Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.6
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  2 Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
5
 
Total Carbohydrate 
1 g 
<1%* 
Echinacea Extract Blend
100 mg 
† 
Echinacea purpurea root supercritical CO2 extract, Echinacea angustifolia root supercritical CO2 extract 
 
 
Alkylamides 
9 mg 
Proprietary Extract Blend 
800 mg 
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) aerial parts extract, Organic Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) fruit extract, Organic Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root supercritical CO2 extract 
 
 

Top Medical Research Studies

9
Echinacea's promise against colds
In a comprehensive clinical trial, we examined the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea as a preventative measure against the common cold. This research stands out as the largest of its kind, evaluating both the safety and benefits of Echinacea over a long-term treatment period of four months.

We found that this proprietary extract of Echinacea, known as Echinaforce, proved to be beneficial in several ways. It significantly reduced the total number of cold episodes and the duration of those colds. Additionally, participants required fewer medications to cope with their symptoms, highlighting Echinacea's potential as a natural remedy.

Importantly, the extract showed impressive results, particularly for individuals who often experience recurrent infections. The study also indicated that the more closely individuals followed the recommended protocol, the better the preventive effects. Overall, we feel encouraged by the positive risk-to-benefit ratio of Echinacea purpurea when taken as directed for the common cold.
Read More
9
Echinaforce® shows promise for colds
We explored how Echinaforce®, a standardized extract from the Echinacea purpurea plant, can affect respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. In recent research, this treatment was subjected to a rigorous examination through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study lasting four months. This methodology is important because it allows for a clear comparison between those receiving the treatment and those receiving a placebo.

During the study, we observed that Echinaforce® exhibits immunomodulatory and broad antiviral effects against various respiratory viruses. Notably, it blocks proteins like Haemagglutinin and Neuraminidase, which are often involved in viral replication. One of the significant advantages of Echinaforce® over traditional antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir, is that it does not lead to viral resistance.

The findings support the idea that Echinaforce® can enhance immune resistance and offers both long-term and short-term benefits for preventing and treating common cold symptoms. This makes it a promising option for individuals looking for natural ways to boost their immune system and combat viral infections.
Read More
8
Echinacea effective for colds
We conducted a study to explore the safety and effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea in preventing common cold episodes among 755 healthy participants over four months. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either an extract of Echinacea or a placebo, and they diligently recorded any adverse events or cold-related issues in diaries throughout the study period.

Our findings revealed that Echinacea appears to support cold prevention by reducing the number of cold episodes and the overall days spent unwell. Those who used Echinacea experienced fewer occasions requiring pain relief medications and showed a significant decrease in illness due to virally confirmed colds, especially those caused by enveloped viruses. Notably, participants who followed the treatment protocol closely benefitted the most, showing enhanced preventive effects from Echinacea.

Throughout the study, safety was carefully monitored, revealing that the incidence of adverse events was similar between those taking Echinacea and those on placebo. This indicates that Echinacea has a favorable safety profile comparable to taking no active treatment at all.

Overall, regular intake of Echinacea purpurea can offer a valuable boost in our defenses against the common cold, making it a potential natural remedy for those looking to reduce the frequency and severity of colds.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
Highly effective remedy
Effective cold medicine! A really effective remedy. At the first signs of the common cold, I followed the suggested regimen. I managed not to get ill, and after three days, all symptoms vanished as if by magic. I initially bought one jar for a trial, but I’ve now ordered two more. In St. Petersburg, it’s an essential item during off-season! I highly recommend it.
Read More
10
My golden ticket
The best line of defence! As a Canadian, I can't find Gaia in Canada. While in California, I caught a sore throat and bought these at a health food store. I took them enthusiastically—10 a day at onset—and they worked brilliantly. I've been having them shipped ever since, especially with flu season approaching, along with Allimax at the first signs of a common cold; it's my golden ticket!
Read More
9.5
Stronger than alternatives
Quick Defence works! I recently tried Gaia Herbs Quick Defence with fantastic results. After taking it for two days (40 caps) to address strong viral symptoms resembling a cold/flu, I felt fine on the third day. Previously, I used Gaia Herbs echinacea, but Quick Defence proved more effective, and the dosing was straightforward. I will keep it handy.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.6
  • All Researches
9
Echinacea shows potential for colds
We're diving into the effectiveness of Echinacea for children dealing with acute cold and flu symptoms. A total of 79 children, aged between 4 and 12, were included in this study. We randomized them to receive either three or five doses of Echinaforce Junior tablets daily, allowing us to compare the benefits of 1200 mg versus 2000 mg of Echinacea extract.

