Pelargonium sidoides
Related Terms
- African geranium, catechin, coumarin, coumarin sulfates, coumarin sulphates, ellagitannins, EPs 7630?, gallic acid, gallocatechin, Geranien (German), geranium, geranium root, Kalwerbossie (German), Kapland-Pelargonie (German), Kap-Pelargonie (German), O-galloyl-C-glucosylflavones, Pelargonien (German), Pelargonium, Pelargonium reniforme spp., pelargonium root, Pelargonium sidoides extract, Pelargonium sidoides spp., polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, rabassam, Rabassamin (German), scopoletin, South African geramium, tannins, umckalin.
- Note: An ethanolic extract of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium reniforme has been marketed in Germany under the name "umckaloabo" since 1983.
Background
- Pelargonium sidoides, also known as umckaloabo, is a member of the geranium family and is native to South Africa. The name "umckaloabo" is derived from two Zulu words: umkhuhlane, meaning "fever- and cough-related diseases," and uhlabo, meaning "chest pain."
- For centuries, the roots of Pelargonium sidoides DC. have been used in traditional South African medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and liver disorders. Extracts of the root have been available without prescription in German pharmacies since 1983 and have been widely used to treat infections of the sinus, throat, and respiratory tract. Recently, an aqueous formulation of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides called EPs 7630? has been studied in humans as a potential treatment for acute bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, and the common cold.
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
Clinical research strongly suggests that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of acute bronchitis.
|
A |
Clinical research strongly suggests that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of acute bronchitis.
|
A |
Research has shown that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of acute pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat). However, more well-designed trials are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Research has shown that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of acute pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat). However, more well-designed trials are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Research has shown that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of the common cold. However, more well-designed trials are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
B |
Research has shown that umckaloabo may be effective in the treatment of the common cold. However, more well-designed trials are needed before a firm conclusion can be made.
|
B | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- One tablet (10, 20, or 30 milligrams) taken by mouth three times daily with food for up to 10 days has been suggested.
- For acute bronchitis, 30 drops of umckaloabo solution (EPs 7630?, Schwabe GmBh, Germany) has been taken by mouth three times daily for 7-14 days
- For the common cold, 30 drops of umckaloabo extract has been taken by mouth three times daily (4.5 milliliters total) for up to10 days.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Umckaloabo may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Umckaloabo may also interact with antibiotics, drugs that may damage the liver, drugs that affect the heart, drugs that affect the immune system, or laxatives.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
Bibliography
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Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, et al. Efficacy and safety of an extract of (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2003;10 Suppl 4:7-17.
Matthys H, Heger M. Treatment of acute bronchitis with a liquid herbal drug preparation from (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr Med Res Opin 2007;23(2):323-331.
Matthys H, Kamin W, Funk P. preparation (EPs 7630) in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults and children. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:69-73.
Noldner M, Schotz K. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharid [sic]-induced sickness behavior by a dry extract from the roots of (EPs 7630) in mice. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:27-31.
Schulz V. Liquid herbal drug preparation from the root of is effective against acute bronchitis: results of a double-blind study with 124 patients. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:74-75.
Trun W, Kiderlen AF, Kolodziej H. Nitric oxide synthase and cytokines gene expression analyses in Leishmania-infected RAW 264.7 cells treated with an extract of (Eps 7630). Phytomedicine 2006;13(8):570-575.
Wittschier N, Lengsfeld C, Vorthems S, et al. Large molecules as anti-adhesive compounds against pathogens. J Pharm Pharmacol 2007;59(6):777-786.