Clinical effect of Echinacea purpurea as an antiviral and its effect on reproductive hormones

Abstract

Context: Echinacea purpurea, a well-known herbal remedy, is believed to possess immunomodulatory properties and has been traditionally utilized for a wide range of health benefits. However, its antiviral activities, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, and its modulation of reproductive hormones remain unknown. Aims: To investigate the utilization of E. purpurea herbal preparations as an antiviral by evaluating the Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) expression and investigating its effect on reproductive hormones by measuring androgen in males and estrogen in females. Methods: Forty male and female participants were randomly assigned to different groups. Daily administration of 400 mg of E. purpurea herbal preparations for 28 days constituted the intervention. The gathering of demographic data was documented. Before and after the intervention, samples were collected for investigation, which included the ELISA-based assessment of androgen, estrogen, and TMPRSS2 expression. Results: This study indicated that administration of E. purpurea can significantly down-regulate TMPRSS2 expression in both males (8.39 ± 1.13 to 4.16 ± 1.53; p=0.000) and females (14.18 ± 1.93 to 5.25 ± 1.13; p=0.000). The androgen was also significantly down-regulated in the male intervention group (22.73 ± 1.75 to 12.72 ± 2.26; p=0.000). In addition, estrogen levels were also significantly up-regulated in the female intervention group (72.33 ± 11.12 to 161.14 ± 35.13; p=0.000). Conclusions: E. purpurea may be capable of down-regulating androgen in males, up-regulating estrogen in females, and down-regulating TMPRSS2 expression. This study contributes to the growing body of literature exploring the effects of E. purpurea as an antiviral property, especially for SARS-CoV-2, and its effect on reproductive hormones.