Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea purpurea
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Echinacea purpurea has been used traditionally by Native American populations for a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections. In modern times, it is commonly marketed as an herbal remedy to prevent or reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. Scientific evaluation of echinacea for cold prevention has produced mixed results. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have been conducted. A 2014 Cochrane review concluded that while echinacea products might have a small beneficial effect in preventing colds, the evidence is inconsistent and not robust. Some individual studies suggest a modest reduction in the risk of developing a cold or in the duration of cold symptoms when echinacea is taken at the onset of illness, but others show no significant effect compared to placebo.

The variability in study outcomes may be due to differences in echinacea species, preparation methods, dosages, and study populations. Most studies focus on Echinacea purpurea preparations, but not all specify the plant part or extract standardization. Overall, while there is scientific interest and some evidence supporting echinacea’s role in cold prevention, the effect appears to be modest at best, and not all clinical guidelines recommend its use. Reported side effects are generally mild, such as gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. Therefore, echinacea’s use for cold prevention is supported by scientific but weak evidence.

More about echinacea purpurea
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Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

allspice
aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic acids
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Ajuga
Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bael
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Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bioflavonoids
black salt
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Coriander
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Curcuminoid
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Capsaicin
Chinese Raisintree
Chlorophytum
Cowherb
Cistus
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Currant
Dianthus
Dragonhead
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Echinacea
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Goldthread
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Mustard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Vervain