pelargonium sidoides

Pelargonium sidoides is a **medicinal herb native to southern Africa**, widely used in traditional medicine, primarily as a root extract, for its therapeutic potential in treating **respiratory tract infections** (such as acute bronchitis, common cold, rhinosinusitis, COPD) as well as gastrointestinal ailments like dysentery and diarrhea[1][3][5]. Modern phytopharmaceutical preparations, most notably EPs 7630, have undergone clinical trials demonstrating efficacy in reducing symptom severity and duration in acute bronchitis and other respiratory conditions[1][2][3][5]. The extract's main active compounds include **polyphenols (catechin), highly oxygenated coumarins (e.g., umckalin), proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and gallic acid derivatives**[1][3][5]. The mechanism of action is believed to be primarily **immunomodulatory** (stimulation of natural killer cells, interferon-beta, and enhancement of phagocyte function), as well as **antiviral** and **antiadhesive** effects (inhibition of microbial/viral binding to host cells and suppression of neuraminidase enzyme activity)[1][3][5]. There is minimal direct antimicrobial activity, but the extract promotes host defense against pathogens[1][3].

Brand names

EPs 7630EPs7630EPs-7630UmckaloaboPelaPower extractPelaPowerPELAFORCEZucolKalobaRabassaminUmckaUmckaboUmckaloaba

Other names

African geraniumKalwerbossie