The effect of Echinacea on upper respiratory infection symptom severity and quality of life.

We reviewed the current body of evidence supporting the use of Echinacea to reduce URI symptoms and improve QoL. Different Echinacea species have been administered either alone or in combination with other herbals and in various doses and dosage forms. Studies depicting Echinacea's effect on URI symptoms and QoL are contradictory. Despite some positive effects on symptom severity and QoL, given the current data available it would be inappropriate to attribute QoL benefit to Echinacea. The possibility that various facets of QoL may be improved with Echinacea cannot be ruled out. Further research into this compound is warranted.