We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Pelargonium Sidoides (EPs 7630)
A standardized root extract (EPs 7630) of the South African geranium, best evidenced for shortening symptom duration and severity in acute bronchitis and other upper-respiratory infections. The Cochrane review found the liquid preparation effective for acute bronchitis but rated overall evidence quality as low to very low.
What the evidence says
Most Pelargonium Sidoides studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2003–2026 with a typical study size of 220 participants.
Based on 30 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 21 RCTs
Confidence
High confidenceBy outcome
Placebo-controlled RCTs and a Cochrane review show liquid EPs 7630 relieves acute bronchitis symptoms, but Cochrane graded evidence quality low to very low, holding it at Moderate.
24 rigorous studies
18 randomized trials · 3 meta-analyses · 3 systematic reviews
Our evidence rating for Pelargonium Sidoides is accountable to this entire body of rigorous research indexed in PubMed — not a hand-picked subset.
PubMed · as of Jul 2026
1 trial ongoing or recruiting · 7 completed on ClinicalTrials.gov
Registered trials show research momentum for Pelargonium Sidoides, not proof of effect — a registration is a plan, and posted results are sponsor-reported, not peer-reviewed. They are never counted toward the evidence rating above.
Browse these trials on ClinicalTrials.govClinicalTrials.gov · as of Sep 2026
Pelargonium sidoides is a medicinal geranium native to South Africa whose root yields the standardized extract EPs 7630 (marketed as Umckaloabo). It is used as a short-course remedy for acute, mostly viral, respiratory infections — acute bronchitis, the common cold, sinusitis, and sore throat.
Proposed mechanisms include mild antibacterial/antiviral activity, interference with bacterial adhesion to mucosa, and immunomodulation (stimulation of interferon and other innate-immune signals).
The clinical evidence is real but modest: a 2013 Cochrane systematic review of acute respiratory tract infections concluded the liquid preparation is probably effective at relieving symptoms of acute bronchitis in adults and children, while tablets were not clearly effective, and graded the overall evidence as low to very low quality.
Multiple placebo-controlled RCTs (mostly from the manufacturer-linked German research groups using the Bronchitis Severity Score) show faster symptom resolution versus placebo.
It is not a cure and does not replace antibiotics where bacterial infection is confirmed; its role is symptom relief and shorter illness duration in self-limiting infections.
EPs 7630 shows weak direct antimicrobial effects and interferes with bacterial adhesion to respiratory mucosa in vitro.
Stimulates interferon and other innate-immune signaling, which may speed clearance of respiratory viruses.
Proposed enhancement of ciliary beat frequency and mucus clearance, aiding symptom resolution.
How Pelargonium Sidoides works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
Use caution and consult a clinician given coumarin content.
Avoid — rare hepatotoxicity has been reported in regulatory pharmacovigilance.
RCT-supported in children with age-adjusted liquid dosing; check product age limits.
Insufficient safety data — avoid.
Pelargonium contains coumarin-type constituents; a theoretical additive bleeding risk warrants caution with blood thinners.
Tip: Take with food or reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue if rash or hypersensitivity occurs
Tip: Avoid with pre-existing liver disease; stop if jaundice or dark urine develops
Pelargonium Sidoides has an evidence score of 6.5/10 — moderate evidence based on 24 indexed studies, including 1 meta-analysis. A standardized root extract (EPs 7630) of the South African geranium, best evidenced for shortening symptom duration and severity in acute bronchitis and other upper-respiratory infections. The Cochrane review found the liquid preparation effective for acute bronchitis but rated overall evidence quality as low to very low. Representative study: PMID 18222667.
The commonly studied dose of Pelargonium Sidoides is Liquid EPs 7630: 30 drops three times daily for adults during an acute infection. Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
The best time to take Pelargonium Sidoides is in split doses through the day. It can be taken on an empty stomach. Taken three times daily at the onset of acute respiratory symptoms; typically a 7-day course.
Pelargonium Sidoides is generally safe at recommended doses, with a few precautions worth noting. Reported side effects are uncommon and include mild GI upset (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), allergic skin reactions, rare hepatotoxicity (case reports). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Known liver disease (rare hepatotoxicity reports); Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (theoretical); Pregnancy/breastfeeding (insufficient data).
Aged Garlic Extract
Likely helpsOdorless garlic extract with strong evidence for cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and immune support.
Andrographis
Probably helpsStudied for comfort and symptom duration during upper-respiratory infections when taken at onset — also supports liver health.
Olive Leaf Extract
Likely helpsOleuropein-rich extract with blood pressure-lowering effects and narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity — part of the Mediterranean diet's polyphenol profile.
Spirulina
Likely helpsBlue-green algae with 60-70% complete protein and unique phycocyanin antioxidant — lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Explore: Best supplements for Vitality & Longevity
Reviewed by Dr. Baher Al Hakim · Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 30 studies · how we score · editorial policy
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Tap node to isolate • Pinch to zoom • Tap edge for research