Echinacea Root 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Source Naturals
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Echinacea Root 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Echinacea Root 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold, flu and respiratory infections, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 816 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Echinacea purpurea root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: echinacea purpurea root extract at 500 mg per capsule. Echinacea is an herb traditionally used to support immune function and general wellness.
The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients—gelatin, maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate, silica, and magnesium stearate—which serve as a capsule shell and flow agents to help manufacturing and consistency.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence we have on file does not establish echinacea's effectiveness for the conditions listed—anxiety, athletic performance, ADHD, burns, chronic fatigue, and migraine headache—all carry a rating of Insufficient Reliable Evidence. That means studies so far haven't been strong or complete enough to say whether it works for these purposes.
If you're considering echinacea for a specific condition, talk with your doctor about what the current research shows and whether it might fit your plan.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Echinacea is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth for short periods. The most common side effects are mild: abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and stomach upset.
Serious side effects are rare but have been reported, including severe allergic reactions (urticaria, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis) and hepatitis (liver inflammation). People who are allergic to ragweed or related plants in the Asteraceae family (chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) are at higher risk for allergic reactions to echinacea.
Because safety data is limited, it is best to take this only with your doctor's approval.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before you start echinacea, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of the following: chemotherapy drugs like etoposide; blood thinners such as warfarin; HIV medications like lopinavir/ritonavir; sedatives like midazolam; immunosuppressants (drugs that weaken immune function); caffeine supplements or regular high-dose caffeine; or any drug metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP1A2 enzymes (your pharmacist can look this up). These represent the most serious or well-documented interactions, though others are possible.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Echinacea Root may be worth considering if you're looking for general immune support and your doctor approves—it's generally well tolerated short-term in most people. If you take any prescription medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, HIV antivirals, sedatives, immunosuppressants, or drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes, or if you're sensitive to ragweed or related plants, check your exact medications with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Liver health and allergic reactions are rare but documented, so report any unusual symptoms—yellowing of skin or eyes, severe rashes, trouble breathing—to your healthcare provider right away.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Echinacea Root 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Source Naturals |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 021078015963 |
| Net contents | 200 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Mar 24, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 214291 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Echinacea purpurea root extract | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Formulation
Supports immune defense
Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.
Formula
Echinacea is one of North America's most celebrated and relied upon botanicals for mobilizing our natural immune defenses. Of all the natural immune stimulating herbs available, echinacea, also referred to as the purple coneflower, is one of the most effective and well researched herbs. Traditionally used for centuries, echinacea is one of the best known ways to help boost your well being.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily.
Precautions
Note: If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your health care professional before using this product.
Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.
Echinacea purpurea root extract
Interacts with816 drugs
Echinacea is a popular herb taken to help prevent or shorten the common cold, but study results are mixed and the overall benefit appears small at bes...
Echinacea purpurea root extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Maltodextrin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Source Naturals Echinacea Root 500 mg can interact with a number of medications.
Its single active ingredient—echinacea purpurea root extract—affects how your liver and gut break down several drug types, and it may also interfere with drugs that suppress your immune system. The most serious documented interaction is a Moderate one: echinacea may increase levels of etoposide (a chemotherapy drug) by slowing its breakdown, which in one case was linked to more severe blood clotting problems (thrombocytopenia) than the drug alone.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Echinacea also has Moderate interactions with other drug categories. It can inhibit the enzyme that metabolizes caffeine, raising caffeine levels by around 30%—so if you drink coffee or take caffeine tablets, you might notice jitteriness or sleep problems.
It affects the enzymes responsible for breaking down many common medications metabolized by CYP3A4 (a large family of drugs including some statins, certain antihistamines, and others) and CYP1A2 substrates, potentially raising or lowering their levels unpredictably. Because echinacea has immunostimulant activity, it may also interfere with immunosuppressant drugs (medications that dampen immune function for transplant patients or autoimmune conditions).
Minor interactions are documented with the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin), where echinacea appears to speed up warfarin clearance—though the effect may not be clinically meaningful—and with the HIV medication lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) and the sedative midazolam (Versed), where effects are theoretical or have not been confirmed in small studies.
