Echinacea Supplementation Does Not Impact Aerobic Capacity and Erythropoiesis in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #echinacea #erythropoiesis #dietary-supplements #athletes

Echinacea Supplementation Does Not Impact Aerobic Capacity and Erythropoiesis in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis

Deccy et al., 2024 | Nutrients | Meta Analysis

Citation

Deccy Stephanie, Bartkowiak Callie, ... Paultre Kristopher. Echinacea Supplementation Does Not Impact Aerobic Capacity and Erythropoiesis in Athletes: A Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2024-Jun-22;16(13). doi:10.3390/nu16131991

Abstract

Athletes are increasingly relying on natural supplements to improve athletic performance. Echinacea, a common herbal supplement, has been studied for its potential erythropoietin-enhancing effects, with mixed results in the literature. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether echinacea supplementation has erythropoietic or ergogenic effects in athletes. A search strategy was developed to identify trials studying the impact of echinacea supplementation on erythropoiesis and maximal oxygen uptake. The database search yielded 502 studies, 496 of which were excluded in the two-reviewer screening process. Six studies with a total of 107 athletes were included in the analysis. For hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, there were small, positive effect sizes when comparing the difference in pre- and post-intervention levels between the echinacea and placebo groups, at 0.38 (p = 0.02, 95% CI -0.04-0.80, I2 = 70%) and 0.34 (p < 0.01, 95% CI -0.10-0.78, I2 = 86%), respectively, though they did not reach statistical significance. There was also no statistically significant change in erythropoietin (effect size -0.29, p = 0.05, 95% CI -0.75-0.17, I2 = 67%) or maximal oxygen uptake (effect size -0.20, p = 0.95, 95% CI -0.60-0.21, I2 = 0%). Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.

Key Findings

Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 502
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Echinacea
  • Erythropoiesis
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Performance
  • Erythropoietin
  • Hemoglobins
  • Hematocrit
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Male
  • Female
  • Adult
  • Performance-Enhancing Substances

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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