Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea, family Asteraceae. Part discussed: Aerial parts and root.
Identity
- Common name
- Echinacea
- Botanical name
- Echinacea purpurea
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part or material
- Aerial parts and root
- Classification
- Botanical
- Educational category
- Immune Education
About
Three species across four monograph scopes, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench fresh herb (herba recens), Asteraceae; E. purpurea root; Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. root; Echinacea angustifolia DC. root. NCCIH records the same three species.
Forms and distinctions
Multi-species, multi-part regulator structure. The species and part decision for any published identity is not made here.
Safety considerations
Hypersensitivity reactions including skin reactions may occur; serious allergic reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, asthma, anaphylactic shock) have been reported with the fresh herb, especially in atopic patients; patients hypersensitive to echinacea or other Asteraceae plants must not take these medicines (to). NCCIH records allergic reactions that may be severe, digestive side effects, a rash concern in children, conflicting evidence on interactions with liver-metabolised drugs, a theoretical immunosuppressant interaction concern, a theoretical caffeine interaction concern, and limited pregnancy and breastfeeding data.
References
- EMA HMPC Echinaceae purpureae herba · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- EMA HMPC Echinaceae purpureae radix · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- EMA HMPC Echinaceae pallidae radix · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- EMA HMPC Echinaceae angustifoliae radix · European Medicines Agency, herbal medicine monograph
- NCCIH Echinacea · US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
This entry is educational. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not a statement about any Pam Oh Herbs Collection or its contents. It carries no dosage and no claim of effect.