Altogether, these interactions span 817 individual medications. Use the medication checker on this page to see if any of your prescriptions are affected, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Echinacea Root 500 mg?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Echinacea Root 500 mg interact with 816 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Echinacea Root 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Echinacea purpurea root extract
Aspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCaffeine, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interactionAspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCaffeine, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interactionAspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
How Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates +1 Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interactionAspirin, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlka-Seltzer Plus Cold
How Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAspirin, HydrocodoneAlor 5 500, Lortab ASA
How Aspirin, Hydrocodone interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Hydrocodone interactionAspirin, OmeprazoleYosprala
How Aspirin, Omeprazole interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Omeprazole interactionAspirin, PentazocineTalwin Compound
How Aspirin, Pentazocine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Aspirin, Pentazocine interactionAtazanavirReyataz
How Atazanavir interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atazanavir interactionAtazanavir, CobicistatEvotaz
How Atazanavir, Cobicistat interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atazanavir, Cobicistat interactionAtezolizumabTecentriq
How Atezolizumab interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atezolizumab interactionAtogepantQulipta
How Atogepant interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atogepant interactionAtorvastatinAtorvaliq
How Atorvastatin interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atorvastatin interactionAtorvastatin CalciumLipitor
How Atorvastatin Calcium interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atorvastatin Calcium interactionAtropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, ScopolamineAtrohist Plus, Pro Tuss, Ru-tuss, Stahist
How Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Atropine, Chlorpheniramine, Hyoscyamine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine, Scopolamine interactionAvacopanTavneos
How Avacopan interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Avacopan interactionAvanafilStendra
How Avanafil interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Avanafil interactionAvapritinibAyvakit
How Avapritinib interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Avapritinib interactionAxitinibInlyta
How Axitinib interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Axitinib interactionAzamuneImmunoprin
How Azamune interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Azamune interactionAzathioprineAzamune, Imuran
How Azathioprine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Azathioprine interactionAzelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone PropionateDymista
How Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Azelastine Hydrochloride, Fluticasone Propionate interactionBasiliximabSimulect
How Basiliximab interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractImmunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Basiliximab interactionBazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated EstrogensDuavee
How Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Bazedoxifene Acetate, Conjugated Estrogens interactionBeclometasone DipropionateBecotide
How Beclometasone Dipropionate interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Beclometasone Dipropionate interactionBeclomethasoneBeclovent, Vanceril
How Beclomethasone interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractImmunosuppressants, Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Beclomethasone interactionBeclomethasone DipropionateQNASL, Qvar
How Beclomethasone Dipropionate interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates, Immunosuppressants Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Beclomethasone Dipropionate interactionBedaquilineSirturo
How Bedaquiline interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Bedaquiline interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, PhenylpropanolamineRespa ARM
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Belladonna Alkaloids, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionBelladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, PhenobarbitalBel Tabs, Bellamine-S, Bellaphen-S, Duragal S, Phenarbal S, Spastrin
How Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interacts with Echinacea Root 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Echinacea Purpurea Root ExtractCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4.
Read the full Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract + Belladonna Alkaloids, Ergotamine Tartrate, Phenobarbital interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Echinacea Root 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Echinacea purpurea root extract
Caffeine
Echinacea can increase plasma levels of caffeine by inhibiting its metabolism.
Echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine by around 30%. This is likely due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) by echinacea.
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates
Echinacea might inhibit the metabolism of CYP1A2 and increase plasma levels of some drugs.
