Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Organic Echinacea purpurea (stem, leaf, flower)
1.2 g
**
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We investigated how Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) might help in fighting hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of liver cancer. Our findings showed that EPP not only reduced liver damage caused by cancer but also helped in slowing down cancer cell growth and promoting their death, a process known as apoptosis.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
Read More
9
Echinacea shows potential against HCC
The effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea (EP) in combating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated through a structured approach that combined tumor growth analysis, biochemical tests, and pathology in mice. We found that treatment with EP led to a significant suppression of tumor growth, accompanied by a reduction in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels—a common marker associated with liver cancer.
Our examination of tissues revealed substantial areas of cell death in tumors from EP-treated mice, which were notably absent in those that did not receive the treatment. We utilized advanced techniques, including LC-MS-based metabolomics and molecular docking, to better understand the components of EP that contribute to its effects on HCC.
The results highlighted 12 key metabolites affected by EP, particularly those linked to important biological processes like phenylalanine and tryptophan metabolism. Moreover, we identified five critical genetic targets influenced by EP and constructed a comprehensive network to visualize its metabolic pathways. Ultimately, 19 compounds were pinpointed as potential active ingredients, reinforcing the notion that EP has practical benefits in the fight against liver cancer.
Our examination of tissues revealed substantial areas of cell death in tumors from EP-treated mice, which were notably absent in those that did not receive the treatment. We utilized advanced techniques, including LC-MS-based metabolomics and molecular docking, to better understand the components of EP that contribute to its effects on HCC.
The results highlighted 12 key metabolites affected by EP, particularly those linked to important biological processes like phenylalanine and tryptophan metabolism. Moreover, we identified five critical genetic targets influenced by EP and constructed a comprehensive network to visualize its metabolic pathways. Ultimately, 19 compounds were pinpointed as potential active ingredients, reinforcing the notion that EP has practical benefits in the fight against liver cancer.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacoside, a compound from Echinacea, on cancer cells, focusing on its ability to inhibit a critical enzyme known as MTH1. This enzyme is responsible for sanitizing nucleotide pools in cells, and when it's inhibited, it leads to oxidative damage in DNA, triggering cell death in cancer cells.
Our study utilized a high-throughput screening method to identify natural compounds that could inhibit MTH1 effectively. Echinacoside emerged as a promising candidate, showing considerable activity in laboratory tests. We treated various human cancer cell lines with Echinacoside and observed a notable increase in oxidized guanine levels, suggesting that the compound effectively hampers MTH1's activity within these cells.
Following treatment, we noted significant DNA damage markers and an increase in p21, a protein that inhibits cell cycle progression. These changes prompted apoptosis, or programmed cell death, specifically in cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed. Overall, our findings highlight Echinacoside's potential as a natural anticancer agent by targeting the MTH1 enzyme.
Our study utilized a high-throughput screening method to identify natural compounds that could inhibit MTH1 effectively. Echinacoside emerged as a promising candidate, showing considerable activity in laboratory tests. We treated various human cancer cell lines with Echinacoside and observed a notable increase in oxidized guanine levels, suggesting that the compound effectively hampers MTH1's activity within these cells.
Following treatment, we noted significant DNA damage markers and an increase in p21, a protein that inhibits cell cycle progression. These changes prompted apoptosis, or programmed cell death, specifically in cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed. Overall, our findings highlight Echinacoside's potential as a natural anticancer agent by targeting the MTH1 enzyme.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
7.5
Effective immunity boost
3 people found this helpful
Excellent! The echinacea plant is well-known for enhancing immunity and combating cancer cells. It's particularly useful for those with immunodeficiency. I obtained it for my mother and noticed an improvement in her condition. I highly recommend this brand as its products are very effective and the results are remarkable.
Read More
7.5
Immunity support for cancer
I took this to strengthen my immunity as I have cancer and my immune system is weak. I heard Duaa Harfoush recommending it for boosting immunity, preventing diseases, and reducing infections. The quantity is substantial and suitable.
Read More
7.5
Immune system boost
29 people found this helpful
Great product! I am a cancer survivor and will always advocate for boosting one's immune system for better health. I had cancer in the colon, liver, and lungs. Diagnosed in 2011, I'm still here after being told I would only survive 5 years!
