Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Also known as: echinacea purpurea, purple coneflower, echinacea angustifolia

Confidence

research strength

BBuilding confidence622 studies referenced

Latest evidence update: 2025-02-28

Strongest in Study quality (74). Held back by Replication (47).

Study quality (37%)

Study design (21%)

Risk of bias (16%)

Solid mix of RCTs with some methodological gaps.

Replication (26%)

Cross-study replication (21%)

Precision (5%)

Some independent replication, statistical precision uneven.

Sample size (16%)

Thousands of participants across the literature.

Consistency (11%)

Mostly aligned, with some divergence.

Recency (10%)

Healthy mix of recent and established research.

Effect by outcome

how big the change is

Directional evidence

Areas where research points to a consistent direction of effect. The strength of evidence is graded; the size of the effect is not quantified.

Common dosage

300-600mg standardized extract, 3-4x/day at symptom onset

Description

Herbal immunomodulator with RCT support for reducing upper respiratory tract infection duration and incidence. Cochrane-adjacent evidence concentrates on the first 24 hours of symptoms. Best in standardized extract form.

Safety & interactions

May cause mild GI upset. Avoid with autoimmune conditions, immunosuppressants, and known Asteraceae allergies (ragweed, marigolds).

Check interactions with other supplements→

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Order Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Recommended: 300-600mg standardized extract, 3-4x/day at symptom onset

Protocols featuring Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Sick Day RecoveryBBuilding confidence

Questions about Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

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Referenced studies (2)

ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.