Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2022

Pelargonium radix in the treatment of cold

Pelargonium root is a drug that originates in Southern Africa, but its introduction to the European market dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to research and clinical use, the herbal drug Pelargonii radix became a part of European Pharmacopoeia, and the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) approved a monograph recommending it as a traditional herbal medicine for the symptomatic treatment of the common cold. Ongoing laboratory research focuses on its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulating effects. Clinical research evaluates the benefit in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections. The drug has a good safety profile without serious adverse effects, which makes it suitable even for children’s population from the age of 6.

Keywords: Pelargonium sidoides, South African geranium, Pelargonii radix, Pelargonium root, extract EPs® 7630, common cold