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 16 Researches
7.8
- All Researches
9
We investigated how Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) might help in fighting hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of liver cancer. Our findings showed that EPP not only reduced liver damage caused by cancer but also helped in slowing down cancer cell growth and promoting their death, a process known as apoptosis.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
Read More
9
Echinacea shows potential against HCC
The effectiveness of Echinacea purpurea (EP) in combating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated through a structured approach that combined tumor growth analysis, biochemical tests, and pathology in mice. We found that treatment with EP led to a significant suppression of tumor growth, accompanied by a reduction in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels—a common marker associated with liver cancer.
Our examination of tissues revealed substantial areas of cell death in tumors from EP-treated mice, which were notably absent in those that did not receive the treatment. We utilized advanced techniques, including LC-MS-based metabolomics and molecular docking, to better understand the components of EP that contribute to its effects on HCC.
The results highlighted 12 key metabolites affected by EP, particularly those linked to important biological processes like phenylalanine and tryptophan metabolism. Moreover, we identified five critical genetic targets influenced by EP and constructed a comprehensive network to visualize its metabolic pathways. Ultimately, 19 compounds were pinpointed as potential active ingredients, reinforcing the notion that EP has practical benefits in the fight against liver cancer.
Our examination of tissues revealed substantial areas of cell death in tumors from EP-treated mice, which were notably absent in those that did not receive the treatment. We utilized advanced techniques, including LC-MS-based metabolomics and molecular docking, to better understand the components of EP that contribute to its effects on HCC.
The results highlighted 12 key metabolites affected by EP, particularly those linked to important biological processes like phenylalanine and tryptophan metabolism. Moreover, we identified five critical genetic targets influenced by EP and constructed a comprehensive network to visualize its metabolic pathways. Ultimately, 19 compounds were pinpointed as potential active ingredients, reinforcing the notion that EP has practical benefits in the fight against liver cancer.
Read More
9
Echinacea shows promise against cancer
We explored the effects of Echinacea angustifolia DC extract in human breast cancer cell lines, specifically looking at how it influences cancer cell behavior. The study focused on extracts obtained using ethyl acetate and aimed to evaluate their potential as a cancer treatment.
We observed that the Echinacea extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, showing effective inhibition of cell growth. Importantly, no harmful effects were noted on normal breast cells, indicating a degree of selectivity for cancerous cells.
Additionally, the extract was found to cause cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis, meaning it helped to trigger the programmed death of cancer cells. When combined with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, the Echinacea extract showed a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall treatment impact.
Overall, our findings suggest that Echinacea angustifolia DC extract presents itself as a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, particularly when used alongside existing therapies like paclitaxel.
We observed that the Echinacea extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, showing effective inhibition of cell growth. Importantly, no harmful effects were noted on normal breast cells, indicating a degree of selectivity for cancerous cells.
Additionally, the extract was found to cause cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis, meaning it helped to trigger the programmed death of cancer cells. When combined with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, the Echinacea extract showed a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall treatment impact.
Overall, our findings suggest that Echinacea angustifolia DC extract presents itself as a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, particularly when used alongside existing therapies like paclitaxel.
Read More
9
We conducted an investigation into the effects of echinacoside, a compound found in the herbs Cistanche and Echinacea, on breast cancer. Our findings demonstrate that echinacoside has a remarkable ability to inhibit breast cancer cells in laboratory settings, specifically in the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines.
Through a range of tests, including colony formation and transwell assays, we confirmed that echinacoside effectively reduces the growth and spread of these cancer cells. We also observed that it impacts critical proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a significant role in cancer progression.
Moreover, in experiments using a xenograft model, we noted that treatment with echinacoside led to a significant decrease in tumor size, further highlighting its anticancer potential. Overall, our study suggests that echinacoside could serve as a valuable therapeutic option for combatting breast cancer through its ability to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Through a range of tests, including colony formation and transwell assays, we confirmed that echinacoside effectively reduces the growth and spread of these cancer cells. We also observed that it impacts critical proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a significant role in cancer progression.
