Candida is a fungus that is normally present on your skin and in the digestive tract. However, when the immune system is weak, Candida may cause local infections affecting the skin and nails, vagina, mouth or sinuses. Risk factors associated with fungal infections include cancer, certain conventional drugs and diseases like diabetes, burns, kidney failure or lung disorders, according to the Merck Manual.
Some clinical studies have found echinacea beneficial for preventing infections with Candida; however, more research is needed to fully confirm its efficacy. Thus, echinacea does not replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking and supplementation with this herb should be medically supervised.
Research
An extract from echinacea has been found to inhibit the growth of Candida, according to a study published in the April 2000 issue of "Planta Medica " by S. E. Binns and colleagues from University of Ottawa, Canada. This laboratory test used an extract from the root of Echinacea pupurea and found that its anti-fungal properties were effective against several fungi from the Candida group, including Candida shehata, C. kefyr, C. albicans, C. steatulytica and C. tropicalis.
According to Leslie Beck, RD, author of "Leslie Back's Nutritional Encyclopedia," echinacea also appears to help prevent the recurrence of Candida albicans , the fungus that is involved in vaginal infections.
Side Effects
Echinacea has a good safety profile, with rare side effects that include allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, stomach upset, nausea and dizziness. This herb is not recommended for diabetics and individuals with autoimmune diseases such as lupus or multiple sclerosis. Echinacea should not be used while on immuno suppressive drugs or during pregnancy.
Echinacea may depress the immune system if used long term, thus this supplement should not be used for more than eight consecutive weeks, recommends Beck.
Available Forms
Echinacea supplements are derived from its flower, leaf or root and are available as an over-the-counter supplement in various forms such as root extract, fluid extracts, tinctures or teas. Based on the study conducted by the Canadian team of researchers led by Dr. Binns, the root of echinacea is more effective for Candida because it contains two chemical compounds, ketoalkenes and ketoalkynes, that have antifungal properties.
Considerations
If you suffer from Candida infection, consult a qualified health care provider to find out optimal dosage, possible side effects and interactions with other drugs or herbs. Keep in mind that echinacea supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat infections with Candida or any other medical condition.
References
- Merck Manual: Fungal Infections
- PubMed.gov: Light-mediated antifungal activity of Echinacea extracts
- "Leslie Beck's Nutrition Encyclopedia"; Leslie Beck; 2001
