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echinacea: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

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:: Overview :: Precautions :: Side Effects :: Further Reading Search results last updated: 5/7/2009

Generic & Brand Name : Source: (RXList)

Brand Name : Echinacea
Generic Name : Echinacea

Overview (Source: DrugInfoOnline)
Echinacea is also known as the American cone flower, black Susan, black Sampson, comb flower, hedgehog, Indian head, Kansas snakeroot, narrow-leaved purple coneflower, scurvy root, and snakeroot. Echinacea has been used orally to stimulate the immune system of the body. Echinacea is most commonly used in the treatment of the common cold. Echinacea is also used topically in the treatment of wounds and burns. Echinacea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of echinacea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Echinacea may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about echinacea? Echinacea is not recommended for use by people with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis. Echinacea has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of echinacea may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal ...
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Precautions (Source: RXList)
Do no use in cases of HIV . 4/10 Do not use in cases of immune system dysfunction , autoimmune conditions (including systemic lupus ) and progressive systemic conditions s.c. as multiple sclerosis , tuberculosis , leukosis, collagen disorders, and diabetes mellitus (injectable form of Echinacea ). 4/10 Herb substitutions and adulterations have been reported in products sold as Echinacea. Read labels carefully! Echinacea should not be taken over a long period of time. Two to three weeks usage is considered an advisable time frame for usage (3 consecutive weeks-parenteral dosage or 8 consecutive weeks -internal and external use). Constant usage of Echinacea could keep the b.d. from regaining its natural immune capabilities. 10/60 If used beyond 8 weeks, Echinacea could cause hepatotoxicity and therefore should not be used with other known hepatoxic drugs, s.c. as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate , and ketoconazole. 58 When utilizing with other herbs the dosage may need to be lowered. 10 Should not be given to children younger than 2 years old without a physician’s approval. Minimal dosages should be given to older adults and children over the age of two when beginning treatments. USAGE IN PREGNANCY Do not use if pregnant - Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Some contraindications are thought to exist. ...
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Side Effects (Source: RXList)
As with all Herbs and Drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms (eg, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic drug inhibition or enhancement, etc) is a possibility.  According to a recent study on drug and herb interactions. If used beyond 8 weeks, Echinacea could cause hepatotoxicity and therefore should not be used with other known hepatoxic drugs, s.c. as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate , and ketoconazole. 58 ...
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Further Reading on echinacea
  • Whole Medical Systems: An Overview ( WebMD )
    Traditional Chinese medicine , Ayurveda , homeopathy and naturopathy : They all involve techniques and ...treatments have been published. For example, in a study of 524 children, echinacea did not prove...
  • Dietary Supplements (Herbal Medicines and Natural Products) - Topic Overview ( WebMD )
    What are dietary supplements ? In the United States , dietary supplements are substances you eat or drink . They can be vitamins ,...to supplement diet and treat disease. For example, echinacea may keep you...
  • Infertility & Reproduction Guide - Semen Analysis ( WebMD )
    A semen analysis measures the amount of semen a man produces and determines the number and quality of sperm in the semen sample . A ...such as St. John's wort and high doses of echinacea . A semen sample...
  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) ( WebMD )
    An alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood . ALT is found ...before having an ALT test. Some herbs and natural products (such as echinacea and valerian) also...
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) ( WebMD )
    An aspartate aminotransferase ( AST ) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood . AST is ...days before having an AST test. Some herbs and natural products (such as echinacea and valerian) also...



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