Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (various)
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections

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Synopsis

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

Echinacea, a genus of flowering plants commonly known as coneflowers, has a long history of traditional use by Native American peoples for various infections and inflammatory conditions, including those related to the urinary tract. The purported benefits stem from Echinacea's immunomodulatory and mild anti-inflammatory properties. Its traditional use for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is not as prominent as its use for respiratory tract infections or general immune support, but some herbal traditions include it among remedies for UTIs due to its perceived ability to stimulate the body's defense mechanisms. However, scientific studies primarily focus on Echinacea's effects on the immune system and common cold, with very limited research directly evaluating its efficacy for UTIs. Most available clinical evidence does not support a significant benefit of Echinacea for treating or preventing UTIs. There are a few small studies and in vitro experiments suggesting potential antibacterial activity, but these are insufficient to draw robust conclusions. Current clinical guidelines do not recommend Echinacea for UTIs. In summary, while its use in this context persists in some traditional herbal practices, scientific validation is lacking and the overall evidence base is weak.

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