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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Warding off a cold with Echinacea pills or teas might not be such a good idea.
According to University of Arkansas researchers, the herbal remedy leads to higher levels of various types of bacteria in the gut -- some of which have been linked to serious medical conditions and diarrhea.
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The investigators decided to see whether Echinacea really had the antimicrobial effects many claim by studying the supplement in 15 healthy adult volunteers. All took daily doses of the botanical for 10 days. Stool samples from the participants were tested for bacterial levels both before they began taking the supplement and then again 10 days and 17-18 days later.
Results showed significantly higher levels of three different types of bacteria in the stool samples tested following the supplementation. Most concerning to researchers were higher levels of Bacteroides, which have been found in higher concentrations in people at high risk for colon cancer and in those with inflammatory bowel disease.
The authors believe these findings suggest the need to take caution when using Echinacea and possibly other botanicals for health purposes. They write, "Additional research should delineate the role of echinacea in the stimulation of Bacteroides and describe the effects of other botanical supplements to the GI microbiota."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 2006;31:599604
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