The prickly history and uncertain science of the North American coneflower

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known as the hedgehog plant for its spiny center, Echinacea has transitioned from a traditional Indigenous remedy to a global herbal supplement. Despite its popularity, modern science remains divided on its efficacy, with regulatory bodies withholding approval and researchers pointing to significant inconsistencies in the products currently on the market.

The genus Echinacea, comprising ten species of herbaceous perennials native to North America, derives its name from the Greek word ekhinos, meaning hedgehog, a nod to the spiny central disk of its composite flower heads. Historically, Indigenous peoples utilized these plants for diverse ailments, including wounds, infections, and pain. By the early 20th century, Echinacea had become the most common herbal remedy in the United States, following the commercialization of preparations like Meyers Blood Purifier, which debuted around 1880.

Despite this long history, the scientific consensus is elusive. While some meta-analyses suggest potential benefits for respiratory infections, others find no conclusive evidence for preventing or treating the common cold. A major hurdle is the extreme variability in commercial products; investigations have revealed that some supplements contain inaccurate phenol levels or even contaminants like lead. Furthermore, because manufacturers use different species, plant parts, and extraction methods, it is difficult to isolate a single active ingredient, leading to significant controversy in clinical research.

Regulatory caution remains the standard. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Echinacea for any medical use, and health authorities in the UK and Europe advise against its use in children under 12. Safety concerns also persist regarding potential drug interactions—up to 58 medications may interact with the herb—and the lack of data for pregnant or breastfeeding women. While the plants remain popular in gardens for their showy, drought-tolerant blooms, their status as a reliable therapeutic agent remains unproven.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• From Garden Beds to Pharmacy Shelves: How Plants Shape Modern Medical Treatments
• This common North American plant is both a lethal poison and a source of fiber.
• Why this delicate garden flower is better known as horny goat weed
• The ancient remedy that laid the foundation for modern pharmacology
• Chinese herbology is a vast, ancient system that often defies modern scientific scrutiny.
• Is Australia's legendary economic resilience finally meeting its match in the modern era?
• Insects, roundworms and tardigrades share one habit: they grow by shedding skin
• France balances a sophisticated social market with persistent fiscal challenges and state-led industrial strategy.
• The fastest kangaroo ever clocked was a female eastern grey at 64 km/h
• From 1,000% inflation to a G20 seat: Indonesia's bumpy economic century
• Gray squirrels climb down trees head-first by reversing their hind feet
• How North Korea’s centrally planned economy balances state control with hidden market forces

More in Organisms · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics