South African Geranium for COPD

A 2013 study found that an extract from the roots of South African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) may prolong the time to exacerbation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The extract was given daily, in addition to standard medical therapy, for 24 weeks and compared to a placebo group. Other studies found that a similar extract may improve symptoms and reduce duration of symptoms in children and adults with upper respiratory infections. South African geranium may cause digestive or other side effects.

Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, Bondarchuk OM, Malek FA, Tribanek M, Kieser M. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 in adults with COPD. Respir Med. 2013 May;107(5):691-701. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2013.02.011. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23478193.

Gökçe Ş, Dörtkardeşler BE, Yurtseven A, Kurugöl Z. Effectiveness of Pelargonium sidoides in pediatric patients diagnosed with uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Pediatr. 2021 Sep;180(9):3019-3028. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04211-y. Epub 2021 Jul 24. PMID: 34304301.

Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger M. Efficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2007 Nov-Dec;3(6):573-84. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2007.09.004. PMID: 18005909.

Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, Heger M. Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003;10 Suppl 4:7-17. doi: 10.1078/1433-187x-00308. PMID: 12807337.