About this ingredient
Echinacea is a group of North American flowering plants commonly known as purple coneflower. The three species most frequently used in herbal products are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. Different products may use the root, aerial parts, pressed juice, or extracts, so the specific species and plant part are important when evaluating an Echinacea supplement.
Echinacea has a long history of traditional use and is now commonly found in herbal products marketed for immune and respiratory wellness, particularly around the common cold. Research has produced mixed results. NCCIH notes that Echinacea may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold in some circumstances, but it remains unclear whether it meaningfully shortens a cold, and evidence differs substantially between preparations.
Echinacea products can differ considerably in species, plant part, extraction method and formulation. Therefore, results from one Echinacea preparation should not automatically be applied to another product.