3 little-known side effects of long-term use of purple coneflower.

Purple coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP), belongs to the Asteraceae family and is also known by other names such as purple flower, purple butterfly grass, to lien cong, nha ma ba (Tay)... It has a sweet, slightly bitter, and spicy taste. This herb originates from North America but is widely used due to its ease of cultivation and numerous health benefits.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, purple chrysanthemum helps to nourish yin energy, relieve headaches, improve eyesight, and stimulate the immune system, aiding in the treatment of colds, sore throats, and tonsillitis. Besides its use in medicinal preparations, purple chrysanthemum is also consumed as tea or as a dietary supplement.

However, purple coneflower can cause unwanted reactions in some cases, including:

1. Allergic reaction

Allergic reactions to purple coneflower can include swelling, severe hives, acute asthma attacks, and even anaphylactic shock. This is a serious, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. Symptoms may include swelling of the throat, airway constriction, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Anaphylactic shock can also cause hypotension, fluid accumulation in the lungs, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Ointments and products containing purple coneflower extract can also cause allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms of contact dermatitis may include redness, swelling, blistering, scaling, thickening, and itching, most severe at the point of contact.

Therefore, caution should be exercised when using purple coneflower, especially in cases of allergies to other plants such as marigolds, calendula, or ragweed… due to the higher risk of allergic reactions to purple coneflower, and it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.

Using purple coneflower may cause systemic allergic reactions or skin irritation.

2. Liver damage

Although rare, there have been isolated reports of liver damage, jaundice, and toxic hepatitis that may be associated with the use of purple coneflower. Therefore, purple coneflower should be discontinued and a doctor consulted if unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or dark urine occur.

3. Drug interactions

Some studies suggest that purple coneflower may affect drug metabolism in the body. Specifically, this herb has the ability to inhibit certain enzymes in the cytochrome P-450 system while simultaneously stimulating others – a system involved in the metabolism of many drugs.

Therefore, when using purple coneflower with drugs metabolized through this enzyme system, the therapeutic effect may be altered or the risk of side effects may be increased. Notably, in people undergoing certain chemotherapy drugs, purple coneflower may reduce the drug concentration in the plasma, thereby affecting treatment effectiveness.

Prolonged use of purple coneflower (e.g., for more than 8 weeks) may also increase the risk of interactions with medications that can cause liver damage. Some medications that may be affected include anabolic steroids, azole antifungals, and methotrexate. Additionally, purple coneflower may interact with immunosuppressant drugs used to prevent organ transplant rejection.

Additionally, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and abdominal pain; and skin rash. Other potential side effects may include headache, dizziness, constipation, and a burning or tingling sensation in the tongue.

5. Who should avoid using purple coneflower?

Although purple coneflower is safe when used in moderation, the following cases should avoid using this herb:

• Collagen disorders.
• HIV or AIDS.
• Leukemia and leukemia-like diseases.
• Lupus.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Organ transplantation.
• Currently taking immunosuppressant medication.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using purple coneflower.