Moreover, in experiments using a xenograft model, we noted that treatment with echinacoside led to a significant decrease in tumor size, further highlighting its anticancer potential. Overall, our study suggests that echinacoside could serve as a valuable therapeutic option for combatting breast cancer through its ability to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacoside, a compound from Echinacea, on cancer cells, focusing on its ability to inhibit a critical enzyme known as MTH1. This enzyme is responsible for sanitizing nucleotide pools in cells, and when it's inhibited, it leads to oxidative damage in DNA, triggering cell death in cancer cells.
Our study utilized a high-throughput screening method to identify natural compounds that could inhibit MTH1 effectively. Echinacoside emerged as a promising candidate, showing considerable activity in laboratory tests. We treated various human cancer cell lines with Echinacoside and observed a notable increase in oxidized guanine levels, suggesting that the compound effectively hampers MTH1's activity within these cells.
Following treatment, we noted significant DNA damage markers and an increase in p21, a protein that inhibits cell cycle progression. These changes prompted apoptosis, or programmed cell death, specifically in cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed. Overall, our findings highlight Echinacoside's potential as a natural anticancer agent by targeting the MTH1 enzyme.
Our study utilized a high-throughput screening method to identify natural compounds that could inhibit MTH1 effectively. Echinacoside emerged as a promising candidate, showing considerable activity in laboratory tests. We treated various human cancer cell lines with Echinacoside and observed a notable increase in oxidized guanine levels, suggesting that the compound effectively hampers MTH1's activity within these cells.
Following treatment, we noted significant DNA damage markers and an increase in p21, a protein that inhibits cell cycle progression. These changes prompted apoptosis, or programmed cell death, specifically in cancer cells while leaving non-cancerous cells unharmed. Overall, our findings highlight Echinacoside's potential as a natural anticancer agent by targeting the MTH1 enzyme.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.2
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
7.5
Effective immunity boost
3 people found this helpful
Excellent! The echinacea plant is well-known for enhancing immunity and combating cancer cells. It's particularly useful for those with immunodeficiency. I obtained it for my mother and noticed an improvement in her condition. I highly recommend this brand as its products are very effective and the results are remarkable.
Read More
7.5
Immunity support for cancer
I took this to strengthen my immunity as I have cancer and my immune system is weak. I heard Duaa Harfoush recommending it for boosting immunity, preventing diseases, and reducing infections. The quantity is substantial and suitable.
Read More
7.5
Immune system boost
29 people found this helpful
Great product! I am a cancer survivor and will always advocate for boosting one's immune system for better health. I had cancer in the colon, liver, and lungs. Diagnosed in 2011, I'm still here after being told I would only survive 5 years!
Read More
6
Supports cancer treatment
1 people found this helpful
I will repurchase this. It’s flu season. I was frequently ill, so my colleague suggested Echinacea Purpurea Herb. She mentioned her brother-in-law, after dealing with cancer treatment, was advised by his doctor in Australia to take Echinacea for his immune system. So far, I feel better and am getting sick less often.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Effective immunity boost
3 people found this helpful
Excellent! The echinacea plant is well-known for enhancing immunity and combating cancer cells. It's particularly useful for those with immunodeficiency. I obtained it for my mother and noticed an improvement in her condition. I highly recommend this brand as its products are very effective and the results are remarkable.
6
Supports cancer treatment
1 people found this helpful
I will repurchase this. It’s flu season. I was frequently ill, so my colleague suggested Echinacea Purpurea Herb. She mentioned her brother-in-law, after dealing with cancer treatment, was advised by his doctor in Australia to take Echinacea for his immune system. So far, I feel better and am getting sick less often.
7.5
Immunity support for cancer
I took this to strengthen my immunity as I have cancer and my immune system is weak. I heard Duaa Harfoush recommending it for boosting immunity, preventing diseases, and reducing infections. The quantity is substantial and suitable.
