How much Echinacea should I take daily?

Introduction

Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy often used for its potential health benefits, including the treatment of colds and other infections. The dosage of Echinacea and its effects on human health have been the subject of various studies.

Key Insights from Research Papers

Echinacea angustifolia extract, at doses of 40 mg and 80 mg daily, did not show significant improvements in anxiety compared to a placebo, but did show improvements in positive and negative affect, and emotional wellbeing, suggesting potential antidepressant effects.
Alkamides from Echinacea, which are thought to be active phytochemicals, are rapidly absorbed when ingested in tablet form, with maximum plasma concentrations reached within 2.3 hours post-ingestion, supporting a dosage regimen of one dose three times daily.
Higher daily doses of Echinacea angustifolia than those commonly used in trials may be beneficial, as suggested by sources recommending a 3-g daily dose, which is significantly higher than the doses used in some studies.

Conclusion

The research suggests that while Echinacea angustifolia may not significantly reduce anxiety at doses of 40 mg and 80 mg daily, it could have positive effects on mood and emotional wellbeing. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of Echinacea's active components support a thrice-daily dosing regimen. However, there is an indication from other sources that higher daily doses, such as 3 grams, might be recommended for certain uses, although this is not universally accepted and requires further validation.

How much Echinacea should I take daily?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights from Research Papers

Conclusion

Sources and full results

An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Echinacea angustifolia extract (EP107TM) at 40 and 80 mg daily for 6 weeks showed no greater improvement in anxiety levels compared to placebo, but did show greater improvements in positive and negative affect and emotional wellbeing.

Echinacea alkamide disposition and pharmacokinetics in humans after tablet ingestion.

Alkamides from Echinacea tablets are rapidly absorbed and remain in plasma for up to 12 hours, supporting the one dose three times daily regimen recommended for cold and infection treatment.

Echinacea angustifolia in rhinovirus infections.

Higher daily doses of echinacea root may be more effective in treating rhinovirus infections than the 900 mg used in this trial.

The effect of aerial parts of Echinacea on the circulating white cell levels and selected immune functions of the aging male Sprague-Dawley rat.

Echinacea aerial components can increase circulating white cell counts and IL-2 levels in older male Sprague-Dawley rats, but not phagocytic function.

Echinaforce and other Echinacea fresh plant preparations in the treatment of the common cold. A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Echinaforce and its concentrated preparation are a low-risk and effective alternative to standard symptomatic medicines for treating common colds.

Regulation of Human Immune Gene Expression as Influenced by a Commercial Blended Echinacea Product: Preliminary Studies

Echinacea consumption reduces cold and flu symptoms by promoting an antiinflammatory response and increasing interferon- expression, supporting its reported ability to reduce cold and flu duration and intensity.

Enhancement of natural killer cells and increased survival of aging mice fed daily Echinacea root extract from youth

Regular intake of Echinacea from youth to late middle-age in mice increases survival rates and maintains elevated natural killer cells, potentially benefiting immune surveillance against tumors.

Double‐blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract

Standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract significantly reduces state anxiety in humans, particularly in those with high baseline anxiety.

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections.

Fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea did not significantly decrease the incidence, duration, or severity of colds and respiratory infections compared to placebo.

The effect of 4 wk of oral echinacea supplementation on serum erythropoietin and indices of erythropoietic status.

Echinacea supplementation increases erythropoietin and interleukin-3 levels but does not significantly alter red blood cells, hemoglobin, or hematocrit levels.

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