# Pelargonium sidoides

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

## Overview

Pelargonium sidoides is a South African geranium containing gallic acid, ellagitannins, and coumarins that modulate immune responses. The root extract demonstrates strong clinical efficacy for reducing respiratory tract infection symptoms through antimicrobial and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces common cold symptoms: Phase III RCT (n=103) showed symptom intensity improved 92% more than placebo, with 78.8% clinically cured by day 10 (Strong evidence, PMID: 18005909)
• Alleviates acute bronchitis: Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses confirm efficacy for symptom reduction (Strong evidence, PMID: 18222667, 12807337)
• Treats acute tonsillopharyngitis in children: Two RCTs showed 90% success rate vs 44.7% placebo, with reduced fever medication use (Moderate evidence)
• Shortens respiratory infection duration: Cochrane review found effective for acute rhinosinusitis and common cold symptom resolution (Moderate evidence, PMID: 24146345)
• Exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: Laboratory studies demonstrate broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral effects without cytotoxicity (Preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Pelargonium sidoides root extract contains gallic acid, ellagitannins, and coumarins that inhibit viral and bacterial adhesion to respiratory epithelial cells. The bioactive compounds modulate cytokine production, particularly reducing pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) IL-6 and TNF-α while enhancing interferon-β secretion. These mechanisms collectively improve mucociliary clearance and strengthen local immune defense in respiratory tissues.

## Clinical Summary

Multiple Phase III randomized controlled trials demonstrate strong efficacy for respiratory infections. A pivotal RCT (n=103) showed 92% greater symptom improvement versus placebo, with 78.8% clinical cure by day 10. Meta-analyses of acute bronchitis studies consistently show significant symptom reduction and shortened illness duration. Evidence quality is robust across respiratory tract infections, with effect sizes typically showing moderate to large clinical benefits.

## Nutritional Profile

Pelargonium sidoides is not consumed as a food or dietary source; it is used exclusively as a medicinal herb, primarily via root extracts (marketed as EPs 7630/Umckaloabo). Therefore, standard macronutrient profiling (calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) is not applicable in a dietary context. The pharmacological value resides in its bioactive secondary metabolites: **Polyphenolic compounds:** The root extract is rich in prodelphinidins (proanthocyanidins/condensed tannins), including gallocatechin and epigallocatechin oligomers, with total proanthocyanidin content estimated at 30–40% of the dry extract weight in standardized preparations. **Coumarins:** Key unique coumarins include umckalin (7-hydroxy-5,6-dimethoxycoumarin, ~0.06–0.15% of dry root), 6,8-dihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin, scopoletin, and 5,6,7-trimethoxycoumarin. These coumarins are considered principal active markers and contribute to [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antibacterial activity. **Simple phenolic acids:** Gallic acid (~1.5–4% of dry extract), shikimic acid, caffeic acid, and their methyl esters are present and contribute to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and antimicrobial effects. **Benzopyranones:** Including umckalin derivatives that are relatively unique to this species within the Pelargonium genus. **Minerals and micronutrients:** Trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc are present in root material, but concentrations are pharmacologically and nutritionally insignificant given the small doses used medicinally (typically 10–30 drops or 10–60 mg extract per dose). **Vitamins:** No significant vitamin content has been documented. **Essential oils:** Minor volatile fractions contain sesquiterpenes and aliphatic compounds, but in very low concentrations (<0.1% of root material). **Bioavailability notes:** The coumarin and proanthocyanidin fractions demonstrate moderate oral bioavailability. The ethanolic extraction process used in EPs 7630 (11% ethanol, drug-to-extract ratio 1:8–10) enhances solubilization of coumarins and low-molecular-weight polyphenols. Prodelphinidins of higher molecular weight (>trimers) have limited gastrointestinal absorption and may exert local mucosal immunomodulatory effects. Umckalin and scopoletin show reasonable absorption and have been detected in plasma after oral dosing in pharmacokinetic studies.

## Dosage & Preparation

Adults: 1.5 mL (30 drops) liquid EPs 7630 extract three times daily for up to 10 days. Tablet forms available with similar dosing frequency. Pediatric dosing varies by indication but typically administered for 4-7 days. Extracts standardized to 4.5% phenolic compounds. 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 <10% of users. No significant drug interactions have been documented in clinical studies. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established through controlled trials. Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease should avoid use due to limited safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

A phase III randomized controlled trial (n=103, PMID: 18005909) demonstrated EPs 7630 extract significantly reduced common cold symptoms compared to placebo, with nearly 80% of patients clinically cured within 10 days. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a Cochrane review (PMID: 24146345), have confirmed efficacy for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory infections, with a feasibility RCT (n=134, PMID: 33514367) supporting larger trials.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Pelargonium sidoides has been used for centuries in South African traditional medicine by both Khoisan and Bantu healing systems. Historical root preparations were employed to treat respiratory infections, cough, tuberculosis, and general infections.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea, Elderberry, Andrographis

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How does Pelargonium sidoides work against respiratory infections?

Pelargonium sidoides root extract contains gallic acid, ellagitannins, and coumarins that work through multiple mechanisms. These compounds inhibit viral and bacterial adhesion to respiratory epithelial cells, preventing pathogen colonisation. They also modulate cytokine production by reducing pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α while enhancing interferon-β secretion, which bolsters antiviral defences. Additionally, the extract improves mucociliary clearance, helping the airways expel pathogens more efficiently. This combined antimicrobial and immunomodulatory action makes it effective against a range of upper respiratory infections.

