The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review

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#adult #adverse-drug-reaction-reporting-systems #child #child-preschool #clinical-trials-as-topic

The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review

Huntley et al., 2005 | Drug Saf | Systematic Review

Citation

Huntley Alyson L, Thompson Coon Joanna, Ernst Edzard. The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review. Drug Saf. 2005;28(5):387-400

Abstract

Echinacea spp. are native to North America and were traditionally used by the Indian tribes for a variety of ailments, including mouth sores, colds and snake-bites. The three most commonly used Echinacea spp. are E. angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Systematic literature searches were conducted in six electronic databases and the reference lists of all of the papers located were checked for further relevant publications. Information was also sought from the spontaneous reporting programmes of the WHO and national drug safety bodies. Twenty-three manufacturers of echinacea were contacted and asked for data held on file. Finally our own departmental files were searched. No language restrictions were imposed. Combination products and homeopathic preparations were excluded. Data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting programmes suggest that adverse events with echinacea are not commonly reported. Gastrointestinal upsets and rashes occur most frequently. However, in rare cases, echinacea can be associated with allergic reactions that may be severe. Although there is a large amount of data that investigates the efficacy of echinacea, safety issues and the monitoring of adverse events have not been focused on. Short-term use of echinacea is associated with a relatively good safety profile, with a slight risk of transient, reversible, adverse events. The association of echinacea with allergic reactions is supported by the present evaluation. While these reactions are likely to be rare, patients with allergy or asthma should carefully consider their use of echinacea. The use of echinacea products during pregnancy and lactation would appear to be ill-advised in light of the paucity of data in this area.

Key Findings

The use of echinacea products during pregnancy and lactation would appear to be ill-advised in light of the paucity of data in this area.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population allergy or asthma should
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Echinacea
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Preparations
  • United States

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: echinacea

Provenance

  • PMID: 15853441
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09