9
We investigated how Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) might help in fighting hepatocellular carcinoma, a common type of liver cancer. Our findings showed that EPP not only reduced liver damage caused by cancer but also helped in slowing down cancer cell growth and promoting their death, a process known as apoptosis.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
An interesting aspect of our study was how EPP influenced gut microbiota. After treatment with EPP, we observed a significant increase in beneficial bacteria that produce propionic and butyric acids. These changes in gut microbes led to strengthening the intestinal barrier, which is crucial for keeping harmful substances like lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from leaking into the bloodstream. By controlling LPS leakage, EPP helped reduce inflammation and hindered the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway that cancer cells often exploit to survive.
On a molecular level, our metabolomics analysis revealed that EPP treatment downregulated certain metabolic pathways associated with tumor growth while enhancing butyrate metabolism, which is linked to healthier cellular functions. Overall, our research highlights EPP's potential to combat liver cancer through beneficial modifications to the gut microbiome and consequent impacts on inflammation and cancer cell survival.
8
Echinacoside shows anti-EC potential
We aimed to understand how echinacoside, a natural component found in echinacea, can be effective in treating endometrial cancer (EC). Through a well-organized research approach, we first identified potential targets of echinacoside against EC using various public databases. With the help of a compound-target-disease network and protein-protein interaction analysis, we were able to pinpoint several critical targets.
Our methodology included a comprehensive analysis of genetic pathways involved in cancer, as well as molecular docking tests to explore how echinacoside binds to these targets. These analyses were complemented by in vitro experiments to provide real-world evidence of echinacoside’s anti-cancer effects.
The results were promising: we found that echinacoside could effectively inhibit the growth of endometrial cancer cells through multiple pathways. This adds to the existing body of knowledge about how traditional Chinese medicine might offer new avenues for cancer treatment. Our findings could influence future research and clinical approaches to managing EC.
Our methodology included a comprehensive analysis of genetic pathways involved in cancer, as well as molecular docking tests to explore how echinacoside binds to these targets. These analyses were complemented by in vitro experiments to provide real-world evidence of echinacoside’s anti-cancer effects.
The results were promising: we found that echinacoside could effectively inhibit the growth of endometrial cancer cells through multiple pathways. This adds to the existing body of knowledge about how traditional Chinese medicine might offer new avenues for cancer treatment. Our findings could influence future research and clinical approaches to managing EC.
8
Our exploration focused on the potential of a natural compound called echinacoside, derived from the Echinacea plant, to impact ovarian cancer. We conducted a series of experiments using ovarian cancer cell lines, specifically SKOV3 and OVCAR-3, to understand how echinacoside can affect cancer cell growth, movement, and the formation of new blood vessels—critical factors in cancer progression.
We found that echinacoside significantly reduced the ability of these cancer cells to grow and spread. The compound appeared to promote cancer cell death while simultaneously hindering their migration and the formation of new blood vessels, which nourish tumors. By applying techniques such as Western blotting, we discovered that echinacoside disrupts the signaling pathway involving PI3K/AKT, which is often associated with cancer cell survival and growth.
Additionally, experiments with mouse models revealed that echinacoside effectively decreased tumor growth in a live system, further supporting our findings from lab-based studies. Overall, our results suggest that echinacoside holds promise as a potential treatment option for ovarian cancer, indicating a need for further research to fully understand its therapeutic effects.
We found that echinacoside significantly reduced the ability of these cancer cells to grow and spread. The compound appeared to promote cancer cell death while simultaneously hindering their migration and the formation of new blood vessels, which nourish tumors. By applying techniques such as Western blotting, we discovered that echinacoside disrupts the signaling pathway involving PI3K/AKT, which is often associated with cancer cell survival and growth.
Additionally, experiments with mouse models revealed that echinacoside effectively decreased tumor growth in a live system, further supporting our findings from lab-based studies. Overall, our results suggest that echinacoside holds promise as a potential treatment option for ovarian cancer, indicating a need for further research to fully understand its therapeutic effects.
9
We conducted an investigation into the effects of echinacoside, a compound found in the herbs Cistanche and Echinacea, on breast cancer. Our findings demonstrate that echinacoside has a remarkable ability to inhibit breast cancer cells in laboratory settings, specifically in the MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell lines.
Through a range of tests, including colony formation and transwell assays, we confirmed that echinacoside effectively reduces the growth and spread of these cancer cells. We also observed that it impacts critical proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a significant role in cancer progression.
