PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pelargonium sidoides is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It's used as medicine by the native populations of South Africa.

Pelargonium sidoides might work by killing bacteria or preventing bacteria from attaching to surfaces within the body.

People use Pelargonium sidoides for bronchitis, common cold, COPD, sore throat, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Pelargonium sidoides is sometimes called geranium. Don't confuse Pelargonium sidoides with rose geranium oil or spotted geranium. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract ((EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth within 48 hours of feeling sick seems to help speed up recovery from bronchitis.
A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth along with standard treatment seems to reduce the number of COPD flares in people with moderate or severe COPD. It might also reduce the need for antibiotics.
Common cold. Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth might help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from a cold.

There is interest in using Pelargonium sidoides for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is likely safe when used for up to 24 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time. Side effects might include stomach upset. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Pelargonium sidoides is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to one week. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time.

Diseases of the immune system such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Pelargonium sidoides might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of these diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using Pelargonium sidoides.

Surgery: Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using Pelargonium sidoides at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES
Pelargonium sidoides can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES
Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

A specific Pelargonium sidoides root extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) has most often been used by adults as 30-60 drops of solution (1.5-3 mL) taken by mouth three times daily for 7-10 days. It's also available in tablets. In children, dosing depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Beil, W. and Kilian, P. EPs 7630, an extract from Pelargonium sidoides roots inhibits adherence of Helicobacter pylori to gastric epithelial cells. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:5-8. View abstract.

Chuchalin, A. G., Berman, B., and Lehmacher, W. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Explore.(NY) 2005;1(6):437-445. View abstract.

de Boer, H. J., Hagemann, U., Bate, J., and Meyboom, R. H. Allergic reactions to medicines derived from Pelargonium species. Drug Saf 2007;30(8):677-680. View abstract.

Koch E, Lanzendörfer-Goossens Wohn C. Stimulation of interferon (IFN)-â-synthesis and natural killer (NK) cell activity by an aqueous-ethanolic extract from roots of Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo). Naunyn-Schmiederberg's Arch Pharmacol 2002;365 (suppl 1):R75.

Kolodziej, H., Burmeister, A., Trun, W., Radtke, O. A., Kiderlen, A. F., Ito, H., Hatano, T., Yoshida, T., and Foo, L. Y. Tannins and related compounds induce nitric oxide synthase and cytokines gene expressions in Leishmania major-infected macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells. Bioorg.Med Chem 12-1-2005;13(23):6470-6476. View abstract.

Lizogub, V. G., Riley, D. S., and Heger, M. Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explore.(NY) 2007;3(6):573-584. View abstract.

Matthys, H. and Heger, M. Treatment of acute bronchitis with a liquid herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study. Curr.Med Res Opin. 2007;23(2):323-331. View abstract.

Matthys, H., Eisebitt, R., Seith, B., and Heger, M. Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 2003;10 Suppl 4:7-17. View abstract.

Schulz, V. Liquid herbal drug preparation from the root of Pelargonium sidoides is effective against acute bronchitis: results of a double-blind study with 124 patients. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:74-75. View abstract.

Trun, W., Kiderlen, A. F., and Kolodziej, H. Nitric oxide synthase and cytokines gene expression analyses in Leishmania-infected RAW 264.7 cells treated with an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (Eps 7630). Phytomedicine 2006;13(8):570-575. View abstract.

Wittschier, N., Lengsfeld, C., Vorthems, S., Stratmann, U., Ernst, J. F., Verspohl, E. J., and Hensel, A. Large molecules as anti-adhesive compounds against pathogens. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2007;59(6):777-786. View abstract.

Agbabiaka TB, Guo R, Ernst E. Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine 2008;15:378-85. View abstract.

Bereznoy VV, Riley DS, Wassmer G, Heger M. Efficacy of extract of Pelargonium sidoides in children with acute non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus tonsillopharyngitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:68-79. View abstract.

Brendler T, van Wyk BE. A historical, scientific and commercial perspective on the medicinal use of Pelargonium sidoides (Geraniaceae). J Ethnopharmacol 2008;119:420-33. View abstract.

Chuchalin AG, Berman B, Lehmacher W. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Explore 2005;1:437-45.

Conrad A, Hansmann C, Engels I, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) improves phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and intracellular killing of human peripheral blood phagocytes in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:46-51. View abstract.

Conrad A, Jung I, Tioua D, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) inhibits the interactions of group A-streptococci and host epithelia in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:52-9. View abstract.

Gökçe S, Dörtkardesler BE, Yurtseven A, Kurugöl Z. Effectiveness of Pelargonium sidoides in pediatric patients diagnosed with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Pediatr 2021;180(9):3019-28. View abstract.

Hoang MP, Seresirikachorn K, Chitsuthipakorn W, Snidvongs K. Herbal Medicines for Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2023;23(2):93-109. View abstract.

Kamin W, Behre U, Helm K, Reling B, Funk P, Malek FA. Safety of Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in young children with acute bronchitis. Front Pediatr 2023;11:1107984. View abstract.

Kamin W, Ilyenko LI, Malek FA, Kieser M. Treatment of acute bronchitis with EPs 7630: randomized, controlled trial in children and adolescents. Pediatr Int 2012;54(2):219-26. View abstract.

