Ineffective
Bottom Line
Treatment with Echinacea extract (Purple coneflower). 1 study conducted, with 431 children. Does not reduce cold symptoms and does not speed up recovery. Mild side effects, rash pretty common. Dangerous for children with allergy.
EVIDENCE | POORLY TESTED
EFFECTIVENESS | INEFFECTIVE
SAFETY | MILD RISKS
Do not use this treatment:
It is not effective in treating cold symptoms or in shortening their duration. Side effects are usually minor, but allergic reaction may vary from rash (common) to severe reaction (rare).
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Target Population:
Children with cold, 2 to 16 years old
Dosage:
Varies with preparation. Follow the instruction that come with the product.
Goal:
Treatment of Common Cold symptoms
Poorly tested
Children Tested
Benefits:
Ineffective, does not seem to reduce Common Cold symptoms in children. Does not seem to speed up recovery.
Mild risks
Risks:
Common side effects in children include mainly rash. Rare side effects include upset stomach, and severe allergic reaction.
Medical problem:
Common Cold (symptoms caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory system).
Symptoms and signs:
Cough, general discomfort, headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose and weakness.
Complications:
Bacterial infections: lung infection, middle ear infection, strep throat, sinus infection.
Echinacea extract (alternative medicine)
Additional Information
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Echinacea
Echinacea is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. The Echinacea genus has nine species, which are commonly called purple coneflowers. They are found only in eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer. Echinacea purpurea is used in folk medicine. Although there are multiple scientific reviews and meta-analyses published on the supposed immunological effects of echinacea, significant variability of echinacea products used among studies limited conclusions about effects and safety, consequently leading to non-approval of any health benefit or anti-disease activity. (source)
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