Pelargonium sidoides DC.; P. reniforme (Andrews) Curtis

Geranium sidifolium Thunb.; and others

Geraniaceae

Geranium; South African geranium; umckaloabo

Pelargonii radix

Roots

Proanthocyanidin oligomers based on epigallo- and gallo-catechins. A series of ellagitannins known as pelargoniins and a novel series of O-galloyl-C- glucosylflavones have been isolated from P. reniforme. Sulphated and oxygenated coumarins have been found in the roots of P. sidiodes (Kolodziej 2000; Kolodziej et al. 2003; Williamson et al. 2013).

Several randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials support its use in adults and children with acute bronchitis (Agbabiaka et al. 2008) as well as a multi-centre, prospective, open observational study including adults, children and infants outside the strict indication for antibiotic treatment (Matthys et al. 2007). A systematic review based on randomised controlled trials examining the efficacy of P. sidoides preparations in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) showed that P. sidoides may be effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and the common cold in adults, but doubt exists. It may be effective in relieving symptoms in acute bronchitis in adults and children, and sinusitis in adults. Reliable data on treatment for other ARIs were not identified (Timmer et al. 2013).

A recent study showed that EPs 7630® (P. sidoides extract) interfered with the replication of different respiratory viruses including seasonal influenza A virus strains, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human coronavirus, parainfluenza virus and coxsackie virus (Michaelis et al. 2011).