Echinacea
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 18,500 participants, researched for Cold & Flu Prevention.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cold & Flu Prevention
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cold & Flu Prevention
To evaluate standardised E. purpurea on common cold symptoms and duration.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate standardised E. purpurea on common cold symptoms and duration.
Dose
E. purpurea extract 900mg daily for 10 days
Participants
282 patients with acute cold symptoms
Duration
10 days
Results
Significant reduction in cold symptom severity composite score and duration vs placebo. Faster resolution of fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
How They Measured It
Cold symptom severity composite score, duration, diagnosis
To assess Echinacea purpurea on cold prevention over 4 months in healthy adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess Echinacea purpurea on cold prevention over 4 months in healthy adults.
Dose
Echinacea purpurea 2400mg daily
Participants
755 healthy adults
Duration
4 months
Results
120 fewer cold days per person in echinacea group. 26% fewer cold episodes. 59% fewer recurrent infections vs placebo.
How They Measured It
Cold incidence rate, total cold days, severity scores
To systematically review echinacea preparations for upper respiratory tract infections.
Study Type
Cochrane systematic review
Purpose
To systematically review echinacea preparations for upper respiratory tract infections.
Dose
Various echinacea preparations
Participants
4865 participants across 24 trials
Duration
Various
Results
Some echinacea products reduce incidence and duration of common cold. E. purpurea aerial parts most effective. Evidence generally supports benefit with high-quality products.
How They Measured It
Cold incidence, cold duration, symptom severity across 24 RCTs
To evaluate efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in common cold patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in common cold patients.
Dose
E. purpurea standardised extract
Participants
246 adults with common cold
Duration
7-8 days
Results
Significantly faster recovery and reduced severity scores vs placebo. All symptom categories showed improvement trend.
How They Measured It
URTI symptom composite score, recovery time
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Echinacea research
There are currently 130 peer-reviewed studies on Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia), involving 18,500 total participants. Research covers Immune support, Cold prevention, Cold duration reduction and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Echinacea has been researched for: Immune support, Cold prevention, Cold duration reduction, Respiratory health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 130 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
