Echinacea Publisher



Billah MM¹ ; Hosen MB¹ ; Khan F^{2, 3, 4} ; Niaz K^{2, 3, 4}
Source: Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements Published:2018

Abstract

Echinacea is one of the best-selling herbal preparations in many developed countries. Nowadays, the immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea are a prime concern for research, mainly linked to upper respiratory tract infections. Recent findings have also revealed that certain standardized preparations of Echinacea contain potent and selective antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, mosquitocidal, and psychoactive activities, among others activities. Considering on the available, albeit limited, safety data, Echinacea appears to be well tolerated. Nevertheless, further investigation and surveillance are necessary to inaugurate the safety profiles of different Echinacea preparations. This chapter reviews the data for this medicinal plant on its source and availability, phytochemistry, morphological characteristics, health benefits, and possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other supplements. © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.