The effectiveness of echinacea-based products against viruses
Echinacea is a medicinal plant native to North America. Its virtues have been known and used for thousands of years, especially among Native American peoples.
Indeed, the natives of the Great Plains of the United States used it to relieve respiratory tract infections and those caused by snakebites. Now, this small pink plant is available on practically all continents of the world and is recognized for its benefits to the human body.
What is echinacea and what are its benefits?
There are three species of echinacea: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea, all of which have numerous therapeutic properties.
First of all, echinacea stimulates the immune system and allows the body to produce more white blood cells, lymphocytes, macrophages and interferons. It enhances our immune system's ability to defend against certain viruses and reduces their symptomatic effects.
Echinacea-based products are effective in preventing respiratory tract infections. For example, this plant is used to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Its effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections is also recognized. In addition, it can promote the healing of wounds and skin inflammation when applied directly to the skin.
Echinacea as a remedy for Covid-19?
Thanks to their antiviral properties against colds and respiratory tract infections, echinacea-based products are currently being studied by scientists to determine their effectiveness against Covid-19.
A study published in a special issue of the journal Viruses1 in February 2021 recently revealed that certain natural products containing Echinacea angustifolia demonstrated antiviral potential against infections related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A second Swiss study2 also showed that preparations based on Echinacea purpurea, such as Echinaforce, produced by A.Vogel, could be used as a prophylactic treatment method against Covid-19.
How to take it?
Echinacea can be consumed internally or externally, but it is important to know that products containing this plant must be used at the first symptoms and signs of infection to guarantee their effectiveness. Echinacea can be infused in boiling water or mixed with juice before ingestion. It can also be taken in the form of capsules, standardized solid extracts or tinctures.
Furthermore, it can be applied directly to areas of the skin using ointments and creams. The effectiveness of echinacea has been proven for thousands of years. Its use as an immune system booster is widespread and has been popularized around the globe. It is now recognized as a natural treatment for respiratory, skin and urinary infections. Future studies may confirm its effectiveness against Covid-19.
Of course, this product has therapeutic effects that are limited, but which are nevertheless clinically proven. Certain contraindications may apply. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information regarding echinacea-based products and their virtues.
- Signer, J., Jonsdottir, H.R., Albrich, W.C. et al. In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2. Virol J 17, 136 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01401-2
- Bharadwaj, S.; El-Kafrawy, S.A.; Alandijany, T.A.; Bajrai, L.H.; Shah, A.A.; Dubey, A.; Sahoo, A.K.; Yadava, U.; Kamal, M.A.; Azhar, E.I.; Kang, S.G.; Dwivedi, V.D. Structure-Based Identification of Natural Products as SARS-CoV-2 Mpro Antagonist from Echinacea angustifolia Using Computational Approaches. Viruses 2021, 13, 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020305