Herbs (Global Traditional) · African
Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides) (Pelargonium sidoides)
Strong Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Pelargonium sidoides is a South African geranium containing bioactive phenolic compounds, particularly gallic acid and tannins. It works by enhancing mucociliary clearance and modulating immune responses to reduce respiratory infection symptoms.
Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal plant native to South Africa's Eastern Cape region, traditionally harvested from its roots. The standardized extract EPs 7630 (Kaloba®) is produced through ethanolic extraction of the roots, yielding a polyphenol-rich preparation containing coumarins and proanthocyanidins.
Over 40 clinical trials, including more than 17 double-blind studies, demonstrate Pelargonium sidoides' efficacy for acute respiratory tract infections. Key studies include a multicenter RCT showing 14.6-point symptom improvement vs 7.6 for placebo (PMID: 18005909), systematic reviews confirming effectiveness for acute bronchitis (PMID: 18222667), and Cochrane-style reviews supporting use for rhinosinusitis and common cold (PMID: 24146345).
Liquid extract (EPs 7630/Kaloba®): 30 drops (1.5 mL) three times daily for adults and children, taken for up to 10 days. Tablet forms: equivalent dosing to liquid preparation. Pediatric dosing: scaled by age/weight as used in clinical trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Pelargonium sidoides is not consumed as a food but as a medicinal preparation (typically root extract), so conventional macronutrient profiling (protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber) is not applicable. The therapeutic value lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Prodelphinidins (proanthocyanidins):** Oligomeric flavan-3-ol polymers, primarily gallocatechin-based units; present at approximately 30–40% of dried root extract (EPs 7630 standardized extract); responsible for significant immunomodulatory activity. • **Coumarins:** Including umckalin (7-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxycoumarin, ~0.1–0.3% of dry root), scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxycoumarin), and 6,8-dihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin; these contribute to antibacterial and antiviral effects. • **Coumarin sulfates:** Unique sulfated coumarin derivatives including umckalin-7-sulfate, contributing to the plant's distinctive pharmacological profile. • **Gallic acid and gallic acid derivatives:** Including methyl gallate and gallic acid esters, present at approximately 1–3% of extract; act as antioxidants (ORAC values not standardized for root preparations). • **Simple phenolic acids:** Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and shikimic acid derivatives in minor quantities (<1%). • **Tannins (hydrolyzable and condensed):** Total tannin content approximately 8–12% of dried root; contribute to astringent and antimicrobial properties. • **Polysaccharides:** Arabinogalactans and pectins detected in aqueous extracts; may contribute to immune-stimulating activity via macrophage activation. • **Minerals (trace, in root material):** Calcium (~1,200–1,800 mg/kg dry weight), potassium (~3,000–5,000 mg/kg), magnesium (~800–1,200 mg/kg), iron (~150–300 mg/kg), and zinc (~20–50 mg/kg); however, these are largely irrelevant at therapeutic dosing (typically 10–30 drops of 1:10 tincture or 10–30 mg dry extract per dose). • **Flavonoids:** Minor quantities of quercetin and kaempferol glycosides (<0.5%). **Bioavailability Notes:** The standardized extract EPs 7630 (1:8–10 ethanolic extraction from roots) is the most studied preparation. Coumarins such as umckalin show moderate oral bioavailability. Prodelphinidins have limited direct absorption but exert local effects in the gastrointestinal tract and undergo colonic metabolism to bioactive phenolic acid metabolites. The extract is typically administered as a liquid (20 drops = ~1.5 mL, equivalent to ~82.5 mg extract for adults, 3× daily) or as 20 mg film-coated tablets. No significant vitamin content is present at therapeutic doses.
Pelargonium sidoides contains phenolic compounds including gallic acid, catechin, and prodelphinidin B-2 that enhance mucociliary clearance by increasing ciliary beat frequency. These compounds also modulate cytokine production, reducing pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α while supporting antimicrobial activity against respiratory pathogens. The extract additionally stabilizes cell membranes and prevents bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells.
Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate Pelargonium sidoides' efficacy for respiratory infections. In acute bronchitis, meta-analyses of RCTs show significant symptom reduction compared to placebo, with patients experiencing faster recovery times. For common cold, a key RCT (n=103) found 92% greater symptom reduction versus placebo within 5 days, with 78.8% clinical cure by day 10. Most studies used standardized EPs 7630 extract at 30-60mg daily, showing consistent benefits across different respiratory conditions.
Pelargonium sidoides is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal side effects reported in 2-8% of users. Rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported, particularly with prolonged use exceeding 4 weeks. The extract may enhance immune responses, potentially interacting with immunosuppressive medications. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.
