Umckaloabo: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Pelargonium sidoides
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Catechins
Gallic acid
Polyphenols
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Bronchitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies and meta-analyses show that Pelargonium sidoides, administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, significantly reduces cough severity and promotes faster symptom resolution after 7 days of treatment compared with placebo. The product used, EPs 7630, is administered as a liquid (30 drops three times a day) or in tablets (10-30 mg three times a day). In children, an adjusted dosage (10-20 drops three times a day) also reduces fever and the need for medications.
Posologie
Oral: root
30 mg
standardized extract
Treatment of acute bronchitis with EPs 7630: randomized, controlled trial in children and adolescents
Safety of Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in young children with acute bronchitis
Effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 on acute cough and quality of life - a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials
Faster recovery and reduced acetaminophen use - a meta-analysis of EPs 7630 in children with acute respiratory tract infections
Common cold, Respiratory infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Pelargonium sidoides extracts (EPs 7630) have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms, notably cough and nasal congestion. nnA meta-analysis of five studies shows a decrease in subjective symptom severity scores, a reduction in the number of sick days, and an improvement in sleep quality. Doses range from 1.5 mL to 3 mL three times a day for 5 to 10 days. nnAnalyses also indicate comparable effectiveness against human coronavirus infections (excluding COVID-19). These results position Pelargonium sidoides among the most promising plants for common respiratory infections.nn
Posologie
Oral: root
30 mg
standardized extract
Effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 on acute cough and quality of life - a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials
Herbal Medicines for Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPs 7630 - results of a meta-analysis
Pelargonium Extract EPs 7630 in the Treatment of Human Coronavirus-Associated Acute Respiratory Tract Infections - A Secondary Subgroup Analysis of an Open-Label, Uncontrolled Clinical Trial
Properties
Antimicrobial
The antimicrobial effect of Pelargonium sidoides is mainly attributed to its coumarins (notably umckalin), its tannins and its proanthocyanidins. These compounds inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria by altering the permeability of their cell membrane, which disrupts their essential functions. Tannins, through their astringent properties, precipitate bacterial proteins, reducing their adhesion to mucous membranes. Root extracts of Pelargonium sidoides, particularly in acetone form or the standardized product (EPs 7630), show antibacterial activity in vitro against several pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and multi-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. They also act against Hemophilus influenzae. Furthermore, the root extract demonstrates in vitro activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. However, the antibacterial activity remains lower than that of conventional antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
Pelargonium sidoides stimulates the innate and adaptive immune response. Root extracts increase macrophage phagocytosis and activate dendritic cells, essential for antigen presentation. They also induce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), promoting a rapid response against infections. This dual modulatory and stimulatory effect allows the plant to strengthen natural defenses without causing an excessive reaction.
Usages associés
Antiviral
The antiviral properties of Pelargonium sidoides are attributed to its polyphenols, which directly inhibit viral replication. These compounds act by blocking the attachment of viruses to host cells, thereby preventing their entry and spread. In addition, tannins reinforce the mucosal barrier, limiting viral invasion. These combined actions are particularly effective against viruses responsible for acute respiratory infections, such as rhinoviruses or influenza viruses.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 30 mg - 1200 mg (standardized extract)
The tablet form is most often used at a dose of 10-40 mg three times a day for 7-10 days.
Child: 3 mL (fluid extract)
A specific extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630, Dr. Willmar Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) at a dose of 3 mL per day was used in children aged 6 to 10 years for up to 7 days.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Insufficient data.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Insufficient data.
