echinacea

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

echinacea is thought to have immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. White blood cells, which are essential for the immune system’s response to infection and illness, are stimulated in their production and function. By preventing the body from producing certain inflammatory substances, it may also assist to lessen inflammation. 

echinacea’s range of functions mostly target the immune system. It is thought to strengthen the body’s defences against viral and bacterial infections and lessen the severity and duration of cold and flu. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Altered fertility 

Diarrhea 

Abdominal pain 

Pruritis (topical use) 

Sore throat 

Erythema (topical use) 

Nausea/vomiting 

Unpleasant taste 

Fever 

Allergic reactions 

Dizziness 

Exanthema (topical use) 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• echinacea could cause allergic reactions in certain people. It is advisable to avoid using echinacea if you have a history of allergies or allergic responses to plants in the daisy family. 
• Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are two examples of autoimmune diseases that echinacea may make worse by boosting the immune system. It is advised to avoid consuming echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease. 
• echinacea may make allergic asthma symptoms worse. It is advised to avoid using echinacea if you have this problem. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

White blood cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-cells, which are important in the body’s immunological response to infection and disease, are thought to be stimulated by echinacea. 

By preventing the body from producing certain inflammatory substances like prostaglandins and cytokines, echinacea may aid to lessen inflammation. 

Pharmacodynamics 

echinacea may have antiviral properties against several viruses, including the herpes simplex and influenza viruses. By boosting the immune system, it could also aid in the prevention of viral infections. 

echinacea includes several antioxidants, including flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives, which may aid to shield cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. 

By encouraging the formation of collagen, a protein that is crucial for skin health and tissue regeneration, echinacea may aid in the promotion of wound healing. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

echinacea is normally taken orally, and it is thought to absorb quickly and completely in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its limited water solubility and substantial liver processing, echinacea is assumed to have a low bioavailability. 

Distribution 

Although the location of echinacea in the body is unclear, it is thought to be present in a variety of tissues and organs, including the liver, spleen, and kidneys. 

Metabolism 

Several enzymes, notably cytochrome P450 enzymes, metabolise echinacea in the liver. Alkamides and derivatives of caffeic acid are among the main metabolites of echinacea that are known to have pharmacological effects. 

Elimination and excretion 

echinacea and its metabolites are mostly eliminated through the urine and feces. echinacea and its metabolites’ elimination half-life, or how long it takes for half of a medicine to leave the body, is not well known. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The quantities and formulations of echinacea supplements come in both tablet and capsule form. The suggested dosage, which may change based on the product, normally ranges from 300 to 500 mg given one to three times each day. 

One or two tablespoons of dried echinacea root or leaf can be steeped in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to make echinacea tea. Up to three times a day are allowed for tea consumption. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: echinacea 

Why do we use echinacea? 

Common colds, flu and other diseases can be avoided or treated to lessen their severity by taking echinacea, which supports the immune system. By lowering inflammation and encouraging healing, echinacea may be useful in treating respiratory infections including bronchitis and sinusitis. 

Since echinacea contains anti-inflammatory characteristics, it can be used to treat inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis and lessen their symptoms. 

By encouraging the formation of collagen, a protein that is crucial for skin health and tissue regeneration, echinacea may aid in the promotion of wound healing.