Kardos P, Lehmacher W, Zimmermann A, et al. Effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 on acute cough and quality of life - a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Multidiscip Respir Med 2022;17:868. View abstract.

Kayser O, Kolodziej H, Kiderlen AF. Immunomodulatory principles of Pelargonium sidoides. Phytother Res 2001;15:122-6. View abstract.

Kayser O, Kolodziej H. Antibacterial activity of extracts and constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium reniforme. Planta Med 1997;63:508-10. View abstract.

Keck T, Strobl A, Weinhaeusel A, Funk P, Michaelis M. Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in the treatment of human corona virus-associated acute respiratory tract infections - a secondary subgroup-analysis of an open-label, uncontrolled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2021;12:666546. View abstract.

Koch E, Biber A. Treatment of rats with the Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 has no effect on blood coagulation parameters or on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:40-5. View abstract.

Kolodziej H, Kayser O, Radtke OA, et al. Pharmacological profile of extracts of Pelargonium sidoides and their constituents. Phytomedicine 2003;10 Suppl 4:18-24. View abstract.

Kolodziej H, Kiderlen AF. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities of Pelargonium reniforme, Pelargonium sidoides and the related herbal drug preparation EPs 7630. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:18-26. View abstract.

Matthys H, Funk P. Pelargonium sidoides preparation EPs 7630 in COPD: health-related quality-of-life and other patient-reported outcomes in adults receiving add-on therapy. Curr Med Res Opin 2018;34(7):1245-51. View abstract.

Matthys H, Heger M. EPs 7630-solution--an effective therapeutic option in acute and exacerbating bronchitis. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:65-8. View abstract.

Matthys H, Kamin W, Funk P, Heger M. Pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630) in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults and children. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:69-73. View abstract.

Matthys H, Lizogub VG, Malek FA, Kieser M. Efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 tablets in patients with acute bronchitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides. Curr Med Res Opin 2010;26:1413-22. View abstract.

Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, Bondarchuk OM, Malek FA, Tribanek M, Kieser M. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 in adults with COPD. Respir Med 2013;107(5):691-701. View abstract.

Peri&cacute; A, Ga&cacute;e&scaron;a D, Bara&cacute; A, Sotirovi&cacute; J, Peri&cacute; AV. Herbal Drug EPs 7630 versus Amoxicillin in Patients with Uncomplicated Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis: A Randomized, Open-Label Study. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2020;129(10):969-976. View abstract.

Riley DS, Lizogub VG, Zimmermann A, Funk P, Lehmacher W. Efficacy and tolerability of high-dose Pelargonium extract in patients with the common cold. Altern Ther Health Med 2018;24(2):16-26. View abstract.

Sandhu AK, Miller MG, Thangthaeng N, et al. Metabolic fate of strawberry polyphenols after chronic intake in healthy older adults. Food Funct. 2018;9(1):96-106. View abstract.

Schapowal A, Dobos G, Cramer H, et al. Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPs 7630 - results of a meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2019 Nov 26;5(11):e02904. View abstract.

Schnitzler P, Schneider S, Stintzing FC, et al. Efficacy of an aqueous Pelargonium sidoides extract against herpesvirus. Phytomedicine 2008;15:1108-16. View abstract.

Schotz K, Noldner M. Mass spectroscopic characterisation of oligomeric proanthocyanidins derived from an extract of Pelargonium sidoides roots (EPs 7630) and pharmacological screening in CNS models. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:32-9. View abstract.

Seidel V, Taylor PW. In vitro activity of extracts and constituents of Pelagonium against rapidly growing mycobacteria. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2004;23:613-9. View abstract.

Seifert G, Brandes-Schramm J, Zimmermann A, Lehmacher W, Kamin W. Faster recovery and reduced paracetamol use - a meta-analysis of EPs 7630 in children with acute respiratory tract infections. BMC Pediatr 2019;19(1):119. View abstract.

Tahan F, Yaman M. Can the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 prevent asthma attacks during viral infections of the upper respiratory tract in children? Phytomedicine 2013;20(2):148-50. View abstract.

Teschke R, Frenzel C, Schulze J, Eickhoff A. Spontaneous reports of primarily suspected herbal hepatotoxicity by Pelargonium sidoides: was causality adequately ascertained? Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2012;63(1):1-9. View abstract.

Teschke R, Frenzel C, Wolff A, et al. Initially purported hepatotoxicity by Pelargonium sidoides: the dilemma of pharmacovigilance and proposals for improvement. Ann Hepatol 2012;11(4):500-12. View abstract.

Timmer A, Günther J, Motschall E, Rücker G, Antes G, Kern WV. Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(10):CD006323. View abstract.

Timmer A, Günther J, Rücker G, et al. Pelargonium sidoides extract for acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008;(3):CD006323. View abstract.

Willcox M, Simpson C, Wilding S, et al. Pelargonium sidoides root extract for the treatment of acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection in adults: a feasibility double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021;21(1):48. View abstract.

Wittschier N, Faller G, Hensel A. An extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) inhibits in situ adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human stomach. Phytomedicine 2007;14:285-8. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES - Uses, Side Effects, and More