Introduction:
Pelargonium, also known as “umckaloabo,””umcka,” South African geranium, kaloba, zucol, & others is an herb native to South Africa. This herbal agent has research based evidence in the treatment of respiratory tract infections which may be reviewed in more detail below. Pelargonium may help in treatment of the common cold, acute bronchitis, and pharyngitis. However, use of pelargonium may trigger mild to moderate adverse effects. The use of pelargonium should be monitored by the healthcare provider.
Pelargonium and Respiratory Health:
Pelargonium sidoides in RCTs (randomized controlled trials) on adults:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 124 adults with acute bronchitis present for 48 hours or less, with symptoms greater than 5 points on the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS: cough, sputum, rales/rhonchi, chest pain at cough, dyspnoea). Participants received Pelargonium sidoides (30 drops [1.5 mL]) (n=64) or placebo (n=60) 3 times daily for 7 days. From baseline to day 7, decrease in the BSS in the treatment group was 7.2 points versus 4.9 points for placebo. In the treatment group, at day four onset of treatment effect was reported for 68.8% versus 33.3% for placebo. Patients on pelargonium reported a greater improvement in quality of life status. No serious side effects were reported.(1)