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

The clinically studied adult dose for liquid EPs 7630 extract is 1.5 mL (30 drops) taken three times daily for up to 10 days. Tablet formulations with equivalent dosing frequency are also available. Extracts should be standardised to 4.5% phenolic compounds to ensure consistency with clinical trial preparations. A phase III RCT (PMID: 18005909) used this dosing protocol and found nearly 80% of patients clinically cured by day 10. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

### Can Pelargonium sidoides shorten the duration of a cold?

Yes, evidence supports that Pelargonium sidoides can shorten respiratory infection duration. A Cochrane review (PMID: 24146345) found it effective for acute rhinosinusitis and common cold symptom resolution. A phase III RCT (n=103, PMID: 18005909) showed symptom intensity improved 92% more than placebo, with 78.8% of patients clinically cured by day 10. The mechanisms — including enhanced interferon-β secretion and inhibition of pathogen adhesion to epithelial cells — support faster immune clearance of respiratory viruses when treatment begins early.

### Does Pelargonium sidoides help with a sore throat or tonsillitis?

Yes, Pelargonium sidoides shows moderate evidence for treating acute tonsillopharyngitis, particularly in children. Two RCTs demonstrated a 90% success rate with Pelargonium sidoides compared to 44.7% with placebo, and patients required significantly less fever medication. The antimicrobial activity of its active compounds — gallic acid, ellagitannins, and coumarins — helps inhibit bacterial and viral adhesion in throat tissues, while its immunomodulatory effects support local immune defence. Adult data in this indication are more limited; a healthcare provider should be consulted for personalised advice.

### What are the side effects of Pelargonium sidoides?

Pelargonium sidoides is generally well tolerated in clinical trials at recommended doses. Commonly reported mild side effects include gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhoea. Rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported, leading to regulatory advisories in some countries. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to the Geraniaceae plant family. Laboratory studies confirm no cytotoxicity at therapeutic concentrations. Individuals with liver conditions, autoimmune disorders, or those taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Is Pelargonium sidoides effective against bacterial infections, or only viral ones?

Pelargonium sidoides demonstrates broad-spectrum activity against both bacterial and viral pathogens in laboratory studies. Its active compounds — gallic acid, ellagitannins, and coumarins — inhibit adhesion of both bacteria and viruses to respiratory epithelial cells, reducing colonisation. Antimicrobial activity has been observed against common respiratory bacteria. However, most well-powered clinical trials focus on symptom relief in mixed or virally driven infections like acute bronchitis and the common cold (PMID: 18222667, 12807337). Clinical evidence for purely bacterial infections as a standalone treatment remains preliminary.

### Can I take Pelargonium sidoides with antibiotics?

There is no well-established pharmacokinetic interaction data confirming harmful effects when combining Pelargonium sidoides with standard antibiotics. However, because Pelargonium sidoides itself exhibits antimicrobial properties and modulates immune cytokines (reducing IL-6 and TNF-α), combining it with antibiotics should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Some clinicians use it adjunctively to support symptom relief during antibiotic treatment, but this is not formally validated in large trials. Its potential to affect liver enzyme activity is a consideration if prolonged use alongside hepatically metabolised antibiotics is planned.

### How does Pelargonium sidoides compare to conventional cold and flu medications?

Unlike conventional decongestants or antihistamines that primarily manage individual symptoms, Pelargonium sidoides targets root mechanisms — inhibiting pathogen adhesion and modulating immune responses — to address the infection more broadly. A phase III RCT (PMID: 18005909) showed 92% greater symptom improvement over placebo and nearly 80% clinical cure by day 10, comparable in effect size to some over-the-counter cold products. It does not suppress fever pharmacologically but reduces its duration through immunomodulation. It lacks the drowsiness or cardiovascular side effects associated with some conventional cold medications, making it a considered alternative for uncomplicated respiratory infections.

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

Clinical trials support Pelargonium sidoides use in children for conditions like acute tonsillopharyngitis, showing a 90% success rate versus 44.7% for placebo. Pediatric dosing is lower than adult doses and typically administered for 4–7 days. Studies also reported reduced fever medication use in treated children. However, dosing varies by age and indication, and parents should consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly for young children or those with underlying health conditions.

### Does Pelargonium sidoides help with acute bronchitis?

Yes. Pelargonium sidoides is one of the most well-studied natural remedies for acute bronchitis. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses, including a Cochrane review (PMID: 24146345), confirm that the EPs 7630 standardized root extract significantly reduces bronchitis symptom severity and duration. Its mechanisms include inhibiting pathogen adhesion to respiratory epithelial cells, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, and enhancing mucociliary clearance.

### What is EPs 7630 and how does it differ from regular Pelargonium sidoides?

EPs 7630 is a proprietary, standardized root extract of Pelargonium sidoides used in most clinical trials. It is standardized to contain specific concentrations of active phenolic compounds, typically around 4.5%, ensuring consistent potency and reproducibility. Generic Pelargonium sidoides products may not match the exact phytochemical profile of EPs 7630, which means clinical evidence derived from EPs 7630 trials may not directly apply to unstandardized extracts.

### Can Pelargonium sidoides help with sinusitis symptoms?

Evidence supports Pelargonium sidoides for acute rhinosinusitis. The Cochrane review (PMID: 24146345) found it effective for reducing symptoms associated with acute rhinosinusitis and common cold. Its bioactive coumarins and gallic acid help inhibit viral and bacterial adhesion to sinus epithelial tissue while improving mucociliary clearance, which aids in decongestion and symptom resolution. Most benefit is observed within 7–10 days of consistent use.

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