Symptom → Plant Sources
Pelargonium (Pelargonium sidoides) as a tool for helping with Immune support
inferred from immunomodulator action
For centuries the roots of Pelargonium sidoides DC have been used in South African ethno-medicine for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In Germany, a medicinal product containing a special extract of this substance is among the group of self-medication products most widely bought at chemist's shops. In December 2005, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM, Bonn) approved a new license for its use as a drug. The following review focuses on the current pharmacological, toxicological and clinical data covering the efficacy and innocuousness of this drug when administered for the treatment of acute bronchitis.
1 source supporting Pelargonium for Immune support. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's immunomodulator / immune support action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
This review of Pelargonium sidoides covers its traditional use for gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments, its development into the phytopharmaceutical EPs 7630 for respiratory tract infections, its phytochemistry and conservation concerns.
Extracts and isolated coumarins and phenols of Pelargonium sidoides modulated nonspecific immune functions (macrophage activity, nitric oxide release), characterising the immunomodulatory principles of umckaloabo.
In vitro evaluation showed antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities of Pelargonium sidoides and the herbal drug EPs 7630, supporting its immunomodulatory use in respiratory infection.
This review summarises the antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory activity studies of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630, underpinning its use for respiratory tract infections.