Moreover, in experiments using a xenograft model, we noted that treatment with echinacoside led to a significant decrease in tumor size, further highlighting its anticancer potential. Overall, our study suggests that echinacoside could serve as a valuable therapeutic option for combatting breast cancer through its ability to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Through a range of tests, including colony formation and transwell assays, we confirmed that echinacoside effectively reduces the growth and spread of these cancer cells. We also observed that it impacts critical proteins involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which plays a significant role in cancer progression.
Moreover, in experiments using a xenograft model, we noted that treatment with echinacoside led to a significant decrease in tumor size, further highlighting its anticancer potential. Overall, our study suggests that echinacoside could serve as a valuable therapeutic option for combatting breast cancer through its ability to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
9
Echinacea shows promise against cancer
We explored the effects of Echinacea angustifolia DC extract in human breast cancer cell lines, specifically looking at how it influences cancer cell behavior. The study focused on extracts obtained using ethyl acetate and aimed to evaluate their potential as a cancer treatment.
We observed that the Echinacea extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, showing effective inhibition of cell growth. Importantly, no harmful effects were noted on normal breast cells, indicating a degree of selectivity for cancerous cells.
Additionally, the extract was found to cause cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis, meaning it helped to trigger the programmed death of cancer cells. When combined with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, the Echinacea extract showed a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall treatment impact.
Overall, our findings suggest that Echinacea angustifolia DC extract presents itself as a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, particularly when used alongside existing therapies like paclitaxel.
We observed that the Echinacea extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, showing effective inhibition of cell growth. Importantly, no harmful effects were noted on normal breast cells, indicating a degree of selectivity for cancerous cells.
Additionally, the extract was found to cause cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis, meaning it helped to trigger the programmed death of cancer cells. When combined with the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, the Echinacea extract showed a synergistic effect, enhancing the overall treatment impact.
Overall, our findings suggest that Echinacea angustifolia DC extract presents itself as a promising candidate for breast cancer treatment, particularly when used alongside existing therapies like paclitaxel.
7
We examined how polysaccharides from Echinacea purpurea, along with other plant sources, impact cancer treatment, specifically when combined with fluorouracil in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma. The results indicated that these polysaccharides helped reduce the toxicity of fluorouracil on the small intestine's lining, promoting healing in tissues affected by the chemotherapy.
Importantly, our investigation revealed no evidence that Echinacea or the other polysaccharides stimulated tumor growth or metastasis. While the study demonstrated protective benefits for the intestinal epithelium, the overall effectiveness of Echinacea on cancer treatment itself was not isolated, leaving us with a mixed impression of its potential role in oncology.
The findings suggest that although Echinacea may not directly influence tumor growth, it could support recovery from the side effects of chemotherapy, offering patients some solace during treatment.
Importantly, our investigation revealed no evidence that Echinacea or the other polysaccharides stimulated tumor growth or metastasis. While the study demonstrated protective benefits for the intestinal epithelium, the overall effectiveness of Echinacea on cancer treatment itself was not isolated, leaving us with a mixed impression of its potential role in oncology.
The findings suggest that although Echinacea may not directly influence tumor growth, it could support recovery from the side effects of chemotherapy, offering patients some solace during treatment.
3
We assessed the effects and risks of using echinacea alongside conventional cancer treatments, particularly for breast and gynecological cancers. During our study, we surveyed 717 patients undergoing systemic therapy about their use of biologically based complementary and alternative medications (BB-CAM), including echinacea.
Among the respondents, a surprising 74.1% were using BB-CAM, with one case reporting a significant interaction. This patient had taken echinacea along with cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy drug. However, aside from this isolated instance, our assessment revealed that there was no significant clinical benefit from echinacea for cancer treatment.
Overall, while many patients turn to complementary therapies like echinacea, our findings suggest that such treatments may not provide a direct advantage in combating cancer, and caution is warranted regarding possible interactions with conventional medications.
Among the respondents, a surprising 74.1% were using BB-CAM, with one case reporting a significant interaction. This patient had taken echinacea along with cyclophosphamide, a common chemotherapy drug. However, aside from this isolated instance, our assessment revealed that there was no significant clinical benefit from echinacea for cancer treatment.
