Echinacea may cause serious allergic reactions in atopic individuals. Atopic
individuals are people who have inherited a predisposition toward developing
certain hypersensitivity reactions, such as hay fever or asthma, when exposed to
specific allergens. Interestingly, echinacea is in the Asteraceae family of
plants, which also contains many common weeds and wildflowers, including
ragweed.
In a recent meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and
Immunology, a doctor reported on his findings from a review of several reports
of allergic reactions to echinacea. The allergic reactions detailed in the case
reports included anaphylactic shock (a sudden, severe allergic reaction that may
be fatal if emergency treatment is not given immediately), acute asthma, and
hives. While case reports cannot prove an exact cause and effect relationship,
they do point to a clear connection. In his research, this doctor determined
that 43 percent of the reactions were "probably" caused by a response to
echinacea. In a follow-up study, 20 out of 100 atopic individuals showed signs
of being allergic to echinacea.
The bottom line: although dietary supplements are "natural" and available
over-the-counter, they are not always safe or effective for everyone or in every
circumstance. Talk to your doctor before you start taking dietary supplements,
especially if you have a family history of allergies. This is also very
important if you are taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, or
managing serious health conditions, such as cancer or HIV. Also, be sure to
report any adverse side effects from dietary supplements to your doctor or
pharmacist.
