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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Anorexia (eating disorder), antibacterial, coughs, depression, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), fatigue, fever, immune system function, liver disease, tuberculosis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• For acute pharyngitis in children 6-10 years-old, 20 drops of umckaloabo solution (EPs 7630®, Schwabe GmBh, Germany) has been taken by mouth three times daily for seven 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.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to umckaloabo, its constituents, or members of the Geraniaceae family. Umckaloabo has been shown to occasionally cause skin rash with itching. Rash is sometimes accompanied by swelling beneath the skin, bronchospasm (tightening of the airway), shortness of breath, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, conjunctivitis, circulatory failure, or gastrointestinal irritation.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Umckaloabo appears to be well tolerated in nonsensitive individuals when used for the short term.

• Umckaloabo may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or in those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Caution is advised in people with liver disease or in those taking drugs that may be toxic to the liver, as umckaloabo contains coumarin, which may cause liver toxicity.

• Caution is advised in people with heart conditions, as umckaloabo may cause tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or circulatory failure.

• Caution is advised in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as umckaloabo may cause bronchospasm (tightening of the airway), or dyspnea (shortness of breath).

• Avoid in people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to umckaloabo, its constituents, or members of the Geraniaceae family. Umckaloabo has been shown to occasionally cause skin rash with itching. Rash is sometimes accompanied by swelling beneath the skin, bronchospasm (tightening of the airway), shortness of breath, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, conjunctivitis, circulatory failure, or gastrointestinal irritation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of available scientific evidence on the use of umckaloabo during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Umckaloabo may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Umckaloabo may also interact with antibacterials, herbs and supplements that may damage the liver, herbs and supplements that affect the heart, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, or laxatives.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Beil W, 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

2. BereznoyVV, Riley DS, Wassmer G, et al. 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(5):68-79. View Abstract

3. Conrad A, Kolodziej H, Schulz V. [Pelargonium sidoides-extract (EPs 7630): registration confirms efficacy and safety]. Wien Med Wochenschr 2007;157(13-14):331-336. View Abstract

4. 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 (NY) 2005;1(6):437-445. View Abstract

5. de Boer HJ, Hagemann U, Bate J, et al. Allergic reactions to medicines derived from Pelargonium species. Drug Saf 2007;30(8):677-680. View Abstract

6. Kayser O, Kolodziej H. Antibacterial activity of extracts and constituents of Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium reniforme. Planta Med 1997;63(6):508-510. View Abstract

7. 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

8. Lizogub VG, Riley DS, 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

9. Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, et al. 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

10. Matthys H, 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

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

12. Noldner M, Schotz K. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharid [sic]-induced sickness behavior by a dry extract from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in mice. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:27-31. View Abstract

13. 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

14. 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 Pelargonium sidoides (Eps 7630). Phytomedicine 2006;13(8):570-575. View Abstract

15. Wittschier N, Lengsfeld C, Vorthems S, et al. Large molecules as anti-adhesive compounds against pathogens. J Pharm Pharmacol 2007;59(6):777-786. View Abstract