During the cold episodes, parents diligently recorded their child's respiratory symptoms, while both parents and physicians provided feedback on how well the treatment was tolerated. Our observations revealed that Echinacea was well-received, boasting an impressive tolerability rate of over 96%. On average, cold episodes lasted 7.5 days, and most children fully recovered within 10 days.

Notably, we found that those taking five doses of Echinacea daily experienced a shorter average duration of symptoms, cutting the episode time by about 1.7 days compared to those taking three doses. This effective symptom relief led to low antibiotic prescriptions, with only 4.6% of children needing them. Overall, we see Echinacea tablets as a promising option for managing acute cold episodes in children, especially at higher doses.
Read More
9
Echinacea's promise against colds
In a comprehensive clinical trial, we examined the effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea as a preventative measure against the common cold. This research stands out as the largest of its kind, evaluating both the safety and benefits of Echinacea over a long-term treatment period of four months.

We found that this proprietary extract of Echinacea, known as Echinaforce, proved to be beneficial in several ways. It significantly reduced the total number of cold episodes and the duration of those colds. Additionally, participants required fewer medications to cope with their symptoms, highlighting Echinacea's potential as a natural remedy.

Importantly, the extract showed impressive results, particularly for individuals who often experience recurrent infections. The study also indicated that the more closely individuals followed the recommended protocol, the better the preventive effects. Overall, we feel encouraged by the positive risk-to-benefit ratio of Echinacea purpurea when taken as directed for the common cold.
Read More
9
Echinaforce® shows promise for colds
We explored how Echinaforce®, a standardized extract from the Echinacea purpurea plant, can affect respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. In recent research, this treatment was subjected to a rigorous examination through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study lasting four months. This methodology is important because it allows for a clear comparison between those receiving the treatment and those receiving a placebo.

During the study, we observed that Echinaforce® exhibits immunomodulatory and broad antiviral effects against various respiratory viruses. Notably, it blocks proteins like Haemagglutinin and Neuraminidase, which are often involved in viral replication. One of the significant advantages of Echinaforce® over traditional antiviral medications, such as Oseltamivir, is that it does not lead to viral resistance.

The findings support the idea that Echinaforce® can enhance immune resistance and offers both long-term and short-term benefits for preventing and treating common cold symptoms. This makes it a promising option for individuals looking for natural ways to boost their immune system and combat viral infections.
Read More
9
Echinacea aids in cold treatment
In our study, we investigated the effectiveness of a multiherbal formula called Immumax, which includes Echinacea, alongside garlic, Nigella sativa oil, Panax ginseng, vitamin C, and zinc, in treating the common cold. Conducted in an outpatient setting, this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial involved 62 participants who exhibited common cold symptoms. They were divided into two groups; one received Immumax, while the other received a placebo.

Our findings revealed that the patients taking Immumax experienced a significant reduction in the duration and severity of their cold symptoms compared to those on the placebo. Specifically, the average time for symptoms to resolve was notably quicker—4 days for Immumax users versus 8 days for the placebo group. Additionally, by day four and eight, there was a significant decrease in overall symptom severity scores among Immumax recipients.

Overall, we can confidently say that the inclusion of Echinacea in the multiherbal formula contributes positively to managing cold symptoms, aiding in quicker recovery. However, it’s essential to note that we didn't isolate the individual effects of Echinacea, so while it seems beneficial within this combination, we can’t definitively attribute all the positive effects solely to Echinacea.
Read More
9
Alkylamides effectively reduce cold symptoms
We explored the effects of specific compounds called alkylamides, found in a medicinal herb, on common cold symptoms. Our study focused on the antiviral and inflammatory responses of these alkylamides, particularly how they interact with respiratory viruses like rhinovirus and influenza.

We found that one alkylamide, Dodeca-2,4-Dienoic acid isobutylamide, was particularly effective. It showed a strong ability to inhibit the replication of these viruses while also reducing the production of a specific cytokine called IL-8. High levels of IL-8 are linked to many cold symptoms and other respiratory infections.

