Pelargonium sidoides: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pelargonium sidoides is a flowering plant native to South Africa. It's used as medicine by the native populations of South Africa.

Pelargonium sidoides might work by killing bacteria or preventing bacteria from attaching to surfaces within the body.

People use Pelargonium sidoides for bronchitis, common cold, COPD, sore throat, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Pelargonium sidoides is sometimes called geranium. Don't confuse Pelargonium sidoides with rose geranium oil or spotted geranium. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Short-term swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs (acute bronchitis). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract ((EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth within 48 hours of feeling sick seems to help speed up recovery from bronchitis.
A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth along with standard treatment seems to reduce the number of COPD flares in people with moderate or severe COPD. It might also reduce the need for antibiotics.
Common cold. Taking a specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) by mouth might help reduce symptoms and speed up recovery from a cold.

There is interest in using Pelargonium sidoides for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is likely safe when used for up to 24 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time. Side effects might include stomach upset. Allergic reactions are also possible.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Pelargonium sidoides is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: A specific Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to one week. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when taken for longer periods of time.

Diseases of the immune system such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Pelargonium sidoides might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of these diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using Pelargonium sidoides.

Surgery: Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk for bleeding during surgical procedures. Stop using Pelargonium sidoides at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Pelargonium sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Pelargonium sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides might slow blood clotting. Taking Pelargonium sidoides along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

A specific Pelargonium sidoides root extract (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) has most often been used by adults as 30-60 drops of solution (1.5-3 mL) taken by mouth three times daily for 7-10 days. It's also available in tablets. In children, dosing depends on age. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Kolodziej H, Kiderlen AF. In vitro evaluation of antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities of Pelargonium reniforme, Pelargonium sidoides and the related herbal drug preparation EPs 7630. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:18-26.

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Conrad A, Hansmann C, Engels I, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) improves phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and intracellular killing of human peripheral blood phagocytes in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:46-51.

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

Conrad A, Jung I, Tioua D, et al. Extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) inhibits the interactions of group A-streptococci and host epithelia in vitro. Phytomedicine 2007;14 Suppl 6:52-9.

Matthys H, Lizogub VG, Malek FA, Kieser M. 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;26:1413-22.

Matthys, H., Eisebitt, R., Seith, B., and Heger, M. 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.

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Trun, W., Kiderlen, A. F., and 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.

Beil, W. and 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.

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.

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Tahan F, Yaman M. Can the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 prevent asthma attacks during viral infections of the upper respiratory tract in children? Phytomedicine 2013;20(2):148-50.

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Pelargonium sidoides - Uses, Side Effects, and More