Echinacea appears to inhibit CYP1A2 enzymes in humans. Additionally, echinacea seems to increase plasma concentrations of caffeine, a CYP1A2 substrate, by around 30%. Theoretically, echinacea might increase levels of other drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates
Echinacea may induce hepatic CYP3A4 and inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Several clinical trials have shown that taking echinacea for up to one month does not significantly affect the metabolism of various CYP3A4 substrates, including midazolam, docetaxel, etravirine, lopinavir-ritonavir, and darunavir-ritonavir. However, other clinical research shows that echinacea may increase the clearance of midazolam, suggesting that echinacea might induce CYP3A4. The discrepancy is thought to be due to differing effects of echinacea on intestinal versus hepatic CYP3A4 enzymes. Echinacea appears to induce hepatic CYP3A4 but inhibit intestinal CYP3A4. In some cases, these effects might cancel each other out, but in others, drug levels may be increased or decreased depending on the level of effect at hepatic and intestinal sites. The effect of echinacea on CYP3A4 activity may differ depending on the CYP3A4 substrate.
Etoposide (Vepesid)
Echinacea may increase levels of etoposide.
In one report, concomitant use of etoposide and echinacea was associated with more severe thrombocytopenia than the use of etoposide alone, suggesting inhibition of etoposide metabolism. Etoposide is a cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrate. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but some studies have reported inhibition of the enzyme.
Immunosuppressants
Echinacea has immunostimulant activity which may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy.
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant therapy because of its immunostimulant activity.
Darunavir (Prezista)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of darunavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Darunavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but administration of an E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg four times daily for 14 days did not affect darunavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetics in 15 HIV-infected patients.
Dayquil Severe
Echinacea is reported to have varying effects on a number of Cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzymes in the liver, including CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, which play a role in acetaminophen and dextromethorphan metabolism (both contained in DayQuil Severe), respectively. Studies have reported both enzyme inhibition and induction, making it difficult to predict clinically significant drug interactions with reliability. Specific drug interaction studies reporting definitive results are rare, and potential drug interactions involving echinacea should likely be taken on a case-by-case basis. Based on what we know about how acetaminophen and dextromethorphan are metabolized, the risk of a clinically significant interaction between echinacea and DayQuil Severe is low.
Docetaxel (Taxotere)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of docetaxel; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Docetaxel is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea whole plant extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Biopharma AG) 20 drops three times daily for 2 weeks did not alter the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in one clinical study.
Etravirine (Intelence)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of etravirine; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Etravirine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea root extract (Arkocapsulas Echinacea, Arkopharma) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of etravirine in HIV-infected patients.
Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra)
Theoretically, echinacea may interfere with the metabolism of lopinavir; however, a small clinical study found no effect.
Lopinavir is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is administered with the CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir to increase its plasma concentrations. Echinacea has variable effects on CYP3A4, but taking E. purpurea (Echinamide, Natural Factors Nutritional Products, Inc.) 500 mg three times daily for 14 days did not alter the pharmacokinetics of lopinavir/ritonavir in healthy volunteers.
Midazolam (Versed)
Theoretically, echinacea may increase the metabolism of intravenous midazolam.
Echinacea induces hepatic CYP3A4 and might decrease plasma levels of midazolam by about 20%, reducing the effectiveness of intravenous midazolam. Echinacea also appears to inhibit intestinal CYP3A4, which could theoretically increase the bioavailability of oral midazolam. This may cancel out the decrease in availability caused by induction of hepatic CYP3A4, such that overall plasma levels after oral administration of midazolam are not affected by echinacea.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Echinacea seems to increase the clearance of warfarin, although the effect may not be clinically significant.
Preliminary clinical research in healthy male volunteers suggests that taking echinacea increases the clearance of the active S-isomer of warfarin after a single dose of warfarin, but there was not a clinically significant effect on the INR.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Echinacea Root 500 mg, from the product label.
Source Naturals
- Name
- Source Naturals, Inc.
- Street Address
- P. O. Box 2118
- City
- Santa Cruz
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 95062
- Web Address
- www.sourcenaturals.com
Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions
Does Echinacea Root 500 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
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Will echinacea really help me avoid or recover from a cold?
Am I going to have an allergic reaction if I take this?
Is this safe to take while I'm pregnant?
I drink a lot of coffee. Will this make me jittery?