The promising results, along with low toxicity, suggest that this alkylamide could be a useful treatment for those suffering from colds or flu. Overall, our findings highlight the potential benefits of alkylamides in alleviating cold symptoms and promoting better respiratory health.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 22 Reviews
8.8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
Highly effective remedy
Effective cold medicine! A really effective remedy. At the first signs of the common cold, I followed the suggested regimen. I managed not to get ill, and after three days, all symptoms vanished as if by magic. I initially bought one jar for a trial, but I’ve now ordered two more. In St. Petersburg, it’s an essential item during off-season! I highly recommend it.
Read More
10
My golden ticket
The best line of defence! As a Canadian, I can't find Gaia in Canada. While in California, I caught a sore throat and bought these at a health food store. I took them enthusiastically—10 a day at onset—and they worked brilliantly. I've been having them shipped ever since, especially with flu season approaching, along with Allimax at the first signs of a common cold; it's my golden ticket!
Read More
9.5
Stronger than alternatives
Quick Defence works! I recently tried Gaia Herbs Quick Defence with fantastic results. After taking it for two days (40 caps) to address strong viral symptoms resembling a cold/flu, I felt fine on the third day. Previously, I used Gaia Herbs echinacea, but Quick Defence proved more effective, and the dosing was straightforward. I will keep it handy.
Read More
10
Wonders for symptoms
This remedy is what I use as soon as I suspect I have cold symptoms. It works wonders! My first experience was waking up with a runny nose and sneezing, but after taking it as directed and drinking plenty of fluids, I woke up the next day symptom-free.
Read More
8.8
Effective for symptoms
It helps with the first signs of a common cold. I ordered it in stock and found that sometimes taking capsules for just one day is sufficient for noticeable effects.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.

References

  1. Declerck K, Novo CP, Grielens L, Van Camp G, Suter A, et al. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench treatment of monocytes promotes tonic interferon signaling, increased innate immunity gene expression and DNA repeat hypermethylated silencing of endogenous retroviral sequences. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:141. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03310-5
  2. Weishaupt R, Bächler A, Feldhaus S, Lang G, Klein P, et al. Safety and Dose-Dependent Effects of for the Treatment of Acute Cold Episodes in Children: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial. Children (Basel). 2020;7. doi:10.3390/children7120292
  3. Wagner L, Cramer H, Klose P, Lauche R, Gass F, et al. Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22:359. doi:10.1159/000442111
  4. Ross SM. Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold. Holist Nurs Pract. 2016;30:54. doi:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000130
  5. Barth A, Hovhannisyan A, Jamalyan K, Narimanyan M. Antitussive effect of a fixed combination of Justicia adhatoda, Echinacea purpurea and Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts in patients with acute upper respiratory tract infection: A comparative, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine. 2015;22:1195. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.001
  6. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. JAMA. 2015;313:618. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.17145
  7. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, et al. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014:CD000530. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3
  8. Schapowal A. Efficacy and safety of Echinaforce® in respiratory tract infections. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2013;163:102. doi:10.1007/s10354-012-0166-0
  9. Jawad M, Schoop R, Suter A, Klein P, Eccles R. Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea to Prevent Common Cold Episodes: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:841315.
  10. Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D, Rabago D, Marchand L, et al. Placebo effects and the common cold: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med. 2011;9:312. doi:10.1370/afm.1250
  11. Mathes A, Bellanger R. Herbs and other dietary supplements: current regulations and recommendations for use to maintain health in the management of the common cold or other related infectious respiratory illnesses. J Pharm Pract. 2010;23:117. doi:10.1177/0897190009358711
  12. Arroll B. Common cold. BMJ Clin Evid. 2011;2011.
  13. Yakoot M, Salem A. Efficacy and safety of a multiherbal formula with vitamin C and zinc (Immumax) in the management of the common cold. Int J Gen Med. 2011;4:45. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S16266
  14. Nahas R, Balla A. Complementary and alternative medicine for prevention and treatment of the common cold. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57:31.
  15. Bieuvelet S, Seyrig C, Leclerc C. [A preliminary survey on the interest of eating probiotics, cypress and echinacea to prevent the apparition of winter infections]. Phytotherapie (Paris). 2011;9:120. doi:10.1007/s10298-011-0613-x
  16. Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D, Mundt M, Bone K, et al. Echinacea for treating the common cold: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2010;153:769. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-153-12-201012210-00003
  17. Puchalski K, Gerstel JA, Jimoh A, Shokoohinia Y, Langland J. Effects of and Alkylamides on Respiratory Virus Replication and IL-8 Expression In Vitro. Molecules. 2025;30. doi:10.3390/molecules30020386
  18. Gertsch J, Schoop R, Kuenzle U, Suter A. Echinacea alkylamides modulate TNF-alpha gene expression via cannabinoid receptor CB2 and multiple signal transduction pathways. FEBS Lett. 2004;577:563.
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