Echinacea: (Purple Cone flower Root) Tr 1:3 45%

Immunomodulatory Activity

• Increases phagocytosis (activation of macrophages and neutrophils)

• Enhances cytokine production, including IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α (low-dose stimulation; high doses may have inhibitory effects)

• Stimulates natural killer (NK) cell activity

• Activates monocytes through alkamides interacting with CB2 (cannabinoid type-2) receptors

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

• Alkamides may reduce NF-κB activation, lowering inflammatory cytokine output

• Caffeic acid derivatives (e.g., cichoric acid) exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

3. Antiviral Activity

• In vitro activity against influenza, herpes simplex, RSV, and adenoviruses

• Interference with virus binding and entry; enhancement of immune-mediated viral clearance

4. Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity

• Mild direct activity, but mainly through immune activation rather than antimicrobial potency

5. Wound-Healing Activity (topical)

• Increases fibroblast activity and collagen production

• Mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that support tissue repair

Adverse Reactions

Echinacea is tolerated well; adverse events are usually mild:

• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach discomfort)

• Mild rash

• Allergic reactions, including hives or swelling, more likely in individuals with Asteraceae family allergies (ragweed, chamomile, daisies)

Autoimmune-associated caution

Because it stimulates components of the immune system, many monographs advise caution in autoimmune disorders, although robust clinical evidence is limited.

Interactions With Other Supplements

Echinacea has relatively few serious interactions, but several theoretical and reported interactions exist:

1. Immunomodulatory Supplements

Potential additive or synergistic effects with supplements that stimulate the immune system:

• Astragalus

• Andrographis

• Elderberry

• Medicinal mushrooms (reishi, maitake, shiitake)

• Colostrum

This may increase immune activation but may also increase the risk or severity of autoimmune flares in sensitive individuals.

2. Immunosuppressive Supplements

Potential antagonistic effects when combined with supplements that lower immune function:

• High-dose curcumin

• High-dose green tea extract (EGCG)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (mild immunomodulating effect)

• Resveratrol

Although these interactions are theoretical, they may oppose the intended immune-stimulating effect of echinacea.

3. Hepatotoxic Supplements

While Echinacea is not strongly hepatotoxic, some reports suggest it may affect liver enzymes; use caution with supplements with hepatotoxic potential:

• Kava

• Comfrey

• High-dose green tea extract

• Chaparral

4. Supplements That Affect CYP450 Enzymes

Echinacea may modulate CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP3A4) mildly.
Potential interaction with other supplements metabolized by the same pathways, such as:

• St. John’s wort (strong inducer)

• Milk thistle (inhibitor)

• Goldenseal (inhibitor)

These interactions are mostly theoretical or based on weak evidence.

5. Antioxidant Supplements

Since part of echinacea’s action involves mild oxidative signaling for immune activation, very high-dose antioxidants (vitamin C, NAC, alpha-lipoic acid) may reduce its immunostimulatory effect, although this is not clinically proven.