 1999.
3. Tyler VE: Echinacea, in the honest herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies, edition 3. New York, Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1993, pp115-117.
4. Tyler VE: Performance and immune deficiencies, in Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. NEW York, Pharmaceutical Products Press. 1994, pp182-185.