An echinacea extract has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing the common cold in persons who actively participate in sports. - GreenMedInfo Summary

This open, multicenter study investigated the tolerability and efficacy of a new tablet formulation of Echinacea purpurea extract (Echinaforce Forte; A. Vogel, Bioforce AG, Roggwil, Switzerland) in 80 subjects actively involved in sports. Most investigators (97.5%) rated the treatment as having "very good" or "good" tolerability. About 75% of patients and investigators rated its efficacy during a common cold as "very good" or "good," and 71% of subjects were free of cold episodes. This study is the first to suggest that Echinaforce is effective in the prophylaxis, as well as the treatment, of the common cold in persons who actively participate in sports.