5/10/2025
Last update
5/10/2025
Reviewed By
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 8 Reviews
6.7
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Total Carbohydrate
< 1 g
< 1%**
Echinacea Root (Echinacea purpurea)
800 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We investigated how Echinacea, a popular herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting properties, affects mice with autoimmune diabetes, specifically using the NOD mouse model that naturally develops Type 1 diabetes. Our focus was on the herb's impact on NK cells—key players in the immune system that are often deficient in this condition.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Read More
9
We focused on the potential benefits of Echinacea purpurea, especially for managing low-grade autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can be tough to control with traditional treatments. In our pilot study, we gathered 51 patients with this specific type of uveitis, ensuring that only those with anterior or intermediate forms were included, while exclusion criteria ruled out posterior cases.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Read More
5
We examined the effects of Echinacea, a plant often turned to for its medicinal properties, specifically regarding its impact on autoimmune disorders. Our analysis highlighted that while there are various preparations of Echinacea, information about their effects on autoimmune conditions can be inconsistent.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Preventive benefits
6 people found this helpful
I took echinacea for four months last year, two capsules a day, to combat my chronic sinusitis. Previously, I frequently ended up in hospital due to complications from colds or viruses. However, since using echinacea, I have not needed to go back at all. This year, I plan to continue taking it as a preventative measure.
Read More
9
Quick relief
This product is excellent; I noticed the effects quickly. It significantly improved my stomach condition, and I plan to order more.
Read More
7.5
Improved immunity
6 people found this helpful
I have an autoimmune disorder and usually rely on Chinese herbal medicine when unwell. Echinacea seems to enhance my immune function and has helped alleviate my fatigue over the past week. I plan to keep using it to continue feeling better.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 3 Researches
7.3
- All Researches
9
We focused on the potential benefits of Echinacea purpurea, especially for managing low-grade autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can be tough to control with traditional treatments. In our pilot study, we gathered 51 patients with this specific type of uveitis, ensuring that only those with anterior or intermediate forms were included, while exclusion criteria ruled out posterior cases.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Read More
8
We investigated how Echinacea, a popular herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting properties, affects mice with autoimmune diabetes, specifically using the NOD mouse model that naturally develops Type 1 diabetes. Our focus was on the herb's impact on NK cells—key players in the immune system that are often deficient in this condition.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Read More
5
We examined the effects of Echinacea, a plant often turned to for its medicinal properties, specifically regarding its impact on autoimmune disorders. Our analysis highlighted that while there are various preparations of Echinacea, information about their effects on autoimmune conditions can be inconsistent.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Medium or Average
Based on 8 Reviews
6.7
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Preventive benefits
6 people found this helpful
I took echinacea for four months last year, two capsules a day, to combat my chronic sinusitis. Previously, I frequently ended up in hospital due to complications from colds or viruses. However, since using echinacea, I have not needed to go back at all. This year, I plan to continue taking it as a preventative measure.
Read More
9
Quick relief
This product is excellent; I noticed the effects quickly. It significantly improved my stomach condition, and I plan to order more.
Read More
7.5
Improved immunity
6 people found this helpful
I have an autoimmune disorder and usually rely on Chinese herbal medicine when unwell. Echinacea seems to enhance my immune function and has helped alleviate my fatigue over the past week. I plan to keep using it to continue feeling better.
Read More
7.5
Immunity shield
5 people found this helpful
During cold season, I've ordered echinacea for four years. This brand offers the best value for price and quality. I take two capsules daily for immunity; if I feel unwell, I increase to eight and add vitamin C. While it may not cure infections, it certainly protects me from colds and illnesses.
Read More
2
Caution advised
62 people found this helpful
This herb is not as harmless as it seems. It can cause side effects like low blood pressure and allergies, especially in larger doses. I recommend starting with a small amount to observe your response. While it can boost immunity, if taken excessively, it may deplete the immune system.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Improved immunity
6 people found this helpful
I have an autoimmune disorder and usually rely on Chinese herbal medicine when unwell. Echinacea seems to enhance my immune function and has helped alleviate my fatigue over the past week. I plan to keep using it to continue feeling better.
9
Preventive benefits
6 people found this helpful
I took echinacea for four months last year, two capsules a day, to combat my chronic sinusitis. Previously, I frequently ended up in hospital due to complications from colds or viruses. However, since using echinacea, I have not needed to go back at all. This year, I plan to continue taking it as a preventative measure.
9
Quick relief
This product is excellent; I noticed the effects quickly. It significantly improved my stomach condition, and I plan to order more.
