Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Also known as: Echinacea purpurea, purple coneflower, echinacea herb and root, Echinacea angustifolia
An extract of the aerial parts and root of purple coneflower, the classic North American immune herb. Evidence is mixed: a 2007 meta-analysis reported fewer colds and shorter duration with echinacea, while a later Cochrane review found only weak and inconsistent benefit across many preparations. Products differ widely in species, plant part, and extraction, which explains much of the variation. It remains a mainstream immune ingredient and is often blended with elderberry, zinc, and vitamin C.
Research summary
Alkylamides and polysaccharides are proposed to modulate macrophage activity and cytokine signaling; alkylamides also interact with cannabinoid receptors.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 300–1,500 mg | — | — |
300 to 1,500 mg per day of extract, usually split into three doses and used for short periods at symptom onset rather than continuously. Standardization to 4% phenolics or a specified alkylamide content improves consistency.
Standardization: 4% phenolic compounds (echinacoside/cichoric acid), preparation dependent
Source material: aerial parts and root extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Tingling, slightly bitter taste from alkylamides; workable in liquids and gummies at moderate doses.
Formulation notes
Ragweed-family plant; note for allergy-sensitive labeling. Typically paired with elderberry, zinc, and vitamin C.
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
VitaminThe form of vitamin D the body makes from sunlight and the most effective supplemental form for raising blood levels.
Typical: 1,000–2,000 IU
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Probiotic Blend (Multi-Strain)
ProbioticA generic placeholder for a multi-strain probiotic blend, typically combining several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and sometimes Streptococcus thermophilus or a Bacillus spore.
Typical: 10–50 B CFU
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
ProbioticLGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, ATCC 53103) is the single most studied probiotic strain, isolated in 1985 and since reclassified as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU
Bifidobacterium lactis
ProbioticBifidobacterium animalis subsp.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU