• Daniel Perri, Jean-Jacques Dugoua, Edward Mills, and Gideon Koren.
• Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Canada.
• Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Jan 1; 13 (3): e262-7.

BackgroundThere is a lack of basic knowledge on the part of both clinicians and patients as to the indications for use and safety of herbal medicines used in pregnancy and lactation. This is one article in a series that systematically reviews the evidence for commonly used herbs during pregnancy and lactation.ObjectivesTo systematically review the literature for evidence on the use, safety, and pharmacology of echinacea focusing on issues pertaining to pregnancy and lactation.MethodsWe searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade of evidence found.ResultsThere is good scientific evidence from a prospective cohort study that oral consumption of echinacea during the first trimester does not increase the risk for major malformations. Low-level evidence based on expert opinion shows that oral consumption of echinacea in recommended doses is safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.ConclusionsEchinacea is non-teratogenic when used during pregnancy. Caution with using Echinacea during lactation until further high quality human studies can determine its safety.

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