As winter quickly approaches, we find ourselves preparing for cold and flu season. Beyond the conventional measures of regular handwashing and getting vaccinated, incorporating lifestyle changes and natural remedies into our daily routines can significantly enhance our immune system's resilience. One effective way to bolster our immunity is assembling a natural medicine kit stocked with natural remedies. In this holistic approach to health, echinacea emerges as a go-to natural supplement for cold and flu prevention. Echinacea, a herb renowned for its immune-boosting properties, has been traditionally used to combat infections and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
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What is Echinacea?
Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a group of flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Echinacea species are perennials closely related to sunflowers, daisies, and ragweed. There are nine species of echinacea, which are all native to North America and used by the Great Plains Native Americans as a traditional medicine to treat colds, bronchitis, flu, and other respiratory infections (10). Today, three species of echinacea are most commonly used medicinally and in botanical supplements: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. Depending on the species, the petals of the echinacea flower may be pink or purple, and they surround a seed cone that is spiky and dark brown or red (5).
Echinacea is an immunostimulant, boosting innate and specific immunity. It has also demonstrated antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. These therapeutic effects, to be discussed in more detail below, are attributed to the active components in echinacea, notably alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. (10, 26)
The Top 7 Therapeutic Uses of Echinacea
Research supports the use of echinacea in providing many health benefits.
1. Echinacea for an Immune System Boost
Echinacea is best known for its immunosupportive properties, making it one of the most commonly used natural supplements by adults and children.
The immunostimulant properties of echinacea are attributed to its ability to activate phagocytosis, stimulate fibroblasts, and increase the production of interleukins. Together, these mechanisms increase the mobility and activity of immune cells like neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that alkamides are involved in these immunomodulatory properties. (26)
Due to these immune-boosting properties, echinacea is widely used to prevent colds and flu. It can also reduce their severity and duration. Three meta-analyses show a 10-58% reduction in the risk of developing a cold in healthy adults taking various forms of echinacea (16, 27, 28). Compared to vitamin C supplementation, preliminary clinical research in healthy children shows that taking Echinacea purpurea 400 mg three times daily for four months reduces the occurrence of cold symptoms, respiratory complications, and the need for antibiotic prescriptions.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Echinacea
Alkamides contribute to echinacea's ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Alkamides are known to modulate various pathways, including the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (F-LO). These enzymes play a significant role in producing inflammatory mediators called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By inhibiting COX and F-LO, echinacea helps to decrease the production of these inflammatory compounds, leading to reduced inflammation. A systematic review including 105 studies concluded that supplementing with echinacea results in a reduction in pro-inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor and an increase in anti-inflammatory marker IL-10. (26)
These effects have led researchers to explore the anti-inflammatory benefits of echinacea in inflammatory conditions like arthritis. One study found that adults with osteoarthritis had significantly reduced inflammation, pain, and swelling after taking a supplement containing ginger and echinacea for one month.
3. Wound Healing and Skin Health Properties of Echinacea
Echinacea in topical form, often as expressed juice or extract incorporated into creams, can treat minor wounds and skin inflammation.
A small study found that creams and gels containing echinacea extract improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles. However, the study found that the echinacea extract has a short shelf life, with antioxidant activity lasting only up to four months. (32)
In another study, participants with mild atopic dermatitis (eczema) applied a cream containing echinacea 2-3 times daily for 12 weeks. Positive clinical outcomes at the end of the trial included reductions in swelling, redness, itching, and dryness. Studies have not compared the efficacy of topical preparations of echinacea to conventional eczema therapies, such as corticosteroids. (22)
4. Antioxidant Properties of Echinacea
Echinacea is rich in antioxidants, which are molecules that scavenge free radicals to protect cells against oxidative stress (11). Some of these antioxidant compounds include caffeic, rosmarinic, and cichoric acids, and phenolic compounds (15, 26).
Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. This imbalance can lead to damage at the cellular level and is associated with a variety of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Reducing oxidative stress with antioxidants can potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (23)
5. Echinacea for Pain Relief
Echinacea has been studied for its potential effects on reducing pain, although the evidence in this area is limited and not entirely conclusive. Echinacea's potential ability to reduce pain through cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors is a topic of interest. CB2 receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system involved in regulating various physiological processes, including pain sensation and immune response. Some studies suggest that alkamides interact with CB2 receptors. Activation of CB2 receptors is associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. By modulating these receptors, echinacea may exert pain-reducing properties. (1, 20, 26)
6. Mental Health and Anxiety Reduction Properties of Echinacea
Animal and human studies have found that echinacea has an anxiolytic effect, which means that it helps combat anxiety and create a sense of calm (11). Research suggests that alkamides may exert anxiolytic effects through various mechanisms in the brain and central nervous system, in part by binding to cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors and modulating the release of neurotransmitters (26).
Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Echinacea angustifolia extract at a dose of 40 mg 1-2 times daily for seven days reduces anxiety scores. This extract seems to be more effective in patients with higher baseline anxiety scores, and lower doses appear to be ineffective at producing the same results. (13, 14)
7. Anti-Cancer Potential of Echinacea
Preliminary research findings suggest echinacea may possess certain properties that could be valuable in integrative cancer treatment and prevention. In vitro studies have explored the effects of echinacea extracts or isolated compounds on cancer cells. Some research indicates that specific compounds in echinacea, such as alkamides and polyacetylenes, might inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers. These compounds appear to interfere with signaling pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival. (26)
It's important to recognize that these findings, while promising, must be approached with caution. The research on echinacea and its use for cancer treatment is still in its infancy, and more comprehensive human clinical studies are needed to determine its efficacy and potential interactions with conventional cancer treatments.
Precautions and Considerations When Using Echinacea
Echinacea products are safe and well-tolerated with short-term use. The most common side effects of echinacea are nausea and stomach pain.
Some children have developed rashes when using echinacea in clinical trials. There is concern that severe allergic reactions to echinacea can occur in some children; therefore, some agencies recommend against the use of oral echinacea products in children under 12 years of age. People who are sensitive to other plants belonging to the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) may be at a higher risk for allergic reactions to echinacea. (24)
As echinacea can stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders or taking immunosuppressive drugs should avoid echinacea products until consulting with a doctor. (8)
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Summary
Embracing the healing power of echinacea entails recognizing its diverse therapeutic potentials, ranging from immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties to potential roles in reducing pain and inhibiting cancer cell growth. While echinacea has demonstrated promising results in various studies, it is crucial to encourage further research to fully understand its mechanisms and applications. Informed use of this botanical remedy, based on evidence-backed knowledge, can be instrumental in promoting overall well-being.
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