Overall, while many patients turn to complementary therapies like echinacea, our findings suggest that such treatments may not provide a direct advantage in combating cancer, and caution is warranted regarding possible interactions with conventional medications.
References
- Jing G, Xu W, Ma W, Yu Q, Zhu H, et al. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide intervene in hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of gut microbiota to inhibit TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Int J Biol Macromol. 2024;261:129917. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129917
- Shu W, Wang Z, Zhao R, Shi R, Zhang J, et al. Exploration of the Effect and Potential Mechanism of Echinacoside Against Endometrial Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and in vitro Experimental Verification. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2022;16:1847. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S361955
- Riemma G, Schettino MT, Munno GM, Fasulo DD, Sandullo L, et al. and Supplementation Combined with Vaginal Hyaluronic Acid to Boost the Remission of Cervical Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (L-SILs): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58. doi:10.3390/medicina58050646
- Liu J, Tang N, Liu N, Lei P, Wang F. Echinacoside inhibits the proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of ovarian cancer cells through PI3K/AKT pathway. J Mol Histol. 2022;53:493. doi:10.1007/s10735-022-10073-x
- Xu W, Hu B, Cheng Y, Guo Y, Yao W, et al. Material basis research for Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench against hepatocellular carcinoma in a mouse model through integration of metabonomics and molecular docking. Phytomedicine. 2022;98:153948. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153948
- Xu W, Hu B, Cheng Y, Guo Y, Yao W, et al. Echinacea purpurea suppresses the cell survival and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2022;142:106115. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106115
- Hosami F, Manayi A, Salimi V, Khodakhah F, Nourbakhsh M, et al. The pro-apoptosis effects of Echinacea purpurea and Cannabis sativa extracts in human lung cancer cells through caspase-dependent pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21:37. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03204-6
- Espinosa-Paredes DA, Cornejo-Garrido J, Moreno-Eutimio MA, Martínez-Rodríguez OP, Jaramillo-Flores ME, et al. Echinacea Angustifolia DC Extract Induces Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest and Synergizes with Paclitaxel in the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Nutr Cancer. 2021;73:2287. doi:10.1080/01635581.2020.1817956
- Tang C, Gong L, Qiu K, Zhang Z, Wan L. Echinacoside inhibits breast cancer cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2020;526:170. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.050
- Maggini V, De Leo M, Granchi C, Tuccinardi T, Mengoni A, et al. The influence of Echinacea purpurea leaf microbiota on chicoric acid level. Sci Rep. 2019;9:10897. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-47329-8
- Drozdoff L, Klein E, Kalder M, Brambs C, Kiechle M, et al. Potential Interactions of Biologically Based Complementary Medicine in Gynecological Oncology. Integr Cancer Ther. 2019;18:1534735419846392. doi:10.1177/1534735419846392
- Tacchini M, Spagnoletti A, Brighenti V, Prencipe FP, Benvenuti S, et al. A new method based on supercritical fluid extraction for polyacetylenes and polyenes from Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. roots. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2017;146:1. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2017.07.053
- Safonova EA, Lopatina KA, Vychuzhanina AV, Ermolaeva LA, Razina TG, et al. Plant Polysaccharides Attenuate Fluorouracil Toxicity for the Small Intestinal Epithelium. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2016;161:308. doi:10.1007/s10517-016-3402-6
- Cichello SA, Yao Q, He XQ. Proliferative activity of a blend of Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea root extracts in human vein epithelial, HeLa, and QBC-939 cell lines, but not in Beas-2b cell lines. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016;6:193. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.01.002
- Dong L, Wang H, Niu J, Zou M, Wu N, et al. Echinacoside induces apoptotic cancer cell death by inhibiting the nucleotide pool sanitizing enzyme MTH1. Onco Targets Ther. 2015;8:3649. doi:10.2147/OTT.S94513
- Morazzoni P, Petrangolini G, Bombardelli E, Ronchi M, Cabri W, et al. SAMITAL®: a new botanical drug for the treatment of mucositis induced by oncological therapies. Future Oncol. 2013;9:1717. doi:10.2217/fon.13.165
