Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Contraindicated in autoimmune conditions -- stimulates immune system
- Allergic reactions -- cross-reactivity with ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy
- May interact with immunosuppressant medications (cyclosporine)
- Should not be used long-term continuously -- tolerance may develop
Contraindications
- Contraindicated in autoimmune conditions -- stimulates immune system
- Allergic reactions -- cross-reactivity with ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Echinacea is one of the most widely used herbal supplements for immune support. Clinical evidence for cold prevention and duration reduction is mixed. It is contraindicated in autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS) because it stimulates the immune system. Allergic reactions are common, particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Echinacea purpurea / pallida / angustifolia
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Botanical
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Contraindicated in autoimmune conditions -- stimulates immune system
- Allergic reactions -- cross-reactivity with ragweed, chrysanthemum, daisy
- May interact with immunosuppressant medications (cyclosporine)
- Should not be used long-term continuously -- tolerance may develop
The available scientific evidence for Echinacea indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 23 მარ 2026, 18:48
Evidence Distribution
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSecondary volatile metabolite content of two Echiu0307nacea species in two subsequent years in Riu0307ze, Tu00fcrkiu0307ye. ↗Yurteri E et al.. Secondary volatile metabolite content of two Echiu0307nacea species in two subsequent years in Riu0307ze, Tu00fcrkiu0307ye.. BMC Plant Biol. 2026. PMID:41826838.PMID 41826838 ↗Journal BMC Plant BiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41826838/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWComparative two-dimensional NKG2A/CD94 cell membrane chromatography for targeted screening immune checkpoint inhibitors. ↗Li Y et al.. Comparative two-dimensional NKG2A/CD94 cell membrane chromatography for targeted screening immune checkpoint inhibitors.. J Pharm Anal. 2026. PMID:41798068.PMID 41798068 ↗Journal J Pharm AnalYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41798068/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAnxiofit-1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to article 14 of regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. ↗Turck D et al.. Anxiofit-1 and reduction of subthreshold and mild anxiety: Evaluation of a health claim pursuant to article 14 of regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.. EFSA J. 2026. PMID:41788604.PMID 41788604 ↗Journal EFSA JYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41788604/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSmart farming approaches in medicinal plant cultivation: a review of techniques, benefits, and sustainability. ↗Khan S et al.. Smart farming approaches in medicinal plant cultivation: a review of techniques, benefits, and sustainability.. Planta. 2026. PMID:41784667.PMID 41784667 ↗Journal PlantaYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41784667/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWHerbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility. ↗Shanaida M et al.. Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility.. Curr Med Chem. 2026. PMID:41764614.PMID 41764614 ↗Journal Curr Med ChemYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41764614/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWInteractive Effects of Polyamines and Plant Growth Regulators on Shoot Induction and Secondary Metabolism in In Vitro Shoot Cultures of Echinacea Species. ↗Tanur Erkoyuncu M. Interactive Effects of Polyamines and Plant Growth Regulators on Shoot Induction and Secondary Metabolism in In Vitro Shoot Cultures of Echinacea Species.. Molecules. 2026. PMID:41752464.PMID 41752464 ↗Journal MoleculesYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41752464/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEchinacea Purpurea Polysaccharides Alleviate DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism. ↗Liu C et al.. Echinacea Purpurea Polysaccharides Alleviate DSS-Induced Colitis in Rats by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism.. Foods. 2026. PMID:41683008.PMID 41683008 ↗Journal FoodsYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41683008/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPhytochemical Optimization and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of an Aerial-Part Extract from Echinacea purpurea in DSS-Induced Colitis. ↗Jia H et al.. Phytochemical Optimization and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism of an Aerial-Part Extract from Echinacea purpurea in DSS-Induced Colitis.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026. PMID:41599708.PMID 41599708 ↗Journal Pharmaceuticals (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41599708/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPharmacological Insights and Technological Innovations in Curcuma longa L. and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench as Plant-Derived Immunomodulators. ↗Espinoza JP et al.. Pharmacological Insights and Technological Innovations in Curcuma longa L. and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench as Plant-Derived Immunomodulators.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026. PMID:41599692.PMID 41599692 ↗Journal Pharmaceuticals (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41599692/
-
Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWThe ameliorative effects of Echinacea purpurea and vitamin E against linezolid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. ↗Ibrahim AEFH et al.. The ameliorative effects of Echinacea purpurea and vitamin E against linezolid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.. Open Vet J. 2025. PMID:41630714.PMID 41630714 ↗Journal Open Vet JYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41630714/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Echinacea. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Echinacea
A score of 3.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.