Scientific research of Echinacea helped us to find out
that it is a very good stimulant of immune system function, increaseing
the levels of white blood cells, interferon, interleukins, tumor necrosis
factor, the engulfing or destruction of bacteria and viruses, antibody
activity, natural killer cell activity and the restraint of infection
spread.(1) Colds and the flu have responded well to Echinacea's immune
enhancement. Also, respiratory and urinary track infections, vaginal
infections, chronic vaginitis and other infectious conditions have been
treated positively with Echinacea.(6) The stimulation of Echinacea
purpurea on the immune system has been shown to stem from the synergistic
actions of several different chemical compounds including polysaccharides,
and cichoric acid.(1)
E. purpurea should be considered a stimulant to a stressed and tired but
otherwise healthy immune system. It is not a substitute for basic
underlying immune competence. Just as you can push a work-horse for only
so long before you must feed it, so the immune system needs to be provided
with health maintaining nutrition to facilitate optimal stimulation and
performance.
Key nutrients for immune strength include protein,
beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, all of the B vitamins, and the
mineral zinc. Zinc is very important to immune system performance because
it is involved in numerous immune mechanisms, including those regulating
the thymus gland, the very heart of the immune system. Diets lacking in
fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains should be supplemented with
these key immune nutrients.
Two other important immune nutrients that may be lacking, especially in
those with chronic or unusually resistant infections, is gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA) from Evening Primrose oil for enhanced PGE2 facilitated
chemotaxis, and coenzyme Q10 for enhanced ATP generation in immune cells.
These two items are often overlooked, especially in the elderly. Be sure
it is recommended with meals with fat or oil, since its coenzyme Q10
absorption is via fat absorption only.
Echinacea cannot be expected
to indefinitely boost immune function that is not otherwise supported by
good lifestyle choices, including the acquisition of adequate rest, water,
and nutritional support.(5) If you are allergic to flowers of the daisy
family, caution is advised.(2)
Contraindications
There are no contraindications handed down from traditional use. The
German Commission E monograph indicates that E. purpurea is
contraindicated in progressive systemic diseases such as tuberculosis,
leukosis, collagen disorders, or multiple sclerosis.(3) This would
theoretically include autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis.(5)
It should be noted that these
contraindications do not extend from case histories where E. purpurea has
been shown to exacerbate the stated disorders, but rather represent
logical exclusions from German practice based on the perception of
possible exacerbation.(5)
The following observations are drawn from adult
experience. However, children are expected to respond to Echinacea
purpurea similar to adults. Traditional herbalists use Echinacea in
children as young as two years old. Some authorities state that there are
no adverse effects with Echinacea.(2,3) However, Echinacea can produce
minor adverse effects in the recommended dosage range, and more serious
complaints with excessive doses and/or prolonged use.(5)
Echinacea
deserves its good reputation as well tolerated herbal medication, as is
evidenced in a 1996 published meta-analysis of clinical trials, in which
more than 2000 users over a period of more than 40 years were found to
have had no more serious side effects than unpleasant taste and mild GI
disturbances.5 However, Bergner cites a trial of eight weeks for colds and
flu, using E. purpurea, in which 11 of 54 patients detailed more specific
side effects including gas, nausea, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness,
and headaches.(5)
Long-term use of Echinacea has had a shadowy
association with joint pain in its protracted clinical use in the
Homeopathic and Eclectic physician accounts. Since the action of Echinacea
can account for greater levels of hyaluronic acid(1,4) a thickening of the
synovial fluid or anatomical parts influenced by hyaluronic acid could
result in internalized pressure with joint discomfort.(5) Discontinuation
would resolve the pain. How this concept relates to children is hard to
evaluate since they are in a growing stage and they also experience a much
more dynamic ability to accommodate joint disruptions to normal pressures
if short term. It is unlikely that a child would need Echinacea long term.
Chronic oral administration of freshly pressed Echinacea purpurea
juice to rats at doses many times the human therapeutic dose demonstrated
no evidence of toxic effect.(1) Tests with E. purpurea reveal no mutagenic
effects.(1) The LD50 of intravenously administered fresh pressed E.
purpurea juice has been determined to be 50 milliliters per kilogram in
mice and rats.(1)
Use 1 softgel daily, preferably with meals. At first
signs of a cold take 3-5 softgels daily until symptoms resolve. If
symptoms persist contact your physician.
1. Murray, Michael T., The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1995
2. Brown, Donald J., Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health, Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1996
3. Blumenthal, Mark, The Complete German Commission E Monographs, American
Botanical Council, Austin, TX, 1998
4. Newall, Carol, Herbal Medicines A Guide for Health-Care Professionals,
The Pharmaceutical Press, London, 1998
5. Bergner, Paul, The Healing Power of Echinacea & Goldenseal, Prima
Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1997
6. Hobbs, Christopher, "Echinacea: Help for the Immune System", Let's
Live, January, 1990
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