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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The Full Monographs Behind Echinacea Root 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Echinacea Root 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 51 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Echinacea 51 references
- Mullins RJ. Echinacea-associated anaphylaxis. Med J Aust 1998;168:170-1. PubMed
- Mullins RJ. Allergic reactions to Echinacea. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;104:S340-341 (Abstract 1003).
- Chavez ML, Chavez PI. Echinacea. Hosp Pharm 1998;33:180-8.
- Grimm W, Muller HH. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of fluid extract of Echinacea purpurea on the incidence and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Am J Med 1999;106:138-43. PubMed
- Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:2824-30.. PubMed
- Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al. Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989;81:669-75. PubMed
- Stimpel M, Proksch A, Wagner H, et al. Macrophage activation and induction of macrophage cytotoxicity by purified polysaccharide fractions from the plant Echinacea purpurea. Infect Immun 1984;46:845-9. PubMed
- Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Vandenhoek S, Arnason JT. An in vitro evaluation of human cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibition by selected commercial herbal extracts and tinctures. Phytomedicine 2000;7:273-82. PubMed
- Gallo M, Sarkar M, Au W, et al. Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to echinacea: A prospective controlled study. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:3141-3. PubMed
- Soon SL, Crawford RI. Recurrent erythema nodosum associated with echinacea herbal therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:298-9. PubMed
- Mullins RJ, Heddle R. Adverse reactions associated with echinacea: the Australian experience. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:42-51. PubMed
- Logan JL, Ahmed J. Critical hypokalemic renal tubular acidosis due to Sjogren's syndrome: association with the purported immune stimulant echinacea. Clin Rheumatol 2003;22:158-9.
- Schulten B, Bulitta M, Ballering-Bruhl B, et al. Efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in patients with a common cold. A placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung 2001;51:563-8.. PubMed
- Yale SH, Glurich I. Analysis of the inhibitory potential of Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, and Serenoa repens on the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 3A4, 2D6, and 2C9. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:433-9.
- Yale SH, Liu K. Echinacea purpurea therapy for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arch Intern Med 2004;164:1237-41. PubMed
- Gorski JC, Huang S, Zaheer NA, et al. The effect of echinacea (Echinacea purpurea root) on cytochrome P450 activity in vivo.Clin Pharmacol Ther 2003;73 (Abstract PDII-A-8):P94. PubMed
- Lee AN, Werth VP. Activation of autoimmunity following use of immunostimulatory herbal supplements. Arch Dermatol 2004;140:723-7. PubMed
- Goel V, Lovlin R, Barton R, et al. Efficacy of a standardized echinacea preparation (Echinilin) for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2004;29:75-83.
- Barrett B. Medicinal properties of Echinacea: a critical review. Phytomedicine 2003;10:66-86. PubMed
- Huntley AL, Thompson Coon J, Ernst E. The safety of herbal medicinal products derived from Echinacea species: a systematic review. Drug Saf 2005;28:387-400. PubMed
- Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, et al. An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections. N Engl J Med 2005;353:341-8.
- Gurley BJ, Gardner SF, Hubbard MA, et al. In vivo assessment of botanical supplementation on human cytochrome P450 phenotypes: Citrus aurantium, Echinacea purpurea, milk thistle, and saw palmetto. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;76:428-40. .
- Perri D, Dugoua JJ, Mills E, Koren G. Safety and efficacy of echinacea (Echinacea augustafolia, e. purpurea and e. pallida) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2006;13:e262-7.
- Kocaman O, Hulagu S, Senturk O. Echinacea-induced severe acute hepatitis with features of cholestatic autoimmune hepatitis. Eur J Intern Med 2008;19:148. PubMed
- Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D. et al. Echinacea for treating the common cold: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2010;153:769-77. PubMed
- Press Release: Echinacea herbal products should not be used in children under 12 years old. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK). August 20, 2012. Available at: www.mhra.gov.uk/NewsCentre/Pressreleases/CON180627. (Accessed 21 October
- Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D, Rabago D, et al. Placebo effects and the common cold: a randomized controlled trial. Ann.Fam.Med 2011;9:312-22. PubMed
- Haller J, Freund, TF, Pelczer, KG, et al. The anxiolytic potential and psychotropic side effects of an echinacea preparation in laboratory animals and healthy volunteers. Phytother.Res. 2013;27:54-61.
