………..that oral consumption of echinacea during the first trimester does not increase the risk for major malformations.

Can J Clin Pharmacol Vol 13(3) Fall 2006:e262-e267; November 3, 2006
Safety and efficacy of echinacea (echinacea augustafolia, e. purpurea and e. pallida) during pregnancy and lactation
Review

Daniel Perri, Jean-Jacques Dugoua, Edward Mills, Gideon Koren

Background
There 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.

Objectives
To systematically review the literature for evidence on the use, safety, and pharmacology of echinacea focusing on issues pertaining to pregnancy and lactation.

Methods
We searched 7 electronic databases and compiled data according to the grade of evidence found.

Results
There 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.

Conclusions
Echinacea is non-teratogenic when used during pregnancy. Caution with using Echinacea during lactation until further high quality human studies can determine its safety.

Keywords: Echinacea, echinacea augustafolia, echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida, pregnancy, lactation, breastfeeding, systematic review