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What is Pelargonium sidoides used for?
A herbal medicine that speeds up the recovery and treatment of respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, flu and COVID.
Its pharmacological activity includes antimicrobial, antibacterial, immunomodulatory and antiviral effects.
Pelargonium sidoides a traditional medicinal plant native to South Africa, from the common ornamental geranium family. The roots of P. sidoides have been used for centuries as herbal remedies for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections by local populations.
120 years ago it was described by the Englishman Charles Henry Stevens, who praised the root as a new remedy for tuberculosis.
The extract is made from the compounds in P. sidoides roots, such as prodelphinidins, methoxycoumarin and proanthocyanidins, and is marketed in the form of the standardized extract EPs 7630.
The herbal properties include antiviral and antibacterial action, as well as immunomodulatory capabilities.
Antibacterial activity
Several in vitro studies conducted with Pelargonium sidoides 7630 have shown an inhibitory effect on the growth of various bacterial strains (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus, especially multiresistant strains)(2)
This effect is caused by an immune modulation mechanism mediated by the activation of macrophages and the consequent increase in nitric oxide production.
Antiviral
Pelargonium sidoides 7630 has been shown in studies to have a direct antiviral effect on various viruses.
Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 extract interferes with the replication of different respiratory viruses, including strains of seasonal influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human coronavirus, parainfluenza virus and coxsackie virus. (3)
Bronchitis
Some randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials support the efficacy and safety of Pelargonium sidoides EPs ® 7630 for the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults and children
Particularly strong antitussive and “anti-fatigue” effects with early onset during treatment were observed. Patients in the Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 group were able to work earlier, and a smaller number were confined to bed.
The ability to perform activities of daily living improved most in the EPs 7630 group (90 mg), with 53.5% of patients able to return to work, school or kindergarten by day 7. Of those who received 60 mg/d of Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630, 44.4% returned to their daily activities on day 7, while patients in the Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 (30 mg) and placebo groups achieved almost comparable results, with 35.0% and 33.7%, respectively.(1)
Herpesviruses
Study results indicate that the P. sidoides extract affected the virus before penetration into the host cell and reveals a different mode of action when compared to the classic drug acyclovir.
Therefore, the study concludes that the extract is capable of exerting an antiviral effect on the herpes simplex virus and may be suitable for topical therapeutic use as an antiviral drug in both labial and genital herpes infection.(1)
Acute non-haemolytic tonsillopharyngitis
The results of trials with children showed that the rate of patients with successful therapy was 90.0% in the Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 group and 44.7% in the placebo group,
Asthma treatment (chronic preconditions)
A clinical trial investigated whether Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 could affect the frequency of asthma attacks during viral respiratory tract infection in asthmatic children and adolescents aged between 1 and 14 years.
The evaluation on the fifth day showed that treatment with Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 was associated with a significant reduction in nasal symptoms and cough frequency. Asthma attacks were also significantly reduced (1)
Safety
Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 is well tolerated and can be used in children from 1-year-old. In addition, its use can provide preventive action against clinical worsening or complications, while reducing the need for antibiotics.
In conclusion
Early administration of Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630 has been shown not only to reduce the severity of symptoms, but also to bring forward the onset of symptom improvement, with a reduction in the duration of illness and earlier resumption of usual activities in affected patients. (Artigo fonte)
Disclaimer: this content, including advice, provides generic information only. It in no way replaces a medical opinion.
Isenção de responsabilidade: este conteúdo, incluindo conselhos, fornece apenas informações genéricas. Não substitui de forma alguma uma opinião médica.