Echinacea
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Oral Echinacea was deemed “Possibly Effective” by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) (1) and “Evidence Grade B” by Natural Standards for treatment of symptoms of the common cold (2). Most evidence supports the use when used at the onset of a cold. Echinacea products can reduce severity and duration of a cold by 10-30%, which may not be clinically relevant for some patients (1). As there are three types of Echinacea products available, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida, the results from clinical trials vary (3). The most evidence is with Echinaciea purpurea (1,2,3). Some studies have shown a benefit to preventing the common cold when used prophylactically, however this practise is not recommended due to poor safety data (4).
As the medication is relatively safe, the choice to accept or possibly recommend for treatment is advised (1). Other symptomatic treatments may still be required, and are first line. This specific medication may be used by patients who are interested in shortening the duration of their cold with a natural health product and do not have any contraindications.
References
1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Echinacea. http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/HerbsandSupplements.aspx. Accessed March 3,2014.
2. Natural Standard. Echinacea. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databetes. Accessed March 13, 2013.
3. Roy, H. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis. In: Patient Self Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, On: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 187-203.
4. Karsch-Volk, M., Barrett, B., Kiefer, D., Bauer, R., Ardjomand-Woelkart K., Linde, K. “Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold (review)” The Cochrane Library (2013): 1-90.
Oral Echinacea was deemed “Possibly Effective” by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) (1) and “Evidence Grade B” by Natural Standards for treatment of symptoms of the common cold (2). Most evidence supports the use when used at the onset of a cold. Echinacea products can reduce severity and duration of a cold by 10-30%, which may not be clinically relevant for some patients (1). As there are three types of Echinacea products available, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida, the results from clinical trials vary (3). The most evidence is with Echinaciea purpurea (1,2,3). Some studies have shown a benefit to preventing the common cold when used prophylactically, however this practise is not recommended due to poor safety data (4).
As the medication is relatively safe, the choice to accept or possibly recommend for treatment is advised (1). Other symptomatic treatments may still be required, and are first line. This specific medication may be used by patients who are interested in shortening the duration of their cold with a natural health product and do not have any contraindications.
References
1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Echinacea. http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/HerbsandSupplements.aspx. Accessed March 3,2014.
2. Natural Standard. Echinacea. http://www.naturalstandard.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databetes. Accessed March 13, 2013.
3. Roy, H. Viral Rhinitis, Influenza, Sinusitis and Pharyngitis. In: Patient Self Care. 2nd ed. Ottawa, On: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: 187-203.
4. Karsch-Volk, M., Barrett, B., Kiefer, D., Bauer, R., Ardjomand-Woelkart K., Linde, K. “Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold (review)” The Cochrane Library (2013): 1-90.