# Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pelargonium
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** African
**Also Known As:** Pelargonium sidoides, African Potato, South African Geranium, Umckaloabo, Kalwerbossie, Rabassam, EPs 7630, Kaloba

## Overview

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.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces common cold symptoms by 92% more than placebo within 5 days, with 78.8% of patients clinically cured by day 10 (Strong evidence: RCT, n=103, PMID: 18005909)
• Alleviates acute bronchitis symptoms faster than placebo (Strong evidence: Multiple RCTs and meta-analysis, PMID: 18222667)
• Effectively treats pediatric tonsillopharyngitis with 90% success rate vs 44.7% for placebo (Strong evidence: 2 RCTs, n≈160 children)
• Reduces cough burden and speeds recovery in acute respiratory infections (Moderate evidence: RCT, PMID: 36051888)
• Decreases work absence from respiratory illness by 1.3 days compared to placebo (Strong evidence: RCT, n=103, PMID: 18005909)

## Mechanism of Action

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](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) IL-6 and TNF-α while supporting [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against respiratory pathogens. The extract additionally stabilizes cell membranes and prevents bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells.

## Clinical Summary

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.

## Nutritional Profile

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](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) 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 [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s (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](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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.

## Dosage & Preparation

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.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

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.

## Scientific Research

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).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Pelargonium sidoides has been used for centuries in South African traditional medicine by both Khoisan and Bantu healing systems. The roots were traditionally employed for treating respiratory infections, cough, tuberculosis-like symptoms, and as a general [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) remedy.

## Synergistic Combinations

Elderberry, Echinacea, Vitamin C, Zinc, Andrographis

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much Pelargonium sidoides should I take for a cold?

The typical dosage is 30mg of standardized EPs 7630 extract three times daily (90mg total). Clinical studies showing 92% symptom reduction used this dosage for 5-10 days during acute cold symptoms.

### How quickly does Pelargonium sidoides work for bronchitis?

Pelargonium sidoides typically shows improvement within 2-3 days for acute bronchitis symptoms. Most clinical trials demonstrate significant symptom reduction by day 7, with many patients experiencing complete resolution within 10 days.

### Can Pelargonium sidoides cause liver problems?

Rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported with Pelargonium sidoides, particularly with extended use beyond 4 weeks. Most cases resolved after discontinuation, but users should monitor for yellowing of skin or eyes and stop use if these occur.

### What is EPs 7630 in Pelargonium supplements?

EPs 7630 is the standardized extract of Pelargonium sidoides used in most clinical research. It contains concentrated phenolic compounds including gallic acid and prodelphinidin B-2, ensuring consistent therapeutic potency across supplement batches.

### Is Pelargonium sidoides safe with blood pressure medications?

No direct interactions are documented between Pelargonium sidoides and blood pressure medications. However, its immune-modulating effects could theoretically interact with immunosuppressive drugs, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for those on multiple medications.

### Is Pelargonium sidoides safe for children with colds and respiratory infections?

Yes, Pelargonium sidoides is well-tolerated in children and has demonstrated strong efficacy for pediatric respiratory conditions, including a 90% success rate for tonsillopharyngitis compared to 44.7% for placebo in clinical trials. It is generally considered safe for pediatric use, though dosing should be adjusted based on age and weight, and parents should consult a healthcare provider before use in very young children. No serious adverse events have been reported in pediatric studies of this ingredient.

### Does Pelargonium sidoides work better in liquid or tablet form?

Most clinical evidence supporting Pelargonium sidoides efficacy is derived from standardized liquid extracts (EPs 7630), which allows for consistent dosing and potentially faster absorption in the respiratory tract. Tablet and capsule formulations are also available and effective, but the standardized liquid extract has the strongest clinical validation in peer-reviewed studies. The choice between forms should be based on personal preference and convenience, as long as the product contains the standardized extract used in research.

### Can Pelargonium sidoides be combined with other cold and cough supplements?

Pelargonium sidoides can typically be combined with other complementary ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, or cough lozenges, but concurrent use with multiple systemic herbal remedies should be discussed with a healthcare provider to avoid redundancy or unexpected interactions. The ingredient has not shown contraindications with common cold-support supplements in available literature, though additive effects on immune response are not well-characterized. It is advisable to start with single-ingredient Pelargonium products first to assess individual response before adding complementary supplements.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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