Safety and efficacy of echinacea (Echinacea angustafolia, e. purpurea and e. pallida) during pregnancy and lactation.
BACKGROUND
There is a lack of basic knowledge on the part of both clinicians and patients as to the indications for use and safety of herbal medicines used in pregnancy and lactation. This is one article in a series that systematically reviews the evidence for commonly used herbs during pregnancy and lactation.


OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the literature for evidence on the use, safety, and pharmacology of echinacea focusing on issues pertaining to pregnancy and lactation.


METHODS
We searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade of evidence found.


RESULTS
There is good scientific evidence from a prospective cohort study that oral consumption of echinacea during the first trimester does not increase the risk for major malformations. Low-level evidence based on expert opinion shows that oral consumption of echinacea in recommended doses is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.


CONCLUSIONS
Echinacea is non-teratogenic when used during pregnancy. Caution with using Echinacea during lactation until further high quality human studies can determine its safety.
Perri
Daniel
D
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.
Dugoua
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Mills
Edward
E
Koren
Gideon
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D020900:Echinacea / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D018515:Plant Leaves; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D018517:Plant Roots; D018547:Plant Stems; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment
D028321:Plant Preparations