Is echinacea natural antibiotics?

Echinacea has always been used as an herbal medicine. Echinacea extract is known for its potential antibacterial and immunoprotective properties.

Mechanism of action of chinacea purpurea extract

Although the exact composition of echinacea varies from species to species, the main components are carbohydrates, caffeic acid, and protein (glycoprotein).

Echinacea reduces the symptoms of bacterial infections by blocking the release of cytokines and other inflammatory markers. The mechanism of its antibacterial action is not yet clear.Echinacea can effectively reduce the growth of many bacterial strains, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Clostridium difficile and Propionibacterium acnes.Echinacea prevents the growth of many fungal strains and protects mouse cells from deadly infections (Candida albicans and Listeria monocytogenes). It is also effective against Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Virus resistance of chinacea purpurea extract

In a clinical trial of 282 people, taking echinacea supplements (Echinilin) when symptoms of a cold are present can reduce the severity of symptoms.

However, in a clinical trial with more than 100 people and a trial with more than 700 people, tablets containing echinacea extract could not be prevented. A meta-analysis concluded that echinacea products are not effective in treating the common cold, but may help prevent it.In clinical trials of 95 people with early cold or flu symptoms, echinacea helped relieve symptoms.In a clinical trial of 154 people, a spray that combines echinacea and sage is as effective as a spray containing chlorhexidine and lidocaine in the treatment of sore throats.However, in a trial of more than 400 children, echinacea failed to treat upper respiratory tract infections; in two trials of nearly 400 adults, echinacea failed to prevent upper respiratory tract infections.Cell-based studies have shown that Echinacea has antiviral activity against these viruses:Rhinovirus, herpes virus (simple 1 and 2), influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus.

Side effect of chinacea purpurea extract

Side effects of eating echinacea include skin rash and nausea, stomach pain and other minor stomach problems, but they are rare.

Allergic reactions can occur, especially in people who are allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family (such as chamomile).

★ Summary ★

Although extensive investigations have been conducted in people suffering from the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, the results are valid and ineffective, so the effectiveness of echinacea is still inconclusive. More clinical trials are needed to clarify its therapeutic potential.