6
Cold prevention
3 people found this helpful
Echinacea helps me with throat issues when I catch a cold. Since I began taking it, I've avoided serious colds. I don't use it daily to prevent long-term herb intake; I only take it when I feel unwell. Typically, I recover within a day or two, especially with vitamin C.
2
Caution advised
62 people found this helpful
This herb is not as harmless as it seems. It can cause side effects like low blood pressure and allergies, especially in larger doses. I recommend starting with a small amount to observe your response. While it can boost immunity, if taken excessively, it may deplete the immune system.
7.5
Immunity shield
5 people found this helpful
During cold season, I've ordered echinacea for four years. This brand offers the best value for price and quality. I take two capsules daily for immunity; if I feel unwell, I increase to eight and add vitamin C. While it may not cure infections, it certainly protects me from colds and illnesses.
6
Strengthened immunity
I find this form of echinacea much more effective. I take it four times a day to bolster my immune system.
9
We focused on the potential benefits of Echinacea purpurea, especially for managing low-grade autoimmune uveitis, a condition that can be tough to control with traditional treatments. In our pilot study, we gathered 51 patients with this specific type of uveitis, ensuring that only those with anterior or intermediate forms were included, while exclusion criteria ruled out posterior cases.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Our patients initially received standard treatments, including steroid eye drops and tapered oral prednisone. In addition, 32 of these patients were given Echinacea extract (150 mg twice a day) for further support, while the remaining 20 continued solely on steroids. We found that at the end of a 9-month follow-up, a significant number of the Echinacea group experienced a settlement of their uveitis symptoms, with many able to reduce their steroid use significantly.
Specifically, 19 out of 21 patients with anterior uveitis and 9 out of 11 with intermediate uveitis who took Echinacea benefited from the treatment. Their best-corrected visual acuity also saw improvement or stability. Perhaps reassuringly, we noticed no adverse side effects from the Echinacea, and those on conventional therapy alone required longer steroid treatment, suggesting that Echinacea may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
8
We investigated how Echinacea, a popular herbal remedy known for its immune-boosting properties, affects mice with autoimmune diabetes, specifically using the NOD mouse model that naturally develops Type 1 diabetes. Our focus was on the herb's impact on NK cells—key players in the immune system that are often deficient in this condition.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
Through our study, we discovered that feeding Echinacea to these mice resulted in a significant increase in NK cell numbers in both the spleen and the bone marrow. This enhancement occurred regardless of whether the mice received the herb for a short (days) or long (months) period. Additionally, we observed early changes in other immune cell types, suggesting that Echinacea has an immediate, though temporary, effect on immune dynamics.
Importantly, our findings indicate that Echinacea consumption did not lead to any negative effects on the immune or hemopoietic systems in the mice. This consistent increase in NK cells could represent a new avenue for treating Type 1 diabetes, potentially offering a fresh approach to managing this challenging autoimmune disorder.
5
We examined the effects of Echinacea, a plant often turned to for its medicinal properties, specifically regarding its impact on autoimmune disorders. Our analysis highlighted that while there are various preparations of Echinacea, information about their effects on autoimmune conditions can be inconsistent.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
Interestingly, some preparations that contain alkamides—certain compounds in Echinacea—showed a potential to suppress certain immune responses, raising questions about the traditional contraindications for their use in autoimmune diseases. Despite some studies indicating that improvements might be observed, the overall evidence does not strongly support significant benefits specifically for treating autoimmune disorders.
We also looked into the safety profile of Echinacea; adverse effects reported were typically mild and without clear evidence of causality. Moreover, long-term studies of up to six months revealed no serious toxicological concerns, suggesting that Echinacea can generally be well-tolerated.
Our journey through the literature led us to conclude that, while Echinacea preparations are popular and generally safe, they may not provide substantial therapeutic benefits specifically for individuals battling autoimmune issues.
References
- Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Bauer R. Review and Assessment of Medicinal Safety Data of Orally Used Echinacea Preparations. Planta Med. 2016;82:17. 10.1055/s-0035-1558096
- Neri PG, Stagni E, Filippello M, Camillieri G, Giovannini A, et al. Oral Echinacea purpurea extract in low-grade, steroid-dependent, autoimmune idiopathic uveitis: a pilot study. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2006;22:431.
- Delorme D, Miller SC. Dietary consumption of Echinacea by mice afflicted with autoimmune (type I) diabetes: effect of consuming the herb on hemopoietic and immune cell dynamics. Autoimmunity. 2005;38:453.
