Synopsis

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

Echinacea tennesseensis, a species of the Echinacea genus native to Tennessee, has been traditionally used by Native American populations for various ailments, but specific evidence for E. tennesseensis itself in cold prevention is limited. Most scientific studies on Echinacea and the common cold have focused on other species, primarily Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. These studies have yielded mixed results, with some suggesting that Echinacea preparations may modestly reduce the duration or severity of cold symptoms, while others find no significant benefit. The proposed mechanisms include immunomodulatory effects such as enhanced phagocytosis and increased cytokine production. For E. tennesseensis, there is a lack of direct clinical trials or robust evidence supporting its efficacy in cold prevention. However, because it shares many phytochemical constituents with other Echinacea species, it is sometimes included in herbal formulations and used for similar purposes. Regulatory and authoritative sources, such as the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), note that evidence for Echinacea in general is inconsistent and that more research is needed. Thus, the use of E. tennesseensis for cold prevention is justified more by extrapolation from related species and tradition than by direct scientific validation, and the overall strength of evidence supporting its use for this indication is weak (rated 2/5).

More about Echinacea tennesseensis
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

Other health conditions supported by Echinacea tennesseensis

Products containing Echinacea tennesseensis