The effect of Echinacea on upper respiratory infection symptom severity and quality of life

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#echinacea #humans #phytotherapy #plant-extracts #quality-of-life

The effect of Echinacea on upper respiratory infection symptom severity and quality of life

Gillespie et al., 2006 | Conn Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Gillespie Effie L, Coleman Craig I. The effect of Echinacea on upper respiratory infection symptom severity and quality of life. Conn Med. 2006-Feb;70(2):93-7

Abstract

We reviewed the current body of evidence supporting the use of Echinacea to reduce URI symptoms and improve QoL. Different Echinacea species have been administered either alone or in combination with other herbals and in various doses and dosage forms. Studies depicting Echinacea's effect on URI symptoms and QoL are contradictory. Despite some positive effects on symptom severity and QoL, given the current data available it would be inappropriate to attribute QoL benefit to Echinacea. The possibility that various facets of QoL may be improved with Echinacea cannot be ruled out. Further research into this compound is warranted.

Key Findings

Further research into this compound is warranted.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Echinacea
  • Humans
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts
  • Quality of Life
  • Respiratory System
  • Respiratory Tract Infections

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: echinacea-immune

Provenance

  • PMID: 16768061
  • 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