Echinacea: Cold, Flu, Immnue Enhancement Clinical Review April 14, 2007
Posted by Mikiko Murakami in * Herbal Medicine, * Nutrition, Cold/Flu, Immune Enhancement.add a comment
1. In a study to assess the effectiveness of Echinacea in the preention of rhinovirus colds, although those receiving Echinacea contracted fewer colds, the difference was insignificant [Turner et al. (2000)
2. 180 flu patients were given
E. Purpurea herb extract (90 drops of 450mg or 180 drops of 900mg) or placebo drops for 10 days. The 450mg dose was no more effective than placebo. The 900mg dose produced significantly more relief of symptoms, including weakness, low energy, chills, sweating, sore throat, muscle or joint aches, and headaches. [Braunig (1992)]
3. 26-controlled clinical trials (18 randomized, 11 double-blinded) evaluated cold and flue prevention or cure, 4 studies assessed reduction of side effects of cancer therapies, and 3 studies assessed Echinacea’s ability to modulate indicators of immune function. Outcomes were positive for 30 or 34 groups (studies evaluated more than one group outcome). Evidenceclearly supported Echinacea’s modulating effect on immunity.
Reference:Freedman, Lynda W, PhD et al. Best Practices in Compelmentary and Alternative Medicine. Maryland:
Aspen Publishers, 2001.
