Echinacea tennesseensis

Botanical

What is it

Echinacea tennesseensis (Tennessee coneflower) is a rare Echinacea species native to a small range in central Tennessee. It is less commonly used in supplements than the more widely cultivated Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Immune support (extrapolated from other Echinacea species)

Mixed Evidence

Direct human evidence for E. tennesseensis is essentially absent. Other Echinacea species have mixed evidence for common cold prevention and treatment.

How it works

Like other Echinacea species, E. tennesseensis contains polysaccharides, alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives (echinacoside), and glycoproteins. Echinacea constituents have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects in cell culture and animal studies. However, clinical data specifically for E. tennesseensis are essentially absent; most Echinacea trials use E. purpurea.

Dosage

No standardized human dose for E. tennesseensis specifically. General Echinacea dosing ranges from 300 to 500 mg of standardized extract three times daily for the common cold.

When and how to take it

If used for cold symptoms, typically taken at the first sign of illness for 7 to 10 days. Long-term continuous use is not recommended.

1 commercial form

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Echinacea tennesseensis preparations

Uncommon; most Echinacea supplements use E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, or E. pallida.

Variable.

Safety

Echinacea species as a group are generally well tolerated. Mild GI symptoms and allergic reactions (especially in people allergic to Asteraceae) can occur.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in autoimmune disease and immunosuppression. Caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient data). E. tennesseensis is a federally listed plant species; ethical sourcing is essential.

Interactions

Potential interactions with immunosuppressants (theoretical antagonism) and CYP3A4 substrates (variable effects). Specific data for E. tennesseensis are absent.

Frequently asked questions

Why is E. tennesseensis less common in supplements?⌄

It is a rare native species with limited natural range. E. purpurea is widely cultivated and dominates the supplement market.

Is it more effective than other Echinacea?⌄

There is no clinical evidence to suggest superior effects, and very limited data specifically on this species.

References

Echinacea tennesseensis on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Echinacea tennesseensis on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Echinacea tennesseensis (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Echinacea tennesseensis with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.