Introduction
Pelargonium sidoides is a plant that grows in Africa. The root has been used to ease symptoms of the common cold and respiratory infections. Pelargonium sidoides can be taken as a pill, extract, lozenge, or syrup.
Dosages
20 milligrams 3 times once daily
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
May Be Effective
- Common cold—may ease symptoms A1, A2
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—may reduce flare-ups when used with standard treatment B1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take pelargonium sidoides in small doses for a short time. Skin rashes may happen in some people. C1 Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Common Cold
REFA1 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 Nov-Dec;3(6):573-84. PubMed PMID: 18005909.
REFA2 Ross SM. African geranium (Eps 7630), part I: a proprietary root extract of Pelargonium sidoides (Eps 7630) is found to be effective in resolving symptoms associated with the common cold in adults. Holist Nurs Pract. 2012;26(2):106-109.
REFA3 Riley DS, Lizogub VG, et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of High-dose Pelargonium Extract in Patients With the Common Cold. Altern Ther Health Med. 2018;24(2):16-26.
REFB COPD
REFB1 Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, et al. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Eps 7630 in adults with COPD. Respir Med. 2013; 107(5): 691-701.
REFC Safety
REFC1 de Boer HJ, Hagemann U, et al. Allergic reactions to medicines derived from Pelargonium species. Drug Saf. 2007;30(8):677-680.
REFD Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
REFD1 Matthys H, Eisebitt R, 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.
REFD2 Bereznoy VV, Riley DS, 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 Sep-Oct;9(5):68-79.
REFD3 Chuchalin AG, Berman B, et al. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2005 Nov;1(6):437-445.
REFD4 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 Feb;23(2):323-331.
REFD5 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.
REFD6 Agbabiaka TB, Guo R, et al. Pelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2008 May;15(5):378-385.
REFD7 Matthys H, Funk P. EPs 7630 improves acute bronchitic symptoms and shortens time to remission. Results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Planta Med. 2008 May;74(6):686-692.
REFD8 Bachert C, Schapowal A, et al. Treatment of acute rhinosinusitis with the preparation from Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Rhinology. 2009 Mar;47(1):51-58.
REFD9 Kamin W, Maydannik VG, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Eps 7630 in patients (aged 6-18 years old) with acute bronchitis. Acta Paediatr. 2010;99(4):537-543.
REFD10 Kamin W, Maydannik V, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in children and adolescents with acute bronchitis - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides roots. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2010 Mar;48(3):184-191.
REFD11 Matthys H, Lizogub VG, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 tablets in patients with acute bronchitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides. Curr Med Res Opin. 2010 Jun;26(6):1413-1422.
REFD12 Kamin W, Ilyenko LI, et al. Treatment of acute bronchitis with EPs 7630: randomized, controlled trial in children and adolescents. Pediatr Int. 2012 Apr;54(2):219-226.
REFD13 Patiroglu T, Tunc A, et al. The efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in children with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy. Phytomedicine. 2012 Aug 15;19(11):958-961.
REFD14 Timmer A, Günther J, et al. Pelargonium sidoides for treating acute respiratory tract infections. Cochrane database of Systematic reviews. 2013 Oct 22;(10):CD006323.