- Grbic J, Wexler I, Celenti R, et al. A phase II trial of a transmucosal herbal patch for the treatment of gingivitis. J Am Dent.Assoc. 2011;142:1168-75. PubMed
- Schapowal A, Berger D, Klein P, et al. Echinacea/sage or chlorhexidine/lidocaine for treating acute sore throats: a randomized double-blind trial. Eur.J Med Res 9-1-2009;14:406-12. PubMed
- Bossaer JB and Odle BL. Probable etoposide interaction with Echinacea. J.Diet.Suppl 2012;9:90-5.
- Abdul MI, Jiang X, Williams KM, et al. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects. Br J Clin.Pharmacol. 2010;69:508-15. PubMed
- Kemp, D. E. and Franco, K. N. Possible leukopenia associated with long-term use of echinacea. J Am Board Fam.Pract. 2002;15(5):417-419.
- Liatsos, G., Elefsiniotis, I., Todorova, R., and Moulakakis, A. Severe thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) induced or exacerbated by the immunostimulatory herb Echinacea. Am J Hematol. 2006;81(3):224.
- Penzak, S. R., Robertson, S. M., Hunt, J. D., Chairez, C., Malati, C. Y., Alfaro, R. M., Stevenson, J. M., and Kovacs, J. A. Echinacea purpurea significantly induces cytochrome P450 3A activity but does not alter lopinavir-ritonavir exposure in healthy s
- Maskatia, Z. K. and Baker, K. Hypereosinophilia associated with echinacea use. South.Med J 2010;103(11):1173-1174. PubMed
- Parnham MJ. Benefit-risk assessment of the squeezed sap of the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for long-term oral immunostimulation. Phytomed 1996;3:95-102. PubMed
- Schroder-Aasen T, Molden G, Nilsen OG. In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 by the multiherbal commercial product Sambucus Force and its main constituents Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra. Phytother Res 2012;26(11):1606-13.
- Moltó J, Valle M, Miranda C, et al. Herb-drug interaction between Echinacea purpurea and darunavir-ritonavir in HIV-infected patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011;55(1):326-30.
- Goey AK, Meijerman I, Rosing H, et al. The effect of Echinacea purpurea on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2013;76(3):467-74.
- Moltó J, Valle M, Miranda C, et al. Herb-drug interaction between Echinacea purpurea and etravirine in HIV-infected patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012;56(10):5328-31. PubMed
- Lawrenson JA, Walls T, Day AS. Echinacea-induced acute liver failure in a child. J Paediatr Child Health 2014;50(10):841.
- Hansen TS, Nilsen OG. In vitro CYP3A4 metabolism: inhibition by Echinacea purpurea and choice of substrate for the evaluation of herbal inhibition. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2008;103:445-9.
- Gabranis I, Koufakis T1, Papakrivos I, Batala S. Echinacea-associated acute cholestatic hepatitis. J Postgrad Med. 2015;61(3):211-2. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(2):CD000530. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3. PubMed
- Hoban CL, Byard RW, Musgrave IF. Analysis of spontaneous adverse drug reactions to echinacea, valerian, black cohosh and ginkgo in Australia from 2000 to 2015. J Integr Med. 2019;17(5):338-343. PubMed
- Ogal M, Johnston SL, Klein P, Schoop R. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res. 2021 Apr 8;26(1):33. PubMed
- Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107 ™): A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Affect Disord 2021;293:229-237.
- Weishaupt R, Buchkov A, Kolev E, Klein P, Schoop R. Reduction of viral load in patients with acute sore throats: Results from an observational clinical trial with Echinacea / Salvia lozenges [published online ahead of print, 2023 Mar 8]. Complement Med Re
- Sumer J, Keckeis K, Scanferla G, et al. Novel Echinacea formulations for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections in adults-A randomized blinded